Session
Session: A privacy-focused messenger with broad platform support and a 10 MB attachment limit. Ranked #9 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for anonymous encrypted messaging with onion routing.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAnonymous encrypted messaging with onion routing
- Free planYes
- Paid from$2.99/mo
- Encryption coverageMixed
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- No phone number or email required for pseudonymous accounts
- Onion-routed delivery, disappearing messages, and encrypted attachments
- Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Encrypted attachments are limited to 10 MB
- Its encryption model is mixed rather than uniform
- Pro-only extras cost $2.99 USD per month
Our verdict on Session
Session is a decentralized messaging app for private, pseudonymous communication. It supports end-to-end encrypted one-to-one messaging, group chats, disappearing messages, encrypted attachments, and peer-to-peer voice and video calls. Accounts use pseudonymous Account IDs instead of phone numbers or email addresses. With clients for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, Session suits people who want anonymous communication across mobile and desktop devices. It is open source and stewarded by the Session Technology Foundation.
Privacy is the product’s central focus. Onion-routed message delivery, community-operated decentralized message storage, and disappearing messages add layers of privacy-oriented functionality. Users can also create groups, use custom themes and emoji reactions, and make voice or video calls. The published category details list group support for up to 100, while encrypted file attachments are capped at 10 MB. Session’s encryption model is mixed, so buyers should distinguish its combination of encrypted messaging and onion routing from a single uniform encryption approach across every function.
The Free plan includes end-to-end encrypted messaging, encrypted attachments up to 10 MB, onion routing, and account creation without a phone number. Pro costs $2.99 USD per month and adds messages up to 10,000 characters, unlimited pinned conversations, animated display pictures, and a supporter badge. Session is a strong fit for users prioritizing pseudonymous accounts, onion-routed delivery, and broad device coverage. It is less suitable for people who need larger file transfers, a uniform encryption model, or advanced paid features without a subscription.
Your product? Our editors can test Session in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Session pricing
All 2 Session plans and prices →
Session fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $2.99/mo |
| Encryption coverage | Mixed |
| Maximum group size | 100 members |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Encrypted backups | None |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | getsession.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Session
- 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
See all Session alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Session is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Session is listed in our Encrypted Messaging Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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