What's the best free secure messaging app?

The article linked to below supposedly lists the top 5 most secure messaging apps.

1. Signal

Signal is a free and open source software developed by the team of Open Whisper Systems in San Francisco. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

...

2. Telegram Secret Chats

Founded by “Russian Marc Zuckerberg” Pavel Durov, the Telegram messenger itself isn’t deemed entirely secure by the EFF. It still lets the provider read along. However, Telegram allows “secret chats” – if you activate those, you should be fine.

...

3. Silent Phone

Silent Phone by Silent Circle ticks all boxes for those who want their messages to stay private. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

...

4. Chat Secure

ChatSecure is a free and open source encrypted chat client for iPhone and Android. One of its creators is Chris Ballinger, an open source enthusiast and civil liberties advocate. He also runs the site Open Watch.

...

5. Pidgin with off-the-record plugin

Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously from your Windows PC. If the Off-the-Record Messaging plugin is installed on top, your communication will be secure. Pidgin is open source.
LINK

Out of those five choices, I would want to use Pidgin or Telegram Secret Chats because I want to chat on my desktop computer. Does anyone have advice about this?

originally posted by: Profusion
The article linked to below supposedly lists the top 5 most secure messaging apps.

1. Signal

Signal is a free and open source software developed by the team of Open Whisper Systems in San Francisco. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

...

2. Telegram Secret Chats

Founded by “Russian Marc Zuckerberg” Pavel Durov, the Telegram messenger itself isn’t deemed entirely secure by the EFF. It still lets the provider read along. However, Telegram allows “secret chats” – if you activate those, you should be fine.

...

3. Silent Phone

Silent Phone by Silent Circle ticks all boxes for those who want their messages to stay private. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

...

4. Chat Secure

ChatSecure is a free and open source encrypted chat client for iPhone and Android. One of its creators is Chris Ballinger, an open source enthusiast and civil liberties advocate. He also runs the site Open Watch.

...

5. Pidgin with off-the-record plugin

Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously from your Windows PC. If the Off-the-Record Messaging plugin is installed on top, your communication will be secure. Pidgin is open source.
LINK

Out of those five choices, I would want to use Pidgin or Telegram Secret Chats because I want to chat on my desktop computer. Does anyone have advice about this?

I personally use Signal on mobile, but they also have a Desktop version (currently in beta, I believe) but keep in mind these applications do not work unless both/all parties are also using the app. WhatsApp also released their full end-to-end encryption not too long ago.

It all depends on personal choice really. If you're looking for an instant messaging type application then Signal wouldn't be your choice, as it's a text message replacement, but most of them might be? Depending on what functions you want, customization etc; try them all out and see which one fits your criteria.

For mobile your best bet is What's app. It is completely encrypted! ... I just read that Telegram is closely monitored because apparently a lot of terrorists chatter there...and if you want to ensure no one can get to your chat online use a VPN

Pax

a reply to: paxnatus

So far I love whatsapp. Only been using briefly (couple of months) and only for overseas communication but it's good and fast as lightning. Nearly instant.

No complaints!

a reply to: Profusion

Ha! None. Its an oxymoron. Secure and messaging.

The gov has, knows and keeps all. Tors, encryption etc. Don't be fooled. Seriously.

Nothing is EVER totally secure.

originally posted by: mysterioustranger
a reply to: Profusion

Ha! None. Its an oxymoron. Secure and messaging.

The gov has, knows and keeps all. Tors, encryption etc. Don't be fooled. Seriously.

Nothing is EVER totally secure.

I agree. I think the concern most people think of when they want to use a "secure messaging app" is being hacked/tracked by ordinary people. I believe that can be almost completely precluded with enough "security."

a reply to: Profusion

Rest assured. Even within the Dark Web and TOR. They allow illegal acts to occur there by looking the other way.

It assists them in getting info. And they do. I believe nothing is secure any longer. Nothing.

Amazing issues here. I'm very happy to look your article. Thank you a lot and I'm looking ahead to touch you.Everything is very open with a precise description of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful. Thanks for sharing! 70-246 vce