Wire

Wire is an encrypted messaging app built by former Skype engineers in Switzerland. It solves a common problem: teams scattered across unsecured apps for chat and files.

Features

• End-to-End Encryption: Wire encrypts messages, calls, and files using the Proteus protocol and Messaging Layer Security (MLS).
• Self-Deleting Messages: Users set timers that erase texts, images, audio, video, and documents after viewing.
• Large-Scale Group Communication: Wire supports group chats with up to 500 members and video conferences with up to 150 participants.
• Secure File Sharing: Teams share photos, documents, and media files inside encrypted conversations with built-in version tracking.
• Enterprise Identity Controls: Admins manage logins through SAML-based single sign-on and SCIM provisioning for secure onboarding.

Use Cases

• For Enterprises: Large companies use Wire's admin controls and SSO integration to manage thousands of employee accounts securely.
• For Government Agencies: Wire offers on-premises deployment and data sovereignty, which helped it gain approval from Germany's BSI security office.
• For Agencies and Consultants: Guest rooms let external clients join conversations through a browser without creating a Wire account.
• For Privacy-Focused Individuals: A free Personal plan gives users encrypted chat and calls, with open-source code anyone can verify.

TL;DR

Wire is a Swiss-made encrypted messaging tool aimed at businesses and governments needing secure, compliant communication. It offers strong privacy features, though some users report a less polished interface than competitors like Signal.