Privacy · Review
ActiveSession Review 2026: Onion-Routed Messaging and the SESH Token
Session is a decentralized messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption and onion routing to limit metadata, with the SESH token used to stake and help secure its node network. It suits privacy-focused users, but staking terms and audits are not published.
By the DappsAtlas editorial team · Updated
DappsAtlas score
6.5/10
Good
Our verdict on Session
6.5/10Session suits people who want a messenger that limits metadata through onion routing and a decentralized node network, and who may also be interested in staking SESH. Its main strength is the privacy design combined with a reported user base above 1 million monthly. The main caveat is the lack of published detail on audits, team, staking rates and lock-up terms, so verify those on official channels before staking any funds.
Score breakdown
How Session scores
- Security
- n/a
- Ease of use
- n/a
- Fees
- n/a
- Features
- 6.5/10
Scores run from 0 to 10 and are based only on facts we could verify. Where information was missing we mark the score n/a rather than guess.
What is Session?
Session is a decentralized messaging app focused on private communication. It combines end-to-end encryption, metadata protection and onion routing so that messages pass through a node network rather than a single company's servers.
One announcement from February 2025 cited over 1 million monthly users and 2,200+ active nodes, while another source describes a network of 2,000+ nodes. These are project-reported figures. A 2021 write-up describes Session as one of Oxen's most prominent products, which points to its roots in the Oxen privacy project.
The SESH token was introduced to support the network. It is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, and the project promotes staking it to secure Session and earn rewards. The project does not publish licensing, audit or team details in the material reviewed.
How Session works
Session routes messages through a network of nodes instead of a central server. Onion routing wraps each message in layers so that no single node sees both who sent it and where it is going. Combined with end-to-end encryption, this is meant to keep message content and metadata private.
The nodes are operated by participants in the network. The SESH token is designed to align them with the network's health: the project says users can stake SESH to earn rewards while securing Session. Staking requires a wallet and SESH tokens, and the project describes it as fast and simple.
SESH is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum. Token transactions follow standard Ethereum rules, so wallets, gas fees and exchange listings work as they do for other ERC-20 assets.
6 features
Key features
01
End-to-end encryption
Messages are protected so only the sender and recipient can read them.
02
Onion routing
Traffic is routed through multiple nodes, which makes it harder to link a message to a sender's network location.
03
Metadata protection
The project emphasizes limiting the metadata that messaging services typically collect about who talks to whom.
04
Decentralized node network
Messaging runs over a network of 2,000+ nodes rather than one central server, according to project-reported figures.
05
SESH staking
SESH holders can stake tokens to help secure the network and earn rewards.
06
ERC-20 token
SESH is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, so it works with standard Ethereum wallets.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Combines end-to-end encryption with onion routing and metadata protection, a stronger privacy focus than many mainstream messengers.
- Runs on a decentralized network of 2,000+ nodes rather than one central server, per project-reported figures.
- Reported scale of over 1 million monthly users suggests a real user base, not just a concept.
- SESH staking gives token holders a way to take part in securing the network.
- SESH is a standard ERC-20 token, compatible with common Ethereum wallets.
Watch out for
- Metadata protection depends on a network of volunteer-run nodes, so its strength rests on how many nodes there are and how they are distributed.
- The SESH token is ERC-20 on Ethereum, so staking and transfers involve wallet use and network gas costs, which can be a hurdle for non-crypto users.
- Staking reward rates, lock-up terms and slashing rules are not published in the sources reviewed, so returns and risks cannot be judged.
- Audit reports, team details and governance structure are not published in the material reviewed.
- Onion-routed messaging usually trades some speed for privacy, and a smaller user base than mainstream messengers limits who you can reach.
Session fees
Session does not publish a fee schedule in the sources reviewed, and the messaging app is not described as charging per message. Any costs would come from the SESH token side: Ethereum network gas for transfers and staking transactions, and any trading fees on the exchange used to buy SESH.
Staking reward rates and any fees or penalties tied to staking are not stated. Users would see these in the official staking interface and documentation before confirming a transaction.
Is Session safe?
Security for the messaging side rests on end-to-end encryption and onion routing, which are well-understood techniques, but the sources reviewed do not include independent audit results. Users should check the official channels for security audits and open-source code before trusting it with sensitive communication.
Staking SESH adds smart-contract and market risk. Token value can swing sharply, and staking terms such as lock-up periods and penalties are not published in the sources reviewed. Never stake more than you can afford to lose, and use a wallet you control.
5 steps
How to get started with Session
- 1
Download the Session app only from the official website or a verified app store listing, and check the publisher.
- 2
Create an account and back up your recovery phrase offline, since there is no company account to reset.
- 3
Send a test message to a contact to confirm it works before relying on it.
- 4
If you want to participate in staking, set up an Ethereum wallet and acquire SESH on an exchange you trust.
- 5
Read the official staking guide for rates, lock-up terms and risks, then start with a small amount.
Who Session is for
Session suits privacy-conscious users who want a messenger that does not rely on a single company's servers, and crypto holders comfortable with Ethereum wallets who want to stake SESH. It is less suited to people who need the widest contact reach or who want clearly published staking returns before taking token risk.
Session FAQs
What is Session?
Session is a decentralized messaging app built around end-to-end encryption, metadata protection and onion routing. Messages travel through a network of nodes rather than a single company-run server.
What is the SESH token used for?
SESH is the token linked to the Session network. It is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, and holders can stake it to help secure Session and earn rewards.
How big is the Session network?
Session describes its network as running on more than 2,000 nodes, and a February 2025 announcement cited 2,200+ active nodes and over 1 million monthly users. These are project-reported figures and may have changed since.
How do I stake SESH?
Staking SESH requires a wallet and some SESH tokens. Reward rates, lock-up periods and any penalty conditions are not published in the sources reviewed, so read the official staking guide before committing funds.
Has Session been audited?
The sources reviewed do not mention audits for the token contracts or staking system. Check the project's official channels for audit reports before staking.
Is Session related to Oxen?
Session grew out of Oxen, a privacy-focused project, according to a 2021 write-up describing it as one of Oxen's most prominent products. SESH was announced later, in early 2025, as the token for the Session network.
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Guides
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How we checked
Sources
Last updated . Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.