Leaving iMessage? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
iMessage is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ThreemaRecommended The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
WireRecommended Collaborate without compromise with Wire, the trusted platform for millions worldwide. Stay in control with end-to-end encryption that's invisible, flexible collaboration, and intuitive user interface. Join now for free and boost your productivity. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Element Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections. | 🌍GB | Free plan available | Medium | 1 day | |
N nilly Nilly is a privacy-first messaging app designed to cater to the communication needs of individuals and businesses across Europe. Developed in Switzerland, Nilly ensures that your conversations remain secure and private, aligning with the strictest EU data protection regulations. With its robust web analytics service, users can gain insights into their communication patterns without compromising their privacy. Key features of Nilly include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. The app is EU-hosted, which means your data is stored within Europe, offering enhanced data sovereignty and compliance with GDPR standards. This makes Nilly an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users, businesses, and organizations that prioritize data protection. Nilly's user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it suitable for both personal and professional use. The app is particularly beneficial for European businesses seeking a secure communication platform that respects local data privacy laws. While specific pricing details are not disclosed, Nilly offers a competitive pricing model that reflects its commitment to privacy and security. By choosing Nilly, users can communicate with confidence, knowing their data is protected by some of the world's most stringent privacy laws. | 🇪🇺EU | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection.
Advantages
- Threema allows anonymous registration without a phone number.
- Data is stored on secure servers in Switzerland, enhancing privacy.
- Supports group chats with up to 256 participants, larger than iMessage.
- Offers self-destructing messages for added security on sensitive chats.
Trade-offs
- Migration from iMessage may lead to lost message history and media.
- Threema lacks integration with Apple services like FaceTime and AirDrop.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Threema's interface and features.
Collaborate without compromise with Wire, the trusted platform for millions worldwide. Stay in control with end-to-end encryption that's invisible, flexible collaboration, and intuitive user interface. Join now for free and boost your productivity.
Advantages
- Wire offers GDPR compliance, ensuring strict data protection standards.
- Self-hosted deployment option allows for greater control over data.
- Integrated video conferencing supports up to 10 participants in calls.
- Open-source nature allows for community-driven security audits.
Trade-offs
- Migration from iMessage may result in loss of message history.
- Limited integration with Apple ecosystem compared to iMessage.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Wire's interface.
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.
Advantages
- Element supports group chats with up to 1000 participants.
- Element's self-hosting allows full control over data privacy.
- Element's compliance with GDPR ensures strict data protection.
- Element's open-source nature allows for community-driven improvements.
Trade-offs
- iMessage's integration with Apple ecosystem is unmatched.
- Learning curve for Element's interface may hinder initial use.
- Limited iMessage Apps and effects compared to iMessage features.
Nilly is a privacy-first messaging app designed to cater to the communication needs of individuals and businesses across Europe. Developed in Switzerland, Nilly ensures that your conversations remain secure and private, aligning with the strictest EU data protection regulations. With its robust web analytics service, users can gain insights into their communication patterns without compromising their privacy. Key features of Nilly include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. The app is EU-hosted, which means your data is stored within Europe, offering enhanced data sovereignty and compliance with GDPR standards. This makes Nilly an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users, businesses, and organizations that prioritize data protection. Nilly's user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it suitable for both personal and professional use. The app is particularly beneficial for European businesses seeking a secure communication platform that respects local data privacy laws. While specific pricing details are not disclosed, Nilly offers a competitive pricing model that reflects its commitment to privacy and security. By choosing Nilly, users can communicate with confidence, knowing their data is protected by some of the world's most stringent privacy laws.
Advantages
- nilly is based in Switzerland, benefiting from strong privacy laws.
- Data is EU-hosted, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
- Focus on privacy-first messaging may reduce data tracking risks.
- Potential for enhanced anonymity compared to Apple's data policies.
Trade-offs
- Missing iMessage features like read receipts and message effects.
- Limited user base may hinder group chats and media sharing.
- Migration from iMessage could involve losing message history.
Before You Switch
Export your data from iMessage before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your iMessage account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. iMessage is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to iMessage?
There are 4 European alternatives to iMessage. Threema, Wire, Element are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from iMessage?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from iMessage?
Yes, most services including iMessage allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your iMessage account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from iMessage to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from iMessage first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your iMessage subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from iMessage to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.