Session: The encrypted messenger that asks for nothing
The other day, I found myself in a conversation about cybersecurity with
. As we explored the landscape of secure messaging apps, Simon offered a surprisingly insightful ranking of popular platforms:WhatsApp: sheep
Telegram: dissidents
Signal: security concerned
Session: security informed
That last one caught my attention - Session. I had never used it. Naturally, curiosity took over, and I dove into researching the app. What I discovered was intriguing enough that I headed straight to getsession.org to download the client.
First impressions: Anonymous by design
From the moment I opened Session, it was clear this wasn’t just another encrypted messaging app. There was no request for a phone number, no email, and certainly no identity verification. So no linking to a device’s IMEI - I usually get around that by using virtual phone numbers - absolutely no phone number, apart from banking is linked to any devices I own. For someone who has grown increasingly wary of surveillance (yes, I’ll admit I’m more than a little paranoid), this was refreshing.
My skepticism isn’t unfounded. Stories of compromised platforms like ANOM and Wickr still echo in the community. So, when a new app promises true anonymity and end-to-end encryption, I approach with caution - but also curiosity.
What makes session stand out
Session’s mission is clear: to provide private communication without surveillance or data collection. Here are some of the standout features highlighted on their site and backed up by my experience:
No Phone Numbers or Emails: You don’t need to disclose any personal details. Accounts are entirely anonymous.
No Data to Leak: Session collects no metadata - so in the event of a breach, there’s nothing to steal.
Onion Routing Network: Messages are relayed through a privacy-focused network, leaving no digital footprints.
Open Source: The code is publicly available, transparent, and auditable.
Censorship Resistance: With no central server, it’s much harder for authorities or bad actors to take Session down.
Features that matter
Session doesn’t just focus on security - it delivers essential functionality as well:
Group Chats: Encrypted group messaging for up to 100 users, with options to create larger communities.
Voice Messages: For when you need to send something more personal.
File Sharing: Securely send attachments without risking leaks.
My verdict
After just a short time using it, I’ve already made Session my primary messaging client. Its balance of usability, security, and principled design makes it a clear winner for anyone serious about private communication.
If you value your privacy and want to break free from surveillance-heavy platforms, Session is worth the switch.
And if you're not already following Simon, you can find him here on Substack
For my paid Substack subscribers, my Session ID is shared below — feel free to connect securely.