# Is using privacy-friendly apps (proton, tuta, etc.) on web more private than using their apps for iphone?

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/is-using-privacy-friendly-apps-proton-tuta-etc-on-web-more-private-than-using-their-apps-for-iphone/39012
**Category:** Questions
**Tags:** please-eli5
**Created:** 2026-07-05T21:24:59Z
**Posts:** 7

## Post 1 by @veyej — 2026-07-05T21:25:00Z

The general advice for iphone is to use websites over apps. Im wondering if this applies to privacy-friendly apps. Or does it depend on your threat model?

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## Post 2 by @Tux — 2026-07-06T01:51:16Z

Overall, yes, and using third-party clients for open protocols (IMAP, Wireguard…) is even better.

I wouldn’t use an email or VPN service, for example, if it required me to run some proprietary binary on my device.

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## Post 3 by @FranklyFlawless — 2026-07-06T04:46:01Z

> [@veyej](#):
>
> Or does it depend on your threat model?

You got it, general advice does not equate to vulnerable demographics.

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## Post 4 by @01 — 2026-07-06T06:43:56Z

Depends on your threat model. - FranklyFlawless

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## Post 5 by @shadowwwind — 2026-07-06T09:42:20Z

Depends on your threadmodel.

For encryption software (like the mentioned email providers) it makes more sense to use native applications, as its more obvious and documentable if an update gets pushed that messes with the encryption or private keys. With a website you need to trust the webserver to send the correct web application at every time.

That is also the reason I have heard for Signal not offering a web app.

For clients there is also the option for additional assurance via reproducible builds although sadly neither support that.

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## Post 6 by @DanielM — 2026-07-06T12:22:01Z

> [@veyej](#):
>
> Or does it depend on your threat model?

It’s valid for anyone in general. It all depends on the circumstances and their limitations.

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## Post 7 by @Expert4870 — 2026-07-06T13:56:19Z

> **[Web-based cryptography is always snake oil](https://www.devever.net/~hl/webcrypto)**

This could add to the discussion? This person has a strong opinion on the matter.

> **[Web-based cryptography is always snake oil](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48792203)**
>
> 114 points —
> 116 comments —
> enz —
> 8:01 AM - 5 Jul 2026

> **[Web-based cryptography is snake oil](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36466133)**
>
> 111 points —
> 102 comments —
> hlandau —
> 8:39 AM - 25 Jun 2023