Delta Chat vs Tox

Delta Chat9.2Visit Tox8.7Visit

Higher score Delta Chat #2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Delta Chat

vs

Tox #7 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Tox

• Delta Chat fits best

  People wanting private messaging across devices

• Tox fits best

  People seeking free encrypted personal communication

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Side by side

Feature	Delta Chat 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Tox 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.7
Ranking	#2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps	#7 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for	People wanting private messaging across devices	People seeking free encrypted personal communication
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Community, Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Delta Chat 0/4 · Tox 0/4
End-to-end encryption	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Self-hosting	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Group chat	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Account required	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Network architecture	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
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.	Encrypted text, voice and video calls, plus group chats File sharing without artificial limits or caps Peer-to-peer networking with Tor support
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.	Clients are alpha software under heavy development The project warns of possible usability and security issues A professional security audit has not been completed
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 →	Tox is a free, open-source protocol for personal communication, with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, screen sharing, and file transfers. It is aimed at people who want those features without a subscription and are… Read the review →

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.

• Tox — where it wins

  • Encrypted text, voice and video calls, plus group chats
  • File sharing without artificial limits or caps
  • Peer-to-peer networking with Tor support

  Where it doesn't

  • Clients are alpha software under heavy development
  • The project warns of possible usability and security issues
  • A professional security audit has not been completed

• 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 →
• Tox8.7/10 · Free plan

  Free encrypted chats, calls, groups, and file sharing, delivered through independent clients.

  Visit ToxFull verdict →