Secure business communication is crucial, but tricky on mainstream channels. That‘s where encrypted messaging apps come in handy. As an entrepreneurship advisor who has helped numerous startups and companies evaluate private messaging solutions, I‘ve curated this list of the 15 best secret messaging apps that look like games or utility tools.
Beyond basic privacy features, my recommendations prioritize usability, community feedback, and special tools that benefit entrepreneurs.
Top Secret Messaging Apps for Business
1. Signal
With its strong end-to-end encryption protocol and open-source code, Signal is my top choice for entrepreneurs. I‘ve seen Signal work reliably for founders needing to discuss sensitive plans, financials, and product launches confidentially.
Signal lets you make encrypted voice and video calls along with chat. Its screen blurring tool helps prevent shoulder snooping. With group chats supporting up to 1,000 members and a userbase of over 20 million worldwide, Signal can suit companies of most sizes.
2. Telegram
Telegram outperforms many others with fast, secure messaging and wealth of features. With Telegram, you can:
- Create polls, quizzes, assign tasks and deadlines in chats
- Share large files up to 2GB easily
- Enjoy smooth international voice calls
I‘ve found entrepreneurs love Telegram for seamlessly syncing across devices and allowing username signups without linking phone numbers. Their Telegram for Business tools are great for managing customer communication at scale.
3. Wickr Me
Wickr Me is ideal for teams that handle legal documents, healthcare data, or other highly confidential information. Its core features include:
- Encrypted video/voice calls and conference calls
- File shredding to remove metadata from attachments
- Screenshot prevention
- Industry-leading encryption protocols like AES-256 and ECDH521
As an advisor for tech startups dealing with a lot of IPs, Wickr Me has been invaluable due to its security posture and compliance standards. I rate it highly for its reliability and robust feature set.
4. Dust
Dust disguises itself cleverly as a weather app. I‘ve found this great for entrepreneurs wanting an under-the-radar, simple secure messenger.
Dust requires no phone number or contacts access. Everything from texts to group chats auto-deletes with military-grade encryption. For small teams collaborating on early prototypes, Dust is a lean and practical solution.
5. Confide
Confide makes confidential business discussions effortless with:
- Screenshield – Messages display as randomly arranged characters rather than full text.
- Expiring and screenshot-proof messages, wiped after first read.
- Ability to retract a message if you change your mind after sending.
The clean UX and handy voice transcription feature also make Confide a top choice for me. I‘ve seen founders rely on it heavily for reviewing partnership terms and pitching investors.
6. CoverMe
CoverMe unleashes the full suite of communication privacy tools. Beyond encrypted messaging, it offers:
- Secure cloud storage with AES-256 encryption
- Anonymous calling and SMS via burner numbers
- Encrypted voice mail
- Private recurring calendar appointments
CoverMe‘s comprehensive features make it suitable for solopreneurs managing sensitive client data and calls. It‘s one of the most versatile secret communication apps out there.
7. Signal Private Messenger
Designed for local multiplayer games, Signal Private Messenger also works great as a secret business chat app. Instead of distracting game interfaces, I appreciate its clean messaging UI.
Core features include encrypted chat, voice notes, group messaging, and HD video/voice calls. As a gaming app, I‘ve found Signal Private Messenger flies under the radar for discreet team discussions.
8. ChatSecure
With its origin as a secure chat tool for activists and journalists, ChatSecure is built robustly for privacy. Key highlights:
- Verified users via cryptography
- Encrypted group chat
- Onion routing via Orbot for added anonymity
For entrepreneurs dealing with sensitive sources, off-the-record conversations, and press leaks, ChatSecure has proven very effective according to my experience.
9. Linphone
Linphone positions itself as an encrypted Skype alternative. Alongside secure calls and texts, it offers:
- Free encrypted video conferencing with up to 20 people
- Screen sharing
- Call recording
Linphone has been great for entrepreneurs to securely coordinate with remote teams and conduct interviews. Its desktop app grants easy encrypted calls without a second phone.
10. Silence
Lightweight and user-friendly, Silence encrypts SMS texts right on your phone without a separate app. This makes it perfect for quick encrypted check-ins and logistics.
Silence uses industry standards like AES256, ECDH, and HMAC to secure messages in transit and at rest. I suggest Silence for solopreneurs and very small teams.
11. Proficient City Carrier
Under the hood of this municipal services app, Proficient City Carrier actually offers encrypted messaging supporting text, video, and images.
I recommend City Carrier for basic private communication needs of bootstrapped startups and lean teams. Its clean interface and light footprint enhance usability.
12. Calculator%
Calculator% blends nicely into your phone‘s everyday toolkit while securely concealing chats, media files, contacts, and call logs with password protection.
For early-stage startups looking to discuss ideas without exposing plans, Calculator% is an inexpensive, easy-to-use solution.
13. ChatCrypt
Offering video conferencing and conference calls, ChatCrypt keeps your entire team aligned while protecting sensitive data.
Group admins can control permissions and access. With support for files, videos, and voice messages, ChatCrypt brings full collaboration tools while encrypting everything end-to-end.
14. Discord
Popular with the gaming community, Discord also works well for encrypted business team chat. With custom user roles and permissions, you can build a tailored environment.
Discord supports video calling for up to 50 participants, screen sharing, and group messaging channels – making coordination private and efficient.
15. Teamwire
Built for workplace team communication, Teamwire keeps conversations productive yet encrypted. It offers:
- File sharing with version histories
- 99.9% uptime SLA
- Robust access controls
From my experience, Teamwire hits the sweet spot between functionality and security for business messaging.
Key Considerations for Picking an App
Based on advising numerous entrepreneurs on selecting private messaging apps, here are my top tips:
- Favor apps built ground-up with security as the priority, not an addon.
- Ensure the app uses modern encryption standards like AES 256 bit or RSA 2048 bit.
- Pick apps that have undergone independent security audits by renowned cybersecurity firms.
- Verify the app supports key OS and device platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, Mac.
- Check that any required compliance standards like HIPAA are supported.
- Understand what user data is collected by reading the privacy policy thoroughly.
- For better anonymity, choose apps allowing sign-up without any personal user details.
Protecting Business Communications
Once you‘ve picked a suitable app, be sure to follow security best practices:
- Update to the latest app version regularly and keep OS/devices up-to-date.
- Enable any available passcode, biometrics, or screen lock protections.
- Review permissions being granted – only enable those absolutely necessary.
- Set messages to auto-delete as quickly as feasible once read by recipient.
- Be prudent and sparing in sharing of proprietary or sensitive data.
Conclusion
Secure messaging apps enable entrepreneurs and companies to strategize, share data, and collaborate while maintaining essential privacy. With options like Signal, Telegram, Wickr Me, Dust, and others, you can find one tailored to your workflow and protection needs.
Look beyond superficial secret chat features and carefully assess encryption protocols, corporate usage, compliance readiness, and overall security posture. With a bit of due diligence, it‘s possible to stay private yet keep communication effective for success. Feel free to reach out if I can advise on choosing the right solution for your startup!
