SimpleX Chat vs Psi+

SimpleX Chat9.1Visit PPsi+8.6Visit

Higher score SimpleX Chat #3 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SimpleX Chat

vs

P Psi+ #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Psi+

• SimpleX Chat fits best

  Privacy-focused users seeking anonymous messaging

• Psi+ fits best

  Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging

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Side by side

Feature	SimpleX Chat 9.1/10 Visit ↗	PPsi+ 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.6
Ranking	#3 in Decentralized Messaging Apps	#8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for	Privacy-focused users seeking anonymous messaging	Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Email, Live chat, Docs	Community
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features SimpleX 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	Connect without user profile identifiers Encrypted messages, files, calls and disappearing messages Apps for desktop and mobile, with optional self-hosted relays	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	Group messaging is intended for relatively small groups Backups may be unencrypted, depending on provider and configuration Profiles, contacts and message history are primarily stored on devices	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	SimpleX Chat is an open-source messaging app for people who want private conversations without user profile identifiers. It supports end-to-end encrypted text, file and media sharing, voice and video calls, disappearing messages, and group… 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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• SimpleX Chat — where it wins

  • Connect without user profile identifiers
  • Encrypted messages, files, calls and disappearing messages
  • Apps for desktop and mobile, with optional self-hosted relays

  Where it doesn't

  • Group messaging is intended for relatively small groups
  • Backups may be unencrypted, depending on provider and configuration
  • Profiles, contacts and message history are primarily stored on devices

• 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

• SimpleX Chat9.1/10 · Free plan

  Private messaging with encrypted chats, calls, files and groups—without profile identifiers.

  Visit SimpleX ChatFull verdict →
• PPsi+8.6/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit Psi+Full verdict →