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Head-to-head · Decentralized Messaging Apps

Delta Chat vs Psi+

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Delta Chat #2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Delta Chat
Psi+ #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Psi+

Delta Chat leads on 0 checks, Psi+ on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDelta Chat · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPsi+ · 2 of 4

Delta Chat scores higher on our rubric for decentralized messaging apps: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

Delta Chat is the better fit for people wanting private messaging across devices. Psi+ is the better fit for desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging.

  • Delta Chat fits best

    People wanting private messaging across devices

  • Psi+ fits best

    Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging

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Side by side

Feature Delta Chat 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Psi+ 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for People wanting private messaging across devices Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Delta Chat 0/4 · Psi+ 2/4
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Self-hosting Not checked yet —
Group chat Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Account required Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Network architecture Not checked yet Federated
Supported platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption is on by default, with private group chats.
  • Free apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • Supports calls, channels, disappearing messages, and file sharing.
  • Connects to federated XMPP servers for one-to-one and group chats
  • Offers file transfers, plugins, and customizable interface controls
  • Free and open source, with Windows, macOS, and Linux builds
Cons
  • Message transport depends on chatmail relays or classic email servers.
  • Exported backups were documented as unencrypted in a 2020 assessment.
  • Support channels are community and documentation.
  • Desktop-only; no mobile platform is listed
  • Encryption options may vary by build and plugin
  • Community support may not suit users seeking direct assistance
Our verdict

Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for people who want private conversations across desktop and mobile devices. It supports one-to-one chats, private groups, channels, audio and video calls, and sharing files, photos, videos,…

Read the review →

Psi+ is a desktop XMPP client for people who want messaging across the federated XMPP network. It supports one-to-one conversations and multi-user chat rooms, with builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its free, open-source model makes it…

Read the review →
  1. Delta ChatDecentralized Messaging Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. Psi+Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Delta Chat — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption is on by default, with private group chats.
    • Free apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
    • Supports calls, channels, disappearing messages, and file sharing.

    Where it doesn't

    • Message transport depends on chatmail relays or classic email servers.
    • Exported backups were documented as unencrypted in a 2020 assessment.
    • Support channels are community and documentation.

  • Psi+ — where it wins

    • Connects to federated XMPP servers for one-to-one and group chats
    • Offers file transfers, plugins, and customizable interface controls
    • Free and open source, with Windows, macOS, and Linux builds

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only; no mobile platform is listed
    • Encryption options may vary by build and plugin
    • Community support may not suit users seeking direct assistance
  • Delta Chat9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source messenger with default end-to-end encryption across desktop and mobile.

    Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →
  • Psi+8.6/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source XMPP client for desktop users who value federation and customization.

    Visit Psi+Full verdict →

More comparisons

All decentralized messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update