Threema
Threema is a Swiss end-to-end encrypted messenger that can be used completely anonymously: no phone number or email address is required. The apps are open source and independently audited.
Open Source
All alternatives
European alternatives to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the world’s most used messenger. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, but the service is owned by Meta, requires a phone number, and shares account metadata within the Meta group.
The services below are European alternatives to WhatsApp: each one is run by a company headquartered in the EU, the EEA or the EFTA, and we describe its hosting and open-source status honestly through tags.
Wire
Wire is a secure collaboration and messaging platform from Berlin with end-to-end encryption for messages, calls and file sharing. It targets both private users and enterprises.
EuOpen Source
Olvid
Olvid is a French encrypted messenger that works without any central user directory: no phone number, no email, no metadata. It is certified by the French national cybersecurity agency.
EuOpen Source
TeleGuard
A Swiss secure messenger from the makers of Swisscows that needs no phone number and keeps no user data on its servers.
EuEu Hosted
ginlo
A German end-to-end encrypted messenger, originally built by GMX founders, that is fully GDPR-compliant and hosted in Germany.
EuEu Hosted
SKRED
A French secure messenger that works without a phone number or email, identifying contacts through scannable codes for true privacy.
Eu
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Browse the full Messaging services category for every European option we list.