When comparing ChatSecure + Orbot vs BBM, the Slant community recommends ChatSecure + Orbot for most people. In the question“What are the best cross-platform encrypted messaging apps?” ChatSecure + Orbot is ranked 10th while BBM is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose ChatSecure + Orbot is:
To pass EFF's security review ChatSecure had to encrypt data in transit, the encryption had to be [end-to-end](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption), the app needed to provide [forward secrecy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_secrecy), app's source code has to be open to independent review, users have to be able to verify contact's identities even with the service provider compromised, app's cryptographic design has to be well documented and app's source code has to have been audited in the last 12 months.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Passed EFF's security review
To pass EFF's security review ChatSecure had to encrypt data in transit, the encryption had to be end-to-end, the app needed to provide forward secrecy, app's source code has to be open to independent review, users have to be able to verify contact's identities even with the service provider compromised, app's cryptographic design has to be well documented and app's source code has to have been audited in the last 12 months.
Pro Free and open source
ChatSecure is free and open source, enabling anyone to verify its security by auditing the code.
Pro Works with popular chat services across mobile and PC
ChatSecure works with Google Hangouts, Facebook messaging, Jabber and other popular messaging service, making for a convenient way to use secure chatting.
Pro Great for office communication
BBM works great in the office environment. Set up group chats and calendars to organize your projects and workflow.
Share all types of media files with each as well.
Cons
Con Advertisements in app
Unlike other popular chat apps which are free to use, BBM uses ads to keep the app free for use. The user can pay a fee to remove ads, however, this is a subscription fee, not a one-time payment.