Comparison · Messaging apps
Messages vs Threema: which is better in 2026?
Messages ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#4 against #6, score 84.0 against 80.5).
- 84.0Editorial score80.5
- 3Platforms2
- YesFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Messages if you want
Texting people who use Apple devices.
Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac at no cost, with end-to-end encrypted iMessages and search across conversations. It only reaches other Apple users in iMessage form, so mixed groups fall back to SMS.
Choose Threema if you want
Privacy-focused messaging with a one-time fee.
Encrypts chats and calls by default, can be used without personal data and publishes its Android code under AGPL-3.0. The Private app costs money, so it reaches fewer people than the free mass-reach apps.
The main differences
- Only Messages runs on macOS.
- Only Threema runs on Android.
- Threema is open source; Messages is not.
- Messages can be used for free; Threema requires payment.
Side by side
 Messages |  Threema | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 80.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | FreeIncluded with iPhone, iPad and Mac at no extra cost | One-time purchasePrivate app is a one-time purchase; price varies by app store |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSmacOSiOS, iPadOS, macOS | AndroidiOSAndroid, iOS |
| Made by | Apple | Not stated |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Texting people who use Apple devices | Privacy-focused messaging with a one-time fee |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Messages vs Threema
- Is Messages better than Threema?
- Messages ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#4 against #6, score 84.0 against 80.5). Messages is best for: texting people who use Apple devices. Threema is best for: privacy-focused messaging with a one-time fee.
- Which is cheaper, Messages or Threema?
- Messages: Included with iPhone, iPad and Mac at no extra cost. Threema: Private app is a one-time purchase; price varies by app store.
- Do Messages and Threema run on the same platforms?
- Messages supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS. Threema supports Android, iOS.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Messages and Threema
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- Explainers · 5 min readWhat end-to-end encryption means and what it does not coverEnd-to-end encryption means only the sender and recipient hold the keys. Learn how it differs from in-transit and at-rest encryption, and how to check claims.
