SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat: A privacy-focused, open-source messenger that avoids user profile identifiers. Ranked #7 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for privacy-focused users avoiding phone numbers.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPrivacy-focused users avoiding phone numbers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- End-to-end encrypted messages, media, groups, and calls
- Open-source apps for mobile, desktop, Linux, and self-hosting
- Disappearing messages and portable encrypted database export
Where it doesn't
- The same profile cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices
- Desktop linking is supported locally rather than across simultaneous devices
- Self-hosted relay support may require additional technical administration
Our verdict on SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is an open-source encrypted messaging application for people who want private conversations without user profile identifiers. It supports end-to-end encrypted one-to-one and group messaging, file, image, and video sharing, voice messages, disappearing messages, and encrypted audio and video calls. Profiles, contacts, and message history are stored locally on users’ devices, while relay servers temporarily forward encrypted messages. Official apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with support for self-hosted relay servers.
Its strongest advantage is breadth within a privacy-focused messenger. SimpleX Chat combines everyday text and media sharing with group conversations, calls, disappearing messages, incognito mode, and per-connection profile names. Portable encrypted database export and import adds a way to move stored data between supported environments. The open-source model also suits users who want to inspect or self-host parts of the service rather than rely only on a closed application. The platform range covers mobile, desktop, Linux, and self-hosted deployments.
The trade-off is device and administration flexibility. The same profile cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices, while desktop linking is supported locally. Users selecting self-hosted relay servers may also need to handle additional technical administration. SimpleX Chat is a strong fit for privacy-focused individuals and groups who value encrypted communication, local data storage, open-source software, and avoiding user profile identifiers. It is less suitable for people who need the same profile active across multiple devices at once or who want a service designed around minimal technical involvement.
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SimpleX Chat pricing
SimpleX Chat fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | Not verified |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Encrypted backups | None |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | simplex.chat |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SimpleX Chat
- 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 SimpleX Chat alternatives →
SimpleX Chat vs the competition
- SimpleX Chat vs Signal
- SimpleX Chat vs WhatsApp
- SimpleX Chat vs Wire
- SimpleX Chat vs Messenger
- SimpleX Chat vs Delta Chat
- SimpleX Chat vs Jami
Compare SimpleX Chat with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
SimpleX Chat is ranked in 6 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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