Session

Session is a decentralised, anonymous messaging app with a focus on privacy.

Open Source Privacy Friendly Ad-Free No Third-Party Trackers Decentralised No Registration Free of Charge
Website

Description

Session is a secure messaging app developed by the Session Technology Foundation, designed to provide maximum privacy and anonymity. It does not require any personal information for registration, and all communications—texts, voice calls, and media sharing—are end-to-end encrypted. Session’s unique feature is its decentralised network architecture, which routes messages through a series of nodes similar to Tor, ensuring that no single server knows both the origin and destination of a message. This approach minimises metadata exposure and enhances user privacy.

The app is fully open-source, allowing anyone to review, audit, or contribute to its codebase. Session’s funding model is based on the Session Token, a cryptocurrency that supports the network’s sustainability and incentivises node operators. Premium features, such as Session Pro, provide additional functionality while generating revenue to support the project’s growth. The STF, based in Switzerland, oversees Session’s development, ensuring alignment with strong privacy laws and independence from government surveillance alliances.

Session has been praised for its robust privacy features, the reliance on blockchain and cryptocurrency introduces potential regulatory challenges, scaling difficulties and overall sustainability concerns. The Session Protocol for delivering messages is not yet stable as major updates are still in development.

Website

Sustainability Features of Session

Open Source - Free and Open-Source Software

Session is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions.

Privacy Friendly - It does not track users unnecessarily.

Session uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.

Ad-Free - Services that do not display advertisements to users, ensuring a cleaner and more private experience.

Session is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.

No Third-Party Trackers - Services that do not use third-party cookies or trackers, ensuring user privacy.

Session does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.

Decentralised - Services or platforms that reduce reliance on single points of control, enhancing user privacy and control.

Session operates on a decentralized network, reducing reliance on single points of control and enhancing user privacy.

No Registration - No registration required

Session does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.

Free of Charge - The services provided can be used for free.

Session is available for free, with optional premium features (Session Pro) that require payment.

Website

Summary

Session is a decentralised, privacy-focused messaging app that prioritises anonymity, end-to-end encryption, and minimal data collection. Unlike many competitors, Session does not require a phone number, email address, or any personal information for registration, and it does not store or track user metadata. The app is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions. Session operates on a decentralised network of nodes. Providing nodes for the Session infrastructure is incentivised by cryptocurrency via the SessionToken. Session has faced controversies due to its reliance on blockchain technology introducing scalability, regulatory and sustainablilty concerns.

Sustainability Score
72

More Sustainable Alternatives in Messaging

Element (Matrix)

Element is an open-source, federated messaging app based on the Matrix protocol.

Element is fully open-source, including both client and server code, allowing for independent audits and community contributions.
Element uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Element is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Element does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.
Element operates on a decentralized network (Matrix), reducing reliance on single points of control and enhancing user privacy.
Element can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and communication infrastructure.
Element offers a free tier, though there are optional paid features for organisations.
Website

Signal

Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app with end-to-end encryption and open-source transparency.

Signal is free to use for all users, with no premium features locked behind paywalls (yet).
Signal is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions to its codebase.
Signal uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Signal is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Signal does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.
Website

Olvid

Olvid is a French secure messaging app with no phone number required and high security.

Olvid is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Olvid does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.
Olvid is based in France, ensuring compliance with EU privacy laws.
Olvid does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.
Olvid offers free use of its basic features. For individuals it costs 4.99€ per month if they want secure audio/video calls and multi-device support.
Olvid uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Olvid client apps are fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and reproducible builds.
Website

Threema

Threema is a Swiss end-to-end encrypted messaging app with a focus on privacy and metadata minimization.

Threema uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Threema does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.
Threema is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with strict Swiss privacy laws.
Threema does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.
Threema is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Threema client apps are fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and reproducible builds.
Website