Kanvo vs iMessage

Apple's default, end-to-end by default, on Apple devices only. Here is what iMessage does better, where it stops, and what changes with Kanvo.

iMessage and Kanvo, head to head

Encrypted by default, built into every iPhone, and since iOS 26 strong spam handling: unknown senders screened into their own folder without a notification, and a Spam folder with links switched off.

Where iMessage is better

Encrypted by default, built into every iPhone, and since iOS 26 strong spam handling: unknown senders screened into their own folder without a notification, and a Spam folder with links switched off.

Where it stops

Nothing outside Apple's devices, no web app, no API, and no way to see WhatsApp or Telegram beside it. Its spam screening protects iMessage and SMS and nothing else.

What changes with Kanvo

Kanvo puts the same kind of screening in front of every app you connect, and runs on Android and the web as well as Apple devices.

Kanvo and iMessage, side by side

The rows from the full comparison, for these two.

What Kanvo is not

The parts that do not go our way, so you can decide with all of it.

Questions people ask

Kanvo beside WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Messenger, Slack and Beeper, or all of them on Compare.

Sources on iMessage

Tom's Guide — screening unknown senders in iOS 269to5Mac — iOS 26 phishing protections