I’ve spent a lot of time installing, testing, and digging into how private messaging apps actually work by reading security audits, checking what encryption they use, and paying attention to real user experiences. Some apps back their privacy claims with open-source code and independent audits. Others you pretty much have to take their word for it.
So I am here to compare Signal Private Messenger, Telegram Secret Chat and DailyNewstalk app who promises to keep your chats safe. In this breakdown, I’ll share what I’ve learned from hands-on testing, official security reports, and other user feedback so you’re not just relying on app store hype.
Signal Private Messenger
I’ll be straight with you Signal is the gold standard. When Edward Snowden (Former National Security Agency contractor) endorsed using Signal app, you pay attention. But beyond celebrity endorsements, there’s solid science backing this up. (Android and IOS)
Signal differentiates itself through end-to-end encryption by default for all messages, voice and video calls, which means that only the sender and recipient can access the content of the messages. That’s not marketing speak. Every single message you send gets encrypted before it leaves your phone.
Signal Protocol underwent a formal independent security review in 2016. The paper Formal Security Analysis of the Signal Messaging Protocol, authored by researchers affiliated with University of Oxford, Queensland University of Technology, and McMaster University, confirmed the protocol’s strong security properties like forward secrecy and post-compromise resilience.
Signal also minimizes metadata collection. With its “Sealed Sender” feature, even Signal’s servers can’t see who’s messaging whom.
Messages aren’t stored in the cloud they stay on your device. Combine that with perfect forward secrecy, and you’ve got an app that’s built from the ground up to protect your conversations.
Telegram Secret Chat
Telegram’s been around since 2013, started by the Durov brothers the same guys behind Russia’s VKontakte. It’s often in the same conversations as Signal or WhatsApp when people talk “private messaging,” but here’s the thing it’s kind of private, depending on how you use it.
Telegram uses its own encryption system called MTProto. That keeps messages safe while they travel from your phone to their servers and back but those regular chats still live on Telegram’s servers (encrypted, yes, but not locked away from Telegram itself).
What I liked about Telegram secret chat mode while testing is those messages were only available on the device I sent it from as in not synced across my laptop app, also these are end-to-end encrypted where not even Telegram, can read your messages. These messages can be set to self destruct after any set period. Only bit is you have to enable secret chat mode.
Talking about meta data , According to their Privacy Policy, they may collect metadata such as your IP address, devices and Telegram apps you’ve used, history of username changes, etc. (Android and IOS)
DailyNewsTalk
I almost dismissed Dailynewstalk as another gimmicky app. DailyNewsTalk is a discreet private messaging app disguised as a news app! Perfect for secret relationships or confidential business chats.
While testing the app what I loved the most is notifications. They appear as breaking news so only you know it’s a message. Also I could delete my chats from both ends. Rest audio and video call had no issues, it was crystal clear. But both the users has to be in that chat window to initiate calls.
Talking about privacy , this app is completely hidden and its secure because your chats are hidden behind a password that only you know. So far I haven’t come across any public audit, published protocol details, or independent security reviews. But the app claims chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted. Also since the app is new, it has smaller userbase. Available for both Android and IOS.
No personal information is collected which is a plus point in this app, just a username is required to use this app.
Quick Privacy Feature Comparison
| Feature | Signal | Telegram | NewsTalk |
| Default Encryption | Yes | No (only in telegram secret chat) | Yes |
| Disappearing Messages | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hidden App Interface | No | No | Yes (fake news UI) |
| Open Source | Yes | Partly | No |
| Cloud Backup | No | Yes (regular chats) | No |
| Biometric Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
So how to choose your best private messaging app? I’m pretty sure Signal private messenger is the real deal when you just want bulletproof privacy without second-guessing. It’s been audited, it’s simple, and it collects almost nothing.
Telegram is flashy with loads of extras. If you know how to use telegram secret chat and actually switch it on, that part’s secure. But too easy to forget, and then your chats live in the cloud.
DailyNewsTalk? That little news app that hides your chat is fun. But I’d treat it like a cool gadget not a fortress until it opens up and proves its encryption and privacy stance.