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Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

Wire vs Delta Chat

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Wire #4 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Wire
Delta Chat #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Delta Chat

Wire leads on 0 checks, Delta Chat 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 scoreWire · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresDelta Chat · 3 of 3

Wire scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

Wire is the better fit for enterprise encrypted collaboration. Delta Chat is the better fit for open-source messaging with email interoperability.

  • Wire fits best

    Enterprise encrypted collaboration

  • Delta Chat fits best

    Open-source messaging with email interoperability

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Side by side

Feature Wire 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Delta Chat 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #4 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Enterprise encrypted collaboration Open-source messaging with email interoperability
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price €7.45/user/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Wire 0/3 · Delta Chat 3/3
Desktop app Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Voice and video calls Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Disappearing messages Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Encryption coverage Not checked yet Default
Maximum group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
Linked device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Encrypted backups Not checked yet None
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption covers messages, calls, and file sharing
  • Supports channels, guests, search, screen sharing, and self-deleting messages
  • Runs across web, desktop, mobile, Linux, and API environments
  • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
  • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps
Cons
  • Linux support is experimental or community-supported
  • The SMB monthly plan costs more than annual billing
  • Enterprise features are concentrated in higher-tier deployments
  • Exported backups are not encrypted
  • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
  • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
Our verdict

Wire is an end-to-end encrypted collaboration platform for organizations, governments, and public-sector teams. It brings messaging, audio and video calls, conferences, file sharing, guest collaboration, channels, screen sharing, and…

Read the review →

Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for private conversations, groups, channels, and one-to-one audio or video calls. It is designed for people who want default end-to-end encryption across mobile and desktop while retaining…

Read the review →
  1. WireEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.9Free plan
  2. Delta ChatEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Wire — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption covers messages, calls, and file sharing
    • Supports channels, guests, search, screen sharing, and self-deleting messages
    • Runs across web, desktop, mobile, Linux, and API environments

    Where it doesn't

    • Linux support is experimental or community-supported
    • The SMB monthly plan costs more than annual billing
    • Enterprise features are concentrated in higher-tier deployments

  • Delta Chat — where it wins

    • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
    • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Exported backups are not encrypted
    • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
    • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
  • Wire8.9/10 · Free plan

    A broad encrypted workspace with free essentials and enterprise administration options.

    Visit WireFull verdict →
  • Delta Chat8.6/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source messenger that combines default encryption with email interoperability.

    Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →

More comparisons

All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update