Comparison

Encrypted Messenger vs Shepherd

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Encrypted Messenger

Features
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No Servers. No Registration. No Metadata. Just Pure Privacy. Encrypted Messenger is not just another "secure" app, itis a digital fortress built for those who demand absolute sovereignty over their communication. Designed for high-stakes privacy, it bypasses central servers entirely using a true Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture. If you are tired of "big tech" harvesting your metadata, Encrypted Messenger is your solution. ENGINEERED FOR TOTAL ANONYMITY Zero Registration: No phone numbers, no emails, no linked accounts. Your identity remains yours alone. True P2P Connectivity: Powered by WebRTC, your data moves directly from your device to your contact. We use a signaling server only for the initial "handshake". Once connected, you are off the grid. Double Ratchet Encryption (E2EE): We implement the industry-gold-standard Double Ratchet protocol over a dedicated Data Channel. Every message is re-keyed, ensuring that even if one key is compromised, the rest of your history remains safe. PHYSICAL SECURITY & ANTI-COERCION In the real world, your greatest threat is physical access to your device. Weโ€™ve built the app to protect you even then: Standalone Lock Screen: An independent security layer that triggers after 3 minutes of inactivity. Self-Destruct Protocol: Three failed password attempts trigger a permanent, military-grade wipe of the local database. "Panic" Remove Password: If you are ever forced to unlock the app, enter your secret Remove Password. The app will instantly and irretrievably wipe all chats and data, leaving no trace behind. SMART & RELIABLE COMMUNICATION You Are in Control: We never send your data through a server without your permission. Priority is always given to a direct P2P link. If a direct connection isn't possible, the app won't "auto-fail" to a relay. Instead, it offers you a choice: wait for a direct path or manually authorize a one-time encrypted relay transfer. Auto-Switching: Once a direct P2P path becomes available, the app immediately suggests switching back to ensure maximum privacy and speed. Visual Transparency: Intuitive status icons show you exactly how your message was delivered. Know at a glance if you are "Direct" (P2P) or "Relayed." Full Media Support: Send high-res photos, videos, files, and voice notes without compression. Every bit of data is protected by the same E2EE Double Ratchet protocol, regardless of the delivery method. HOW IT WORKS: Generate a one-time Invite Code. Share it via a trusted channel (Code expires in 5 minutes). Once your contact joins, the code is burned, and a secure, direct tunnel is established. Local Storage Only: All data lives in an encrypted SQL database on your phone. No backups in the cloud. No logs on a server. If you lose your password, the data is gone forever. Exactly as it should be. Take back your right to be private. Go Direct. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Encrypted Messenger offers auto-renewable subscriptions: 1 Week โ€“ $2.99 1 Month โ€“ $7.99 1 Year โ€“ $49.99 Prices may vary by country and include applicable taxes. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in App Store > Account > Subscriptions. Unused portions of a free trial (if offered) are forfeited upon purchase. Terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://artemsudakov.github.io/policies/p2p-messenger-privacy-policy.html

About

Shepherd

Features
Read full description

Shepherd Tool is your friendly watchdog for a safer, faster, more transparent connection. Built by TurboApps with years of focus on digital security and everyday cyber hygiene, it turns complex network details into clear, actionable insights โ€” without harvesting your data. Everything runs entirely on your device. We don't collect, store, or sell your personal information. โ€” WI-FI SECURITY โ€” Analyze the network you're connected to and get a clear security score from 0 to 100. Shepherd checks: โ€ข Encryption โ€” is your traffic protected or exposed? โ€ข Security protocol โ€” modern (WPA2/WPA3) or dangerously outdated (WEP)? โ€ข VPN protection โ€” is your traffic tunneled and private? โ€ข Proxy / interception โ€” is anything quietly redirecting your traffic? โ€ข Connection type and your public IP, with country and provider. Tap any check to learn what it means, why it matters, and exactly how to fix it. Security you can actually understand. โ€” SITE AVAILABILITY โ€” Keep an eye on the websites you care about. Add any site and instantly see if it's online, its HTTP status, and how fast it responds. Check them all at once, and open any site to view its response-time history on a clean chart. Measure your real download and upload speeds plus latency, shown on a beautiful live gauge. Every result is saved so you can track your connection quality over time. โ€” WHY SHEPHERD โ€” โ€ข Private by design โ€” no accounts, no ads, no trackers, no analytics. โ€ข Clear and educational โ€” every result is explained in plain language. โ€ข Beautiful and fast โ€” a modern, distinctive interface that's a pleasure to use. โ€ข Your data stays yours โ€” saved sites and history live only on your device. Whether you're on home Wi-Fi, the office, or public hotspots, Shepherd Tool helps you understand your network, spot risks early, and stay protected. Download Shepherd Tool and let your digital sheepdog guard your connection. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Encrypted Messenger4 screens
Shepherd3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shepherd at none against Encrypted Messenger's 3. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Encrypted Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Shepherd asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
Encrypted Messenger versus Shepherd: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEncrypted MessengerShepherd
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksโ€”
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.518 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size34 MB5 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperArtem SudakovDot VPN France

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Encrypted Messenger

Subscriptions3
  • Full Access$2.997 Days
  • Full Access$6.991 Month
  • Full Access$39.991 Year
None

Shepherd

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Encrypted Messenger free?
Encrypted Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shepherd free?
Shepherd is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Encrypted Messenger or Shepherd have ads?
Neither Encrypted Messenger nor Shepherd shows ads.

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