Status
Status: A private, phone-free messenger for decentralized communities and smaller groups. Ranked #33 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (5.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for decentralized communities without phone identifiers.
At a glance
- Editor score5.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDecentralized communities without phone identifiers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Founded2017 · Zug, Switzerland
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- No phone number, email address, or social login required
- End-to-end encrypted messaging with metadata privacy
- Desktop and mobile apps with synchronization across three devices
Where it doesn't
- Group chats support up to 20 members
- Backups are optional and stored only on the device
- Voice and video calling are not part of the verified feature set
Our verdict on Status
Status is an open-source encrypted messaging application for people who want private conversations without phone numbers, email addresses, or social logins. It supports direct messages, group chats, and community channels across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Profiles use cryptographic keys, while messages use end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy and Double Ratchet conversation keys. The product also combines messaging with self-custodial cryptocurrency features and decentralized communities.
Status is free and has no paid subscription tier. Its messaging is delivered through the decentralized peer-to-peer Logos Messaging network, formerly Waku, and the product includes metadata privacy for contacts and communication relationships. Communities can use channels and token-gated access, while integrations include WalletConnect and Keycard. Optional encrypted on-device backups cover direct, group, and community messages, and profiles can synchronize across up to three devices. This makes Status a focused fit for users who value decentralized infrastructure and cryptographic identity over conventional account registration.
The main constraint is scale: group chats support up to 20 members, so larger teams or broad community discussions may require a different service. Backups remain on the device, and the published feature set centers on text messaging, communities, and related wallet functionality rather than a wider collaboration suite. Status suits decentralized communities, privacy-conscious users, and people who do not want phone-based identifiers. It is less suitable for organizations that need large group conversations, conventional identity recovery, or a broader set of verified communication modes.
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Status pricing
Status fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | 20 members |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Not verified |
| Disappearing messages | Not verified |
| Encrypted backups | End_to_end |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: WalletConnect |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | status.app |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Status integrations
Status lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- WalletConnect
Alternatives to Status
- 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
Status is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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