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Head-to-head · Decentralized Messaging Apps

Session vs Psi+

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Session #5 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Session
Psi+ #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Psi+

Session 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 scoreSession · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPsi+ · 2 of 4

Session scores higher on our rubric for decentralized messaging apps: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

Session is the better fit for private chats, calls, and expiring messages. Psi+ is the better fit for desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging.

  • Session fits best

    Private chats, calls, and expiring messages

  • Psi+ fits best

    Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging

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Side by side

Feature Session 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Psi+ 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #5 in Decentralized Messaging Apps #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for Private chats, calls, and expiring messages Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $2.99/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Session 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
  • Encrypted direct and group chats with onion-routed message delivery
  • Pseudonymous Account IDs require no phone number or email
  • Desktop and mobile apps include configurable disappearing messages
  • 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
  • Voice and video calls are beta and are not onion-routed
  • Pro costs $2.99 per month for longer messages and profile extras
  • Communities are not fully end-to-end encrypted
  • 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

Session is a decentralized messaging app for individuals and groups who want encrypted chats without registering a phone number or email. Its pseudonymous Account IDs, end-to-end encrypted direct and group messaging, onion-routed message…

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. SessionDecentralized Messaging Apps 8.9Free plan
  2. Psi+Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Session — where it wins

    • Encrypted direct and group chats with onion-routed message delivery
    • Pseudonymous Account IDs require no phone number or email
    • Desktop and mobile apps include configurable disappearing messages

    Where it doesn't

    • Voice and video calls are beta and are not onion-routed
    • Pro costs $2.99 per month for longer messages and profile extras
    • Communities are not fully end-to-end encrypted

  • 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
  • Session8.9/10 · Free plan

    Private messaging with onion-routed delivery, disappearing messages, and optional calls.

    Visit SessionFull 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