What’s the difference between desktop app and web client?

Both the desktop app and the web client allow you to use Threema on a desktop computer. You need the mobile app (for Android or iOS) in both cases, and your mobile device must be connected to the Internet.

Learn how to use the desktop app and the web client →

The desktop app is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The web client can be used in most web browsers. In terms of features, there’s no difference between desktop app and web client. Since they are based on the same architecture, they also share the following characteristics:

• Complete synchronization: By scanning a QR code, computer and mobile device are connected at once, and all conversations are fully accessible on the desktop.

• Security and data restraint: All communication between phone and computer is fully end-to-end encrypted. After the session is terminated, all synchronized messages are immediately deleted on the desktop.

• Open Source: Like the mobile apps, the desktop app and the web client are open source and use open standards. It’s also possible to host the web client on your own server.

In terms of security, the desktop app offers slight advantages. For one thing, there’s no way for browser plugins to introduce vulnerabilities. For another, it would be even more difficult for attackers to manipulate the app code since it isn’t loaded from a server each session but permanently stored on the user’s end.

For detailed technical information in regard to security, please refer to the Cryptography Whitepaper.