The best secure smartphone offers greater protection from cyber threats and malicious actors than a traditional phone ever can. While it's still a good idea to seek out the best antivirus software, the best password managers, and firewalls, having a smartphone that prioritises security, in terms of both its hardware and software, remains a good idea.
As TechRadar Pro's Hardware Editor, I take security very seriously - from rounding up the best secure drives to working with our Security Editor in exploring the best secure browsers and best secure email providers, I'm intent on making sure businesses and users can stay protected online and offline.
Right now, the Blackphone PRIVY 2.0 is my recommendation for the best secure smartphone. While the design is somewhat tame, pricing is excellent for a device that effectively delivers an unbreakable fortress for privacy and security. You can check out the review below, alongside my other top picks. In rounding up the best secure phones, I'm looking for outstanding performance, value for money, and, of course, phones specifically designed to offer vault-like security across the board.
The best secure smartphones of 2025 in full:
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best secure smartphones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best secure smartphone overall
The Blackphone PRIVY 2.0 is the guardian angel of smartphones, offering an unbreakable fortress for your privacy and security from the moment you lay hands on it. Powered by a custom version of the Android OS, this phone boasts encrypted phone calls, video chats, and text messages as its default settings. The cherry on top? The PRIVY 2.0 comes preloaded with the esteemed Silent Circle's Silent Phone app and offers a subscription to this top-tier service.
But wait, there's more! With the PRIVY 2.0, you can send files of up to 100MB to any contact who has also downloaded the Silent Phone app, no matter what type of device they're using. And that's not all - this device is equipped with custom-built apps called PRIVY Chat and PRIVY Vault, designed to keep your communications and files secure with end-to-end encryption and encrypted databases. With the PRIVY 2.0 in your hands, you can rest assured that your private affairs stay private, no matter what.
Just as the best VPN services do, Blackphone vows to never log any data pertaining to your calls or messages initiated or received by your PRIVY. And, in fact, the company prides itself on being hands-off when it comes to your personal activity on the device - not even Blackphone has the power to decrypt your traffic. Do keep in mind, however, that this highly coveted feature is a paid option after you've enjoyed a free, one-year trial.
The best Android secure smartphone
Samsung’s premium flagship the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the ultimate Android phone. It has a plethora of unique features and hardware specs that distinguish it from the competition. With the upgrades to the camera, GPU and addition of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip for Samsung, the phone simply bursts with performance and smooth user experience.
For the security-conscious user, the fact that you will be getting four years of constant Android and security updates will be a boon. Immediately after the launch of its predecessor, the S3 Ultra, the phone received Samsung Message Guard, a feature that aims to prevent zero-day attacks carried out by images sent to the phone. This is retained here.
Furthermore, Samsung offers its Knox service to Galaxy owners, a service for securing, storing and accessing sensitive data. What makes it special is the multi-layer design, with the first layer being the hardware itself, including the trust zone processor, which is separate from the main processor. The second layer is the software which includes the Knox security framework, which is often updated by Samsung. Data encryption and file access permissions are handled by this layer, which means that the company provides its APIs to developers, which ensures security for the end user.
Finally, the third layer includes the Knox management console, aimed at admins. With this, you can configure security policies, deploy applications and manage device settings. All of this rounds out to one of the most secure Android flagships on the market.
The best iOS secure smartphone
Step into the future of private communication with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, the crown jewel of secure cell phones. With cutting-edge security measures and features, this flagship smartphone boasts Apple's A18 Bionic chip, a 64-bit ARM-based system on a chip (SoC) that unleashes unprecedented machine learning capabilities. Unlike other devices that rely on distant servers to process critical data, the iPhone 16 Pro Max keeps your information under lock and key by processing it locally for enhanced performance and security.
Unlock your phone and make secure payments effortlessly with Apple's advanced facial recognition technology, Face ID. Utilizing a TrueDepth camera that projects over 30,000 invisible dots, it creates a precise depth map of your face for a secure and seamless experience that only you can access.
Powered by the exclusive iOS operating system, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a fortress of security, featuring a secure boot mechanism that ensures only trusted Apple-signed software is launched, an enclave for storing confidential information, encrypted messaging, and regular security updates. With its hardware-based security measures, such as a secure element for credit card and biometric data storage, as well as an integrated GPS and compass for safe location tracking, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the ultimate in private communication. Protecting your data and privacy has never been easier, or more stylish.
The best Linux-based secure smartphone
Although not running exclusively on Linux (the Fairphone 5 also works on Android), it runs well on the Linux Postmarket OS, making it a great choice for Linux users looking for a secure smartphone.
Fairphone 5's USP is its durability. The manufacturer has pledged to support the device for at least five generations of updates, so it will have up-to-date security patches for a while yet. Plus, with as many as 10 modular spare parts available, owners are encouraged to repair the phone themselves - something that you don't get when using devices manufactured by the heavyweights of Apple and Google.
Other security features of the Fairphone 5 include the app privacy rating displayed when users are browsing the App Lounge, which informs them how secure their data is likely to be when using any particular app. Its tracker detection technology will also help keep users out of the crosshairs of cyberattackers.
The Linux community is known for being more hands-on generally than users of other operating systems, which makes the Fairphone 5 a great fit. With this device, they're in charge of physical repairs but can still enjoy some security support if they need it.
Honorable mentions
As the prevalence of cyberattacks seems to have grown, security has understandably become more of a focus for smartphone manufacturers. Along with the picks we’ve highlighted above, there are undoubtedly some other devices with impressive security credentials. We’ve highlighted a few below:
Murena 2: Running on a de-Googled version of the Android operating system, the Murena 2 smartphone takes privacy very seriously, coming with two physical privacy switches - one to disable the phone’s camera and microphone and the other to completely turn off connectivity entirely. The camera itself is somewhat limited, however.
K-iPhone: Essentially a modified iPhone, KryptAll’s K-iPhone relies on custom firmware and the company’s own VoIP app to build on the already impressive security you get with a standard iPhone.
Bittium Tough Mobile 2C: Offering two operating systems for complete data separation, non-rootable firmware and end-to-end encryption for calls and messages, the Bittium Tough Mobile 2C provides some of the highest levels of security for mobile communications around. The Bittium Secure Suite offers further safeguards too.
Sirin Labs Finney U1: Specifically designed for blockchain enthusiasts, the Sirin Labs Finney U1 comes with its own embedded cryptocurrency wallet for extra secure transactions. Perhaps an idea for the future, should cryptocurrencies really enter the mainstream.
We've also listed the best business smartphones.
Best secure smartphone: FAQs
How to pick a secure mobile phone
We sat down (virtually of course) with Hutch Hutchison, co-owner and designer of the XOR ultra-secure smartphone range, to discuss his thoughts about why secure smartphones should be more than just an afterthought as privacy and security come to the fore.
Luxury has changed over the last two decades. On the outside, it may look similar, but we are not talking about the superficial aspects. Now people want actual substance and worth at the core of the brands and the products they provide. Your data is one of your most valuable assets. Think about it; today a company can be valued in the billions based on the information it holds about people rather than its revenue.
Why people would need a secure phone and what you need to safeguard?
It's worth noting that not all smartphones are as secure as we may assume. In fact, most smartphones available today are highly susceptible to hacking, leaving us vulnerable to digital breaches. Yet, fear not! There are a select few custom-made smartphones that are not only unhackable, but also untraceable.
As digital devices increasingly become essential to business and commerce, they have also become a target for cyberattacks. The need for an untraceable and unhackable smartphone is not just a passing trend, but a necessity in this day and age. Cyber Security Intelligence Worldwide Hacking Updates confirms the reality of hacking and phone tracking, making smartphone security all the more important.
Thankfully, various smartphone technology companies are taking steps to prioritize data protection and online privacy.
Another aspect worthy of comment, for obvious reasons, is banking and other financially sensitive information. None of us can remember it all, and most likely, it is all locked in your phone somewhere - hopefully, you're using the best password manager to keep your credentials safe, for instance. On a less prominent front, your digital footprint is growing day by day, and the AI tools required to piece it all together evolves at a fantastic pace.
What are the benefits of secure phones?
The benefits of owning such a device are clearly to avoid all the very real downfalls mentioned above. However, there is a subtler agenda here, that of feeling safe. A feeling of vulnerability or peril will spike our ‘fight or flight’ stress response. The medical world has come to realize that this condition is detrimental to our health, disabling our immune systems and closing down our ability to digest correctly amongst a plethora of other side effects. Furthermore, a feeling of safety frees the mind for other things such as creativity, learning and emotional connection. There is a rising awareness regarding looking after yourself – which comes in many forms, from exercise, holistic medicine and a clean environment to digital detoxing and data protection.
What are the things to look for?
When in the market for a new mobile device, don't settle for less than top-tier security features like biometric device locking and unlocking, disc encryption, and "locker" applications to safeguard your most sensitive data. In addition, ensure that your chosen device meets your daily demands for performance, durability, and camera capabilities, all while keeping your digital fortress unbreachable.
To mitigate this risk, I suggest looking for a mobile phone that features its own proprietary operating system. This will help ensure that viruses written for the usual operating systems will have no effect. There is another thing to consider, if you think about a fortress, not only is it built strongly, but there are a very limited number of ways in. Pick a handset that offers limited ways in.
No Cellular Data connection, no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no open source data protocols running over the USB connector, because all of these elements are the equivalent of having a fortress with numerous doors! Moving on from the obvious things to look for in a secure phone, having a battery life that is measured in days rather than hours can give one a great sense of security when it comes to staying in touch. Then there are considerations such as ease of use and ergonomics.
These are all key parts of the user experience. The mobile landscape is shifting as users understand the need to protect their communications, networks and data. In an industry that is known for its fast-paced evolution, it is exciting to be part of this revolution and develop a range of products that help cater to this new 21st-century requirement.
After speaking with Hutch, we also thought about a couple of other useful Q&A topics:
What are some key features you'd expect from a secure smartphone?
There are various ways that individuals can enhance the security of the digital tools they use. With smartphones now ubiquitous, they are often a target for malicious actors. As such, look for devices that boast multi-factor authentication, biometrics, encrypted communications, tamper resistance, built-in VPNs, and more.
Does enhanced security mean higher price tags?
Although you don't necessarily have to pay more for the highest levels of security, you might want to consider what the cost of cyberattackers getting their hands on your phone's data might be. Certainly, some security-focused phones are expensive - upwards of $1000 - but that could be a lot less than the reputational and financial damage businesses could incur as a result of a breach.
What can you do to boost your smartphone security?
While the smartphone you use will determine how secure your data is, to an extent, there are still best practices that you should follow. Make sure you regularly install updates and patches, avoid public Wi-Fi networks, disable Bluetooth when you're not using it, and setup a remote wipe feature for if your device is lost or stolen.
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