ChatSecure
ChatSecure: A focused iOS XMPP client for users who want open, encrypted messaging. Ranked #28 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for iOS users needing specialized encrypted XMPP.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best foriOS users needing specialized encrypted XMPP
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Encryption coverageMixed
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source under GPLv3+
- Supports OMEMO, OTR, Tor, and certificate pinning
- Encrypted local logs and file transfers
Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS
- No official desktop app
- No listed calling, disappearing messages, or backups
Our verdict on ChatSecure
ChatSecure is a free, open-source XMPP messaging client for iOS. It suits users who want encrypted conversations through public XMPP services, existing accounts, or their own server rather than a proprietary messaging network. Its ecosystem is built around compatibility: users can communicate with compatible XMPP clients, while XMPP and optional Tor provide the main connection options. The project is distributed under GPLv3+ and maintained through an open-source development model with optional user donations.
The published product model is straightforward: ChatSecure is free, with no paid tiers described. Its security feature set includes OMEMO end-to-end encrypted messaging, OTR with forward secrecy, optional Tor connectivity, TLS certificate pinning, SQLCipher encryption for local conversation logs, and encrypted file transfers for OMEMO or OTR sessions. This combination makes the app more specialized than a general-purpose messenger, particularly for users who already understand or operate within the XMPP ecosystem.
The trade-off is platform and feature scope. ChatSecure is iOS-only, with no official desktop app, and the listed product scope does not include calling, disappearing messages, or backups. The latest listed release is v4.3.6, dated December 11, 2018. Choose ChatSecure if you prioritize open-source iOS messaging, XMPP interoperability, and multiple encryption options. Choose another encrypted messaging app if you need desktop access, calling, disappearing messages, or backups.
Your product? Our editors can test ChatSecure in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
ChatSecure pricing
ChatSecure fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Encryption coverage | Mixed |
| Maximum group size | Not verified |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | No |
| Voice and video calls | Not verified |
| Disappearing messages | Not verified |
| Encrypted backups | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS |
| Support | Email, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: XMPP, Tor |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | chatsecure.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
ChatSecure integrations
ChatSecure lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- XMPP
- Tor
Alternatives to ChatSecure
- SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
- WhatsAppA free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.9.3
- ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1
See all ChatSecure alternatives →
Also Ranked In
ChatSecure is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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