The messaging podium may belong to the trio of WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook Messenger, but we have more multiplatform options at our fingertips. And Threema is just one of the most attractive: because of its versatility, how private your conversations are and how well it adapts to almost any system. Despite its advantages, Threema is not well known: its cost of 4.99 euros plays against it.

Among the many messaging apps that offer their services for free, there is one that cannot be discounted. resists the usual monetization system in the software environment: free downloads and monetization via user data (and services to companies, such as WhatsApp). How can Threema stay at the top of the download lists by charging for a service that is usually offered for free? Privacy is key.

Direct payment as a privacy guarantee

Installing Threema on Android

If other messaging apps access certain usage data to withdraw funds from different platforms, Why don’t you request direct investment from the user? This is exactly Threema’s first approach: it offers a secure messaging platform that does not store user data, is completely open source (applications, server software and encryption protocols), and does not share anything with other companies.

On a basic level, Threema offers more or less the same thing as more common competitors like WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook Messenger: direct one-on-one or group messaging, calls and video calls. All communications are end-to-end encrypted by default (like WhatsApp), can be used without a phone number (like Telegram), and servers are in Switzerland (WhatsApp has its own company in Ireland and Telegram in the Netherlands).

Of course, all is not well in Threema. The main drawback is a hurdle that few people overcome: paying for the application (4.99 euros) assumes an entry fee that is hard to assume. And this leads to the second major drawback for Threema, but it is certainly not its fault: the number of users using the secure messaging platform is limited.

Threema is not suitable for everyone, but those who are concerned about their privacy and they are willing to pay to use a service they would get for free with any other messaging app. For companies looking for a secure platform (Threema is suitable for self-managed servers), users who do not trust other solutions, or those who simply want to communicate with each other outside the usual norms.

If you’re willing to take on the non-excessive barrier to entry for what Threema has to offer (it only incurs a cost to download, no subscriptions or subsequent payments), the fact is that its performance is excellent. It doesn’t add more options to what its competitors can find, but in return its commitment to security and privacy is real and tangible. Apart from the fact that all messaging-related software is Open Source, Threema is frequently audited by independent organizations that guarantee what they promote. And it works without giving any personal data: no names, no contacts, no phone numbers, no emails.

Maximum security, even blocking screenshots

Installing Threema on Android

Threema’s maxim is security, and that’s something the app takes to its maximum expression. Encryption keys, different colored dots to indicate the trustworthiness of each user, personalization of read and write settings by contact, hidden keyboard, hidden keyboard to prevent leakage from keys… And block screenshots by defaultA really useful tool for those who do not want their data to be shared. Screenshots.

The price is not expensive for what Threema has to offer. The problem arises when comparing the platform to the majority messaging services: paying to get the same as WhatsApp or Telegram, recovery by losing the option to chat with most peoplerepresents a clear loss when evaluating the jump to Threema. And that the app is often among the most downloaded from the App Store and Google Play: in our experience it’s very valuable.