monocles chat review
An open-source Android XMPP client for messaging, group chats, and encrypted calls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
monocles chat is an open-source Android messaging client built on XMPP, aimed at people who want an alternative to WhatsApp and are comfortable using compatible XMPP apps. It covers text and voice messages, private group chats, public rooms, and sharing photos, stickers, videos, files, and locations. It also supports encrypted audio and video calls. Since it uses XMPP, users can communicate with people on compatible clients and continue their account in another client. Its focus is Android rather than cross-platform messaging.
The standout is its mix of XMPP interoperability and privacy-oriented features. It offers multiple end-to-end encryption methods, message-history synchronization across devices, and daily local chat-history backups. Address-book integration is designed to work without sending the address book to the server, and the app does not use Firebase Cloud Messaging. These features make it a fit for users who value control over their messaging setup and want more than one encryption option. However, support for encryption does not establish that personal chats use it by default, so buyers should check the app's settings and behavior against their own expectations.
The published Google Play listing shows a $3.49 purchase in the US, while pricing may differ by region. There is no free plan, and the app is limited to Android, which rules it out for buyers seeking a desktop client or a free entry point. Support is offered through community and email channels. Choose monocles chat if Android and XMPP compatibility suit your contacts and you want local backups and encrypted calling; consider another option if desktop access or verified default-on encryption is essential.
monocles chat pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports private group chats, public rooms, and media and location sharing
- Offers encrypted audio and video calls plus multiple end-to-end encryption methods
- Syncs message history across devices and backs up chats locally
- Where it doesn't
- Android-only, with no desktop app
- Requires a paid purchase; the US Google Play listing shows $3.49
- Default-on end-to-end encryption for personal chats is not verified
monocles chat fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update