What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Signal is the strongest general-purpose alternative for private texting when both people will use it: Signal says all conversations are end-to-end encrypted by default, and usernames can let you start a chat without sharing your phone number. You still need a phone number to register. WhatsApp is a practical option if your contacts already use it; Google Messages remains useful for broad reach, but its end-to-end encryption depends on compatible RCS chats.
Which alternative should you choose?
| App | When it fits | Encryption qualification | Identifier to connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | You and your contacts are willing to use a separate messaging app for private chats. | Signal says conversations are always end-to-end encrypted. Safety numbers are available to verify the other person. | A phone number is required to register. A username can be used to start a chat without sharing that number; number-based discoverability is a separate setting. Signal encryption · Signal phone-number privacy and usernames |
| Your friends, family, or groups already use WhatsApp, making adoption less of a hurdle. | WhatsApp says personal messages are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal Protocol. That statement does not establish that all service metadata or every feature has identical privacy properties. | Not stated in the cited source for this comparison. WhatsApp privacy | |
| Google Messages | You need to reach people through ordinary texting, including contacts who do not use a separate messenger. | End-to-end encryption applies to compatible RCS chats, not SMS or MMS. Cross-platform encrypted RCS support is conditional on device, carrier, app, and chat compatibility. | Uses phone-number-based messaging. Google Messages encryption details |
How to judge privacy in a texting app
“Private” can mean different things. For a practical choice, ask four questions: whether encryption is on for the conversation you are actually having, whether your contacts will adopt the same app, what identifier you must reveal to connect, and how you will preserve and restore message history. End-to-end encryption protects message contents between participants; it does not by itself prove anonymity or settle every question about metadata, backups, permissions, or other features.
Signal: best fit when privacy is the priority
Signal says its conversations are always end-to-end encrypted, and it provides safety numbers that participants can compare to check they are communicating with the intended contact. This avoids the RCS-versus-SMS split that affects Google Messages: the conversation is not dependent on whether a particular text falls back to SMS.
Use a username without sharing your number
Signal usernames allow someone to initiate a chat without being given your phone number. They do not make registration anonymous: Signal still requires a phone number to create an account. If you also want to limit whether people can find you by your number, adjust the phone-number privacy and discoverability settings in Signal. Those are separate choices from using a username. See Signal’s current explanation of number privacy and usernames.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Plan how to keep your history
Switching apps does not automatically move your existing conversations. Signal documents optional encrypted backups and device-transfer paths, with availability and steps that vary by platform. Review Signal’s backup and restore guidance for the devices involved before changing phones or deleting the old app. Do not assume an existing Google Messages history will appear in Signal.
WhatsApp: practical when your contacts are already there
WhatsApp says personal messages are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal Protocol. That makes it a reasonable alternative if the people you need to contact already use it, but the encryption claim should be kept within its stated scope: it is not proof that all metadata or every part of WhatsApp has the same privacy protections. WhatsApp’s own privacy overview discusses the broader context, including business messaging, Channels, and Meta AI. Consider whether those features and the service’s wider data practices suit your needs, rather than treating message encryption as a complete privacy assessment.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When Google Messages may still be the right tool
Google Messages remains useful when reaching people through standard texting matters more than getting every conversation into a dedicated encrypted messenger. Its end-to-end encryption is limited to compatible RCS chats when everyone in the conversation is using Google Messages with RCS enabled. SMS and MMS are not end-to-end encrypted. Check the conversation’s encryption status instead of assuming that a chat is protected because it appears in the same app.
Google also notes that received encrypted messages may be included in Android backups and may be accessible to apps granted SMS or notification permissions. Encryption in transit between participants therefore does not answer every question about stored copies or device access. Google’s details are in its encryption help page and privacy and security guidance.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can Android and iPhone users text privately?
Signal and WhatsApp can provide encrypted conversations across Android and iPhone when both participants use the same service. If you instead want to stay in Google Messages and Apple Messages, cross-platform encrypted RCS should not be assumed for every chat. Apple and Google announced a beta rollout in May 2026 for supported iPhones running iOS 26.5, supported carriers, and Android users on the latest Google Messages. Availability depends on those requirements and support for the specific conversation. Confirm encryption on the devices and chat in question; ordinary SMS fallback is not end-to-end encrypted. Apple and Google’s May 2026 announcement describes the beta rollout.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Switch without losing access to important messages
- Choose the app your contacts will use. Agree on Signal or WhatsApp for the conversations where you want the app’s encryption protections; installing it alone does not move your contacts or chat history.
- Set up the new account and privacy options. For Signal, registration still uses a phone number; configure number visibility and discoverability separately if you want to use a username instead.
- Review backup and transfer options before replacing a device. Signal offers optional encrypted backups and device-transfer routes, subject to platform-specific limits. Follow its backup instructions for your platform.
- Keep Google Messages for conversations that still use SMS or RCS. Switching to another app does not make texts sent through SMS or MMS encrypted, and your contacts may continue using their existing channel.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
