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Session

Anonymous messaging for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users

Privacy score 88 Free Technical: Intermediate Featured
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Session is a

, end-to-end encrypted messaging application that uses onion routing for protection and a modified Signal Protocol for .

🔀

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Android iOS Windows Mac Linux

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You need strong anonymity and protection
  • • You don't want to share your phone number
  • • You're a journalist or activist in a high-risk environment
  • • You want messaging without central servers
  • • You prioritize privacy over convenience

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You need video calling (Session only supports voice snippets)
  • • You want the fastest message delivery (onion routing adds latency)
  • • You need to message people who only use mainstream apps
  • • You're not comfortable backing up your Session ID for recovery
  • • You prefer apps with larger user bases

Overview

Session is a privacy-focused messaging application that provides end-to-end encryption

without requiring phone numbers or email addresses. The service uses the Signal Protocol for encryption and operates on a decentralized network using the Oxen Service Node network. Session generates anonymous IDs for users, providing strong anonymity without requiring personal information. The service does not collect user data, does not track users, and does not store message content on centralized servers. Session includes features like group messaging, file sharing, voice messages, and disappearing messages. The application is open source and can be self-hosted. Session is free to use and is developed by the Oxen Project. The service emphasizes anonymity and privacy, making it suitable for users who want to communicate without revealing their identity.

Privacy highlight

End-to-end encrypted messaging without phone numbers.

network, no , anonymous IDs. Strong privacy and anonymity.

Quick facts

Country:
Switzerland (Session Technology Foundation, moved from Australia in October 2024)
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Technical:
Intermediate
:
Yes
:
Minimal telemetry
:
No
:
No
:
Yes

Key features

  • ["Modified Signal Protocol for ", "Onion routing via Lokinet network", " architecture", "No phone number or email required", "Group messaging with ", "Voice snippets, photos, and file sharing", " (GPL-3.0)"]
Security & encryption Click to expand
Yes
Encryption protocols
Signal Protocol (Double Ratchet)
keys are stored locally on devices. Session uses a modified version of the Signal Protocol with additional anonymity features. Keys are managed locally and never transmitted to servers in plaintext.
Offline support
No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
Minimal telemetry
No
Session does not collect data. The service does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor message activity. Session does not log IP addresses and does not use or tools. The application is designed for maximum privacy and anonymity with no . Session operates on a network, reducing the ability to track users.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
Session is developed by the Oxen Project. The service operates on a decentralized network, so there is no central data residency. Session does not retain message content on servers, so there is minimal data residency concern. The service operates under various jurisdictions depending on the network nodes used.
Session does not retain message content on servers. Messages are delivered through the network and are not stored centrally. The service does not retain user data, message content, or . Session does not log IP addresses. Users can delete their accounts and all associated data at any time. The service operates on a network with minimal .
Legal frameworks
GDPR, CCPA (where applicable)
Revenue sources
Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
88
Trust score
88
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 95, Audits: 80, Open source: 90, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 100, Transparency: 85, Trackers: 100
Editorial notes
Usability: 85, Performance: 80, Family friendly: 85
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
none
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
2
Accessibility features
Screen reader support, multi-language interface (70+ languages), platform-specific accessibility APIs
Backup & portability Click to expand
Yes
Migration tools
Session supports data export for backups. Migration from other messaging apps requires manual contact import.
Session ID-based recovery

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