Telegram – Better for large groups, channels, bots, and cloud sync (but not end-to-end encrypted by default). WhatsApp – Wider adoption and smoother mainstream experience, though owned by Meta. Session – Privacy-focused like Signal, but doesn’t require a phone number. Threema – Strong privacy and no phone number required, but paid.

I´d go even further. I see a need for ONE secure messaging service that can rule them all - Connect messenger, whatsapp, sms etc. into one app... Yes, I know its kind of wishful thinking, but if Proton did it, I´d sign up! SO tired of all these apps I need to communicate daily with everyone. I know there are apps claiming to do this already, but I can´t say I´m comfortable trusting them.

Something that businesses could use would be very good. Both for voice and text, 1:1 and for Teams. Then you fill another hole in the business suite.

Agreed - and without requiring a phone number to signup/login!

That's the #1 glaring privacy issue with Signal, yet most miss this and just sign up blindly.

If Proton could create such an app that doesn't require:

a paid sub;
a phone number (unless volunteered);

and can:

signup/login with an email address (even an alias);
have the ability to add groups;
offer true end-to-end encryption;
offer an easy to use, cross-platform app (Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, etc...);

it would generate an immense amount of interest that users would walk away from the existing, sad incumbents in a heartbeat.

Gold standard must be a a really low bar if Signal meets it, wouldn't be difficult for Proton (and the cash behind it) to surpass Signal in huge steps and bounds!

Session is the only one I've seen lately that would get close to true privacy, but alas, it's still got a long way to go before it's mature enough for a mass market.

I don't see the point of this. Signal is the closest thing to the "best encrypted messaging app". It encrypts all content and metadata, doesn't collect or attempt to collect data that identifies users, and is generally considered the gold standard in cyber security and cryptography circles. Proton would just use the Signal Protocol for their app anyway because it is the gold standard.

Matrix is probably what you looking for. However could Proton built a Matrix based messenger that integrates to Proton Products ( like Proton drive and a fictional Proton docs (a Google docs / microsoft 365 alternative) somehow as an alternative to teams . Mainly for business use and collaborate tool but also as an messenger / Wapp alternative ?

it's impossible to be better than Telegram. And it costs a lot of money.

I think there is no need to duplicate Threema.

I agree that Proton Unlimited should include a secure/private messenger like Signal and Threema.

I think this is a cool idea, though instead of a messenger app, I think something more like a Slack/discord app would be better. I thought you could call it Proton Ping, its fun with that alliteration name, and works well colloquially, "Hey just Ping me later", you get to play right into a classic comms phrase.

If they went with that approach instead, they could also save a bit of design work by using the Matrix protocol, create their own server, and then they can let users select which of their proton emails to use as their matrix id (recommend they don't auto assign it to be the account name, but give Proton users the opportunity to select their name)

Also, as I understand it, this would be a good play into the business space so it would act as a Slack like competitor, and for personal use it could act as a way to chat with friends and family. The Matrix protocol supports video as well but I know they are already working on Proton Meet, so highly doubt that would be an easy drop in (unless they ignored that part of the protocol in favor of their Proton Meet)

Finally, it would show a continued commitment to secure comms, as well as the ability to allow their users to securely communicate with users from other matrix servers. idk I think something like that would be pretty ****

Plus Matrix protocol already supports all kinds of integrations, I had a co-worker who had setup all his comms, emails sms, rcs, etc. (he even got ios messaging to come through for a time, he used Beeper, which is a matrix server that heavily leverages the matrix protocol's integrations feature.

So Proton adopting that protocol could also provide their users with a centralized comms hub, and implement integrations for their other apps, e.g. cal, drive, Lumo, etc.

Before we ecnourage them to create new apps that are not really necessary, Let's them concentrate on fixing the already existing apps. Calendar and Drive are missing so many basic features.

that is not needed. Proton could probably not create something better nor somthing comparable to Signal.
please improve already existing apps instead.

Perhaps a collaboration with Threema and Punkt Tronics AG could be considered???

"Proton Chat" sounds appealing on paper, but I think it misses how messenger apps actually succeed. Strong encryption isn't really a selling point anymore. It's just expected. And Signal already nails security better than anyone, so that bar is pretty high.

What actually matters is whether your friends are on it, and whether it does everything you need. The market's already crowded with Telegram, Signal, Threema, and WhatsApp, all with huge user bases that took years to build. Proton would have a hard time getting enough people on board, and you'd end up with a technically solid app that nobody you know actually uses.

I would say this is critical and desperately needed.

Signal is not the same messaging service that it was a few years ago.

The chairman of the Signal Foundation's board is Katherine Maher who is also the CEO of NPR and also formerly the CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia) is on the record saying some very troubling things about it being okay to lie for the greater good of society so long as the beneficial story is the one that is told. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1980389747584618648?s=20

I have lost confidence in Signal. A private messaging app with Proton-grade encryption, security, and privacy would be amazing and is needed to fill the gap that Signal has opened.

Proton cannot make something better than Signal for all platforms right now. They should study though.

There's well over 45k requests for user data in which they've responded to with some form of data since last year. Two arrests attributed directly to Proton public, probably numerous other Email relays via SimpleLogin do not have your primary email encrypted. They ignore numerous security and privacy complaints from 3rd party researchers, but thank god it seems like they MAY be beginning to listen to us.

Privacy feels like less of a forefront compared to profit, weird swiss rulings and properly building zero knowledge systems. They try to build what is "easy to use" and marketable, and allow activists to trust them to get arrested.

Why we can send email from proton to gmail but cannot send message from whatsapp to signal?
I think Proton could come with federated, decentralized communication solution, which use Signal protocol and allows users to comunicate from Singal to Proton, from Proton to Telegram, iMessage or any other messangers.

The idea of a Proton messaging app is appealing—combining end-to-end encryption with SMS/RCS support and integration with Proton’s ecosystem could create a unified, privacy-focused communication platform. It could leverage Proton’s reputation for security while giving users a convenient way to message contacts who aren’t on encrypted networks.

However, building such an app is challenging. Signal already provides trusted, robust encrypted messaging, so a new app risks redundancy. Adoption is crucial—messaging apps only work if your contacts use them. Supporting multiple platforms, bridging to SMS/RCS, and potentially federated protocols adds technical complexity and privacy trade-offs. Maintaining this long-term would require significant resources.

For a Proton Messenger to succeed, it would need strong encryption, user-friendly features, seamless compatibility, and a clear advantage over existing solutions. Otherwise, it risks being “just another messenger” with limited adoption.

In short, it’s a promising idea that fits Proton’s privacy ethos, but executing it well would be difficult.
https://medium.com/@albertmofficial/smart-home-revolution-blending-technology-with-timeless-design-02f10047df4c

SimpleX did it already.

I think it would make sense. Just partner with Threema ;)