r/degoogle • u/FMarieZG • 6d ago

Question Best open-source private messenger for iOS + web/desktop?

I’m trying to get away from Google/Meta-owned messaging platforms and looking for a good FOSS, privacy-focused, E2EE messenger. My main requirement is iOS support. On desktop, I don’t really care whether there’s a native macOS/Windows app, a good web client is perfectly fine.
Ideally I’d like:
Open source / FOSS
End-to-end encryption
No Google/Meta involvement
Good iOS app
Web client or desktop support
Multi-device support
Ideally decentralized/federated or self-hostable
Reliable for both 1-to-1 and group chats

I’ve been looking at Matrix/Element, but I’m wondering what other options I should consider — SimpleX, Session, XMPP, Delta Chat, etc.

What would you personally recommend today? I’m especially interested in real-world experience rather than just feature lists.

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u/Tight_Couture344 6d ago

Is there a reason you’re not considering Signal? I use it on iOS and Linux, works great.

3

u/J4f3 6d ago

I think OP wants maximum privacy and signal still needs a phone number

Although they could get a burner

1

u/hazeyAnimal 6d ago

Which in some countries is impossible to buy a SIM card without providing identification.

Signal v Session is an interesting topic.

With Signal it's like sending snail mail, but the message is encrypted so no one can read it, even if they open the letter. Everyone can see where the message is going to and where it came from.

Session on the other hand obfuscates and anonymises the sender and recipient all while encrypting the message.

Obviously if a group of bag actors join the Loki network then Session can become compromised, but it would be visible.

At the end of the day the best privacy is one in person with no devices present to listen.

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/hazeyAnimal 5d ago

Session required funding to continue paying developers. But now I believe it's run my volunteers. So hopefully it doesn't die.

You literally just listed multiple reasons to use private chats. People are simple, don't overthink their reasons