Snikket

Paid#13 of 36 in Secure Messaging Apps

Snikket: A private, open-source messenger for small groups, with hosting priced at $6 per month. Ranked #13 of 36 in Secure Messaging Apps by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: 14-day trial; best for small groups wanting managed XMPP hosting.

7.9/10★★★★☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  7.9 / 10
• Pricing
  14-day trial
• Best for
  Small groups wanting managed XMPP hosting
• Free plan
  No
• Paid from
  $6/mo
• Account requirement
  Username
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted messages, calls, files, and location sharing
  • Encrypted conversation backups and multi-device synchronization
  • Android, iOS, and self-hosted deployment options

• Where it doesn't

  • No free plan after the 14-day trial
  • The $6 monthly price covers an instance, not individual users
  • No official desktop apps

Our verdict on Snikket

Snikket is an open-source, decentralized messaging platform for families, friends, clubs, and small organizations. It supports end-to-end encrypted messaging, private and public groups, audio and video calls, photo, video, and document sharing, voice messages, private location sharing, and encrypted conversation backups. People join through invitations to a Snikket service hosted by Snikket or deployed on their own infrastructure, with Android and iOS apps available.

Pricing is straightforward for a small group: the Standard instance costs $6 per month and is suitable for up to 10 active users. That is an instance price rather than a per-user charge. Snikket offers a 14-day trial but no free plan, and hosting pricing can vary with region, currency, tax, and billing choice. For a group that fits within the stated capacity, the model is easier to evaluate than per-seat billing; larger communities should look closely at whether the instance limit meets their needs.

The main trade-off is platform coverage. Snikket provides mobile apps for Android and iOS, plus self-hosted server software, but it does not offer official desktop apps. Its feature set is broad for private group communication, including calls, file sharing, location sharing, synchronization across devices, and encrypted backups. Choose Snikket if your group values open-source, decentralized messaging and can work primarily from mobile devices. Consider another option if desktop applications are essential or if you need a free service.

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Snikket pricing

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Alternatives to Snikket

• SignalFree, open-source messaging with encrypted calls, groups, and optional paid backups.9.4
• WWhatsAppA broadly available free messenger with strong everyday privacy features and wide platform support.9.3
• ElementA secure, extensible collaboration app for teams that need control and interoperability.9.1

See all Snikket alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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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