# Threema. The Secure Messenger vs 4wanders

The clearest difference is price: 4wanders at Free against Threema. The Secure Messenger's $6.99. Threema. The Secure Messenger's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#2 vs unranked). On update cadence, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

4wanders is free to download; Threema. The Secure Messenger costs $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Threema. The Secure Messenger ships an update every 11 days, 4wanders every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Threema. The Secure Messenger | 4wanders |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (712 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threema-the-secure-messenger/id578665578/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **712** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | — |
| Size | 119 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Threema GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/535112011) | [MonBuilding&Co](https://appshunter.io/developer/1274455986) |

## What reviewers say

### Threema. The Secure Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threema-the-secure-messenger/id578665578)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Paid · Social Networking, #29 Top Paid (US App Store)

This secure messenger prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for all communications. It uses a unique ID instead of personal information, leaving no data trail and offering anonymous use. Enjoy private chats, calls, and file sharing without ads or trackers.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted chats and calls, Anonymous use with Threema ID, File sharing in all formats, Edit and delete sent messages, Desktop app and web client, Group creation and polls

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure messaging
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 💡 Anonymous ID instead of phone number
- 🔒 Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable video/voice calls
- 🐛 Inconsistent notification delivery
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes after updates
- 🔒 Lack of auto-delete/expiring messages
- 👎 Limited emoji/reaction options

**Reported bugs**

- Messages not sending or receiving
- App freezing or crashing
- Unreliable video/voice call functionality
- Notification issues after updates
- Data transfer problems when switching devices

**Requested features**

- Add auto-delete/expiring message option
- Improve video/voice call reliability
- Enhance notification system
- Expand emoji/reaction options
- Simplify data transfer to new devices


### 4wanders

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4wanders/id6443403021)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Threema. The Secure Messenger free?

Threema. The Secure Messenger costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 4wanders free?

4wanders is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Threema. The Secure Messenger or 4wanders have ads?

4wanders shows ads; Threema. The Secure Messenger does not.

### Which is updated more often, Threema. The Secure Messenger or 4wanders?

Threema. The Secure Messenger ships an update every 11 days, and 4wanders every 3 weeks. Most recently, Threema. The Secure Messenger was updated on October 17, 2026 and 4wanders on October 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*