Molly

A hardened fork of Signal for Android, with extra at-rest protection.

molly.im

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FreeOpen SourceE2E EncryptedAndroid

Pricing Free and open source.

Molly is Signal for Android with the screws tightened. It encrypts its local database behind a passphrase, clears sensitive data out of memory and can route your traffic through Tor, all while using Signal’s network so you still reach anyone on Signal. A separate Molly-FOSS build strips out the last proprietary pieces for people who want a fully free app. Because it leans on Signal’s servers it still asks for a phone number. It also only runs on Android. For an Android user already on Signal who wants more hardening, it is close to a free upgrade.

Strengths

  • Hardens Signal with at-rest database encryption and memory wiping
  • Optional Tor routing, with a fully FOSS build available
  • Talks to anyone on the Signal network

Considerations

  • Android only, no iOS or desktop
  • Still needs a phone number, since it uses Signal’s servers

Listed in Messaging

Molly alternatives

SimpleX ChatMessaging with no user identifiers at all, not even a random number.SignalThe mainstream secure messenger, trusted and easy to use.SessionOnion-routed messaging with no phone number and no central servers.ThreemaPaid Swiss messenger with no phone number or email required.