# Threema review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/threema
Website: https://threema.com/en

Swiss encrypted messenger that can be used without personal data

Threema is an end-to-end encrypted messenger from Switzerland for individuals and organizations. The Private app is sold as a one-time purchase, and Threema Work and OnPrem serve businesses, with OnPrem offering self-hosting. The Android app source code is published under AGPL-3.0.

Threema is an end-to-end encrypted messenger for chats, group chats, voice and video calls, polls and emoji reactions. Its website says it minimizes metadata and can be used anonymously, and the company positions it as a privacy-first alternative to mainstream messengers. The Private app is for personal use only.

The Private app is a one-time purchase, with the price set by each app store, so there is no free tier. Threema also sells Work and OnPrem editions for companies, which add user management, broadcast messaging and air-gapped or self-hosted operation. The download page lists mobile and desktop versions. Because its Android code is public under AGPL-3.0, the app can be checked more easily than closed messengers, though its core use requires a purchase.

- One-time purchase | Android, iOS | open source (AGPL-3.0)
- Price: Private app is a one-time purchase; price varies by app store
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Can be used anonymously, with minimal metadata
- Android app source code published under AGPL-3.0
- OnPrem edition supports self-hosting and air-gapped use

## Limits

- The Private app is paid, with no free tier
- Fewer everyday features than the largest messengers

## Rankings

- #6 of 10 in [best Messaging apps](https://listme.name/best/messaging-apps), score 80.5: 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.

## 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
- [Session](https://listme.name/software/session), score 79.5
- [Discord](https://listme.name/software/discord), score 78.5
- [SimpleX Chat](https://listme.name/software/simplex-chat), score 78.0