Tox vs Psi+

Tox8.7Visit PPsi+8.6Visit

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

vs

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

• Tox fits best

  People seeking free encrypted personal communication

• Psi+ fits best

  Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging

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Side by side

Feature	Tox 8.7/10 Visit ↗	PPsi+ 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	8.6
Ranking	#7 in Decentralized Messaging Apps	#8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for	People seeking free encrypted personal communication	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, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs	Community
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Tox 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 text, voice and video calls, plus group chats File sharing without artificial limits or caps Peer-to-peer networking with Tor support	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	Clients are alpha software under heavy development The project warns of possible usability and security issues A professional security audit has not been completed	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	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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• Tox8.7/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit ToxFull 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 →