Molly
Molly: A privacy-focused Android messaging client with extra local security controls. Ranked #27 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android users wanting a Signal-compatible client.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAndroid users wanting a Signal-compatible client
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Passphrase encryption for the local app database
- Tor, SOCKS proxy, and UnifiedPush support
- Automatic app locking and secure RAM wiping
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android
- Value depends on the Signal-compatible ecosystem
- No desktop app is provided
Our verdict on Molly
Molly is an independent, open-source fork of Signal for Android. It is designed for people who want Signal-compatible end-to-end encrypted messaging alongside additional controls for the local app and network path. The app supports voice and video calls, disappearing messages, multi-device account linking, and Android tablet support. Its standard and FOSS variants are distributed through official F-Droid, Accrescent, and GitHub channels.
Its strongest distinction is the depth of its device-side security features. Molly can protect its local app database with a passphrase, automatically lock the app, and securely wipe RAM. It also supports blocking unknown contacts, disappearing call history, configurable backup schedules and retention, and SOCKS proxy or Tor connections through Orbot. These features make Molly a fit for Android users who want more control over local exposure and connection routing than Signal-compatible messaging alone provides.
Molly remains closely tied to the Signal-compatible ecosystem, including Signal backups and linked-device behavior. Integrations include Signal, UnifiedPush, MollySocket, and Orbot, while multi-device account linking supports up to five linked devices and groups support up to 1,000 members. The trade-off is platform coverage: Molly is Android-only and has no desktop app. Choose it if Android is your primary messaging platform and local security controls matter; choose another option if desktop access across platforms is essential or if you do not need the added controls beyond a standard Signal-compatible client.
Your product? Our editors can test Molly in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Molly pricing
Molly fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | 1000 members |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | No |
| Voice and video calls | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Encrypted backups | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: UnifiedPush, MollySocket, Orbot |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | molly.im |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Molly integrations
Molly lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- UnifiedPush
- MollySocket
- Orbot
Alternatives to Molly
- SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
- WhatsAppA 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
Also Ranked In
Molly is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Guides on encrypted messaging apps
- What Is Signal? How to Use the Encrypted Messaging AppAug 2026
- The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2025: Signal, SimpleX, WhatsApp, and MoreAug 2026
- 8 Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Your iPhone to Unlock True PrivacyAug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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