When comparing Line vs Threema, the Slant community recommends Threema for most people. In the question“What are the best messaging apps for Android?” Threema is ranked 6th while Line is ranked 29th. The most important reason people chose Threema is:
Registration is handled by random generated IDs. No phone number needed.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Large celebrity and public figure usage rate
The caveat is that they are in Japan, but the app is commonly used to 'follow' public figures.
Pro Enormous, constantly updated stamp collection
Since many brands use stamps for promotional purposes, everything from movies to food brands to Taylor Swift have released stamp collections.
Pro Photo filter and editing capabilities
Users have in-app editing tools, as well as Line's separate camera application, which has additional tools.
Pro Integrated social network
Similar to Facebook's timeline.
Pro Registration without phone number
Registration is handled by random generated IDs. No phone number needed.
Pro Encrypted communication
Provides complete end-to-end encryption.
Pro Company behind Threema is based in Switzerland
Pro Servers in Switzerland
Privacy laws protect the data Threema has.
Pro Supports encrypted group chats
Pro Provides a web client
You can control and message with friends via Threema Web, the official web client for Threema.
Pro Ability to send pics and videos
Threema supports sending media messages such as video, pics and even voice messages.
Pro Group chat polls
Pro Allows verification of contacts identity via QR Code
Cons
Con Account is locked to the Phone Number & Device
The entire account is locked to the phone number, which cannot be changed. If the application is installed on a new device with the same phone number, the previous account data will be wiped.
Con Users have been concentrated in Japan
Of the 360+ million registered users, the top country is Japan (50 million). Thailand and Indonesia are 2nd and 3rd with 33 and 30 million, respectively, with very small market penetration in the US (10 million, 11th place).
Con Not free
Unlike many other options Threema is not free as it costs $1.99 for the app.
Con Single device only
You cannot use multiple devices to send messages. However, it does have message mirroring on a web client.
Con No cloud sync
E2E encryption means no cloud syncing of messages.
