iMessage is Apple’s messaging service, built into the Messages app on iPhone and Mac. Conversations between Apple users are end-to-end encrypted by default, and an opt-in Contact Key Verification mode guards against impersonation.
Reviewed by Marco Wollank
iMessage
apple.com/imessage 1 rating so far*
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Threat level
Covered
A covered pick. Anyone can use it as a private drop-in, with no setup or know-how. Enough for most people. Threat levels
Our take
For Apple-to-Apple chats it is end-to-end encrypted with no setup, which already beats plain SMS and the Meta apps for the average person. The honest limits keep it out of the top tier: anything to an Android phone falls back to unencrypted SMS, Apple holds the metadata of who you message and when, and iCloud Backup can stash your message keys unless Advanced Data Protection is on. Fine as the default among iPhone users. For cross-platform privacy, Signal is the real answer.
Website at a glance
apple.com
B- score 65
Solid website security headers
Graded by Mozilla HTTP Observatory, tested 14d ago
Inspect this site yourself
Measures the security configuration of the tool's own website, not the privacy of the product itself. A strong tool can still score low here.
iMessage alternatives
Signal Similar look and feel of WhatsApp and other commonly used messaging apps, makes switching easy. Signal requires your phone number as an personal identifier.
Delta Chat Delta Chat doesn't have their own servers but uses the most massive and diverse open messaging system ever: the existing e-mail server network. Chat with anyone if you know…
Brave Talk The person creating the call requires to use Brave Browser, but the participants can join from any browser.
Jitsi Meet Desktop version downloads can be found here .
Stoat Open source, self-hostable Discord alternative, formerly Revolt. Built for communities that want off Discord, but it is not end-to-end encrypted.
Threema No native desktop apps available yet, but there is a web version for your browser. No phone number is required to signup but there is a payment involved to get the app.…
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