imo

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Large free groups with basic private chat
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Encryption coverage
  Mixed
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports group chats with up to 5,000 members
  • Works on web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Includes calls, disappearing messages, backups, and translation

• Where it doesn't

  • Encryption is mixed rather than enabled across every chat
  • Private chat encryption does not define the full messaging experience
  • Consumer-focused features may not suit specialized business needs

Our verdict on imo

imo is a free consumer messaging and calling app for friends, family, and groups. It combines text and multimedia messaging with voice messages, voice calls, video calls, group chats, private chats, disappearing messages, chat backup and restore, device management, account security controls, and instant message translation. Official access spans web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, giving it a broad fit for households and communities that communicate across mobile and desktop devices. Groups can include up to 5,000 members, making imo particularly suitable for large free communities that need basic private chat and calling in one app.

The free model is central to imo’s appeal. Its feature set includes the main tools many personal messaging groups need without separating calls, translation, disappearing messages, or large group chats into different product areas. Retention controls offer 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day disappearing messages, while backup and restore support continuity across conversations. Multi-device management, two-step verification, and account security controls add practical account-management features for people using imo across several devices.

Privacy requires a more careful reading of the feature set. imo’s encryption model is mixed: private chats are described as using end-to-end encryption, while encryption is not documented as enabled for every chat by default. That distinction matters for users choosing a messaging app primarily for consistent private communication. imo is a strong match for large free groups, family conversations, and cross-platform calling, especially when broad access and group capacity matter most. Users who require uniform end-to-end encryption across all conversations should choose a product whose encryption coverage is consistent by design.

imo pricing

imo fact sheet

Alternatives to imo

• SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
• WWhatsAppA free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.9.3
• ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1

See all imo alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

imo is listed in our Encrypted Messaging Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/imo/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/imo.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Guides on encrypted messaging apps

• The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2025: Signal, SimpleX, WhatsApp, and MoreAug 2026
• What Is Signal? How to Use the Encrypted Messaging AppAug 2026
• Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026: Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, SimpleX, and MoreAug 2026

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update