# Session review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/session
Website: https://getsession.org/

Private messenger that routes messages through onion-routed paths

Session is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messenger that routes messages through a decentralized network of service nodes. It runs on Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS and Linux. The desktop client is published under GPL-3.0, and the app is free to use.

Session sends end-to-end encrypted messages through a decentralized network of service nodes. The site says onion-routed paths protect conversations and reduce metadata collection, and anyone can audit the code on GitHub.

The apps run on Android and iPhone, and the desktop client runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The desktop code is published under GPL-3.0, and the app is free to use. Most contacts will not already be on the network, unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, so the app suits groups that agree to switch together.

- Free and open source | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Price: Free and open source; onion-routed, end-to-end encrypted messages
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Onion-routed paths and end-to-end encryption
- Open source with GPL-3.0 desktop code

## Limits

- Most contacts are not already on the network

## Rankings

- #7 of 10 in [best Messaging apps](https://listme.name/best/messaging-apps), score 79.5: An open-source messenger that routes traffic through onion-routed paths on a decentralized network, with desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux. Most contacts are not on it yet, unlike WhatsApp, so it suits privacy-first groups.

## Alternatives

- [Signal](https://listme.name/software/signal), score 92.5
- [WhatsApp](https://listme.name/software/whatsapp), score 90.0
- [Telegram](https://listme.name/software/telegram), score 85.0
- [Messages](https://listme.name/software/apple-messages), score 84.0
- [Element](https://listme.name/software/element), score 82.0
- [Threema](https://listme.name/software/threema), score 80.5
- [Discord](https://listme.name/software/discord), score 78.5
- [SimpleX Chat](https://listme.name/software/simplex-chat), score 78.0