Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps
Threema vs Olvid
Threema leads on 0 checks, Olvid on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreThreema · 8.0/10
- Free planonly Olvid
- Free trialboth
Threema scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 8.0 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #12 and #20.
Olvid offers free plan; Threema doesn't.
Threema is the better fit for users wanting anonymous, polished paid messaging. Olvid is the better fit for organizations needing identity-free secure chat.
- Threema fits best
Users wanting anonymous, polished paid messaging
- Olvid fits best
Organizations needing identity-free secure chat
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Side by side
| Feature | Threema 8.0/10 Visit ↗ | Olvid 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #12 in Encrypted Messaging Apps | #20 in Encrypted Messaging Apps |
| Best for | Users wanting anonymous, polished paid messaging | Organizations needing identity-free secure chat |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $3/user/mo | €4.99/user/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Features Threema 3/3 · Olvid 3/3 | ||
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice and video calls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Disappearing messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Encryption coverage | Default | Default |
| Maximum group size | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Linked device limit | 2 devices | Not checked yet |
| Encrypted backups | End_to_end | End_to_end |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Threema is a Swiss encrypted messaging application for individuals, companies, public authorities, and organizations. It combines end-to-end encrypted text and voice messaging with encrypted voice, video, and group calls, file sharing,… Read the review → |
Olvid is an encrypted messaging application for individuals, teams, and organizations that want private communication without linking an account to a phone number or email address. The Free plan includes messaging and attachments, secure… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Threema — where it wins
- Anonymous account creation without a phone number or email
- Encrypted messaging, calls, backups, and automatic message deletion
- Apps and clients for web, desktop, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- No free plan for private users
- Threema Safe excludes message and media history
- Work plans use annual billing with per-user monthly pricing
Olvid — where it wins
- No phone number or email required
- Encrypted messaging, calls, backups, and ephemeral messages
- Apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Outbound calls require a paid plan
- Multi-device use is not included in the Free plan
- Advanced enterprise controls require the Enterprise plan
- Threema8.0/10 · 30-day trial
A polished, anonymous messaging suite with strong privacy features and no free plan.
Visit ThreemaFull verdict → - Olvid7.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A privacy-focused chat app with broad platform support and paid business controls.
Visit OlvidFull verdict →
All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update