The Best Session Alternative
Session positions itself as an app with strong anonymity and onion-routed messaging, which is appealing to tech-savvy users. However, some report slow connections, delayed notifications, and heavy resource use.
By contrast, EXTRA SAFE is a lightweight product focused on user privacy, communication speed, and glitch-free communication.
EXTRA SAFE vs Session
Video Calls
Direct P2P, cross-device, low latency
Anonymous, device-to-device video and audio streams (P2P connection + WebRTC), asymmetric encryption protects the call sessions. Unlimited call time for up to 5 people. E2E encrypted in-call chat and file sharing. Join/start a call from the app or browser (no sign-up required).
Anonymous, encrypted calls via decentralized routing; high latency
Supports encrypted voice calls that are not P2P; they rely on Session’s decentralized network. Prioritises anonymity and metadata protection over call performance. Call reliability and responsiveness depend on the availability and health of network nodes – not participants’ devices.
Chats
E2EE, ephemeral chats by default
E2EE text and voice messaging, file and image transfer. Everything is encrypted on your device, stays encrypted in transit, and is decrypted only on your contact’s device. The chat history clears by default: once your contact views the message, it will auto-delete after a chosen time.
Encrypted messaging with offline delivery
Supports 1-to-1 chats, encrypted groups, and large community groups. Messages are onion-routed through multiple nodes, meaning no single node knows both the sender and the recipient, and can be delivered even when users are offline. Open groups run on federated, community-operated servers.
Encryption & Security
E2EE by default, locally managed keys, ephemeral chats
Asymmetric E2EE protects all communication: messaging, file transfer, calls. Private keys stay on users’ devices, and public keys secure every session. Servers don’t have access to content or critical metadata, and nothing is retained: chats auto-clear on your timer, and in-call messages disappear the moment the session ends.
End-to-end encryption + onion routing – added complexity and latency
Every account is a cryptographic public/private key pair, and messages are encrypted directly to the recipient’s public key. All messages are onion-routed through three nodes, so no single node can link sender and recipient, making metadata and traffic analysis extremely difficult.
Anonymous Access/Login
Identity-free. Option to join a call via link in app or browser, no install required
Upon first launch, choose a display name and receive a unique EXTRA SAFE number, not linked to a real-world identity. Can be restored on a new device using a recovery password. In the browser, you can start a meeting with one click and invite others via a link – they can join instantly, even without installing the app.
Pseudonymous IDs, no phone or email
Does not use phone numbers, emails, usernames, or contact lists. Upon first launch, the app generates a random Account ID – the user’s identifier and their public encryption key. Share Account ID to start conversations. Can be restored on a new device using a recovery password.
Privacy & Data Collection
Privacy by default, zero data collection
No collection of user identities, metadata, or message history: storage is encrypted and temporary by default, and it expires after the time you set.
No personal data, no metadata, no central authority
Built the way so even its creators can’t collect user data: no central servers, user databases, or metadata logs. Onion routing also makes censorship and targeted blocking technically challenging.
Pricing & Limits
Free and unlimited
Free, with no subscriptions, time limits, or hidden fees. All features – video calls, messaging, file transfer, and screen sharing (browser lite version) – are available without restriction.
Free and open source
Completely free and open source. There are no subscriptions, premium tiers, or feature unlocks.
Usability & Performance
Speed & simplicity
Lightweight, fast onboarding, browser-lite option.
Security at the cost of UX
Heavier client; performance can vary by network.
The Ultimate Privacy-Focused Communication Comparison
| Features | | |
|---|---|---|
Anonymous Access | ||
End-to-end encryption | ||
Peer-to-Peer Calls | ||
Peer-to Peer Chats | ||
Disappearing messages | ||
Data minimisation | ||
Browser access | ||
Performance & latency | ||
Free |
Get Started With EXTRA SAFE
E2EE Anonymous Chat App
Available for iOS and Android
FAQs
Do I need a sign-up to use EXTRA SAFE?
You can use EXTRA SAFE identity-free. Start or join calls via link, in the app, or browser, without sign-up or sharing your personal data.
Are calls and chats end-to-end encrypted?
All call sessions, messages, and file transfers are protected with asymmetric end-to-end encryption. The keys are generated and stored only on users’ devices, so only you can see the content.
Does EXTRA SAFE store messages, call logs, or metadata?
EXTRA SAFE does not collect identities or metadata. Chats disappear by default, and nothing is retained after the call session.
How are calls routed?
Calls are peer-to-peer by default, so voice and video are streamed directly between participants’ devices rather than through centralized servers.
Is EXTRA SAFE really free, with no time limits?
Yes. EXTRA SAFE is entirely free: no subscriptions required, and there's no limit on the duration of your meetings.