Comparison

BrightChat vs hqChat

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BrightChat

This app provides secure and private communication through end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. It offers features like scheduled and disappearing messages, as well as group chats for staying connected with loved ones.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encrypted messages
  • Encrypted audio and video calls
  • Schedule messages
  • Disappearing messages
  • Group chats
Features
Read full description

BrightChat is a free, simple, and trusted messenger that connects anyone anywhere. Secure calls and messages based on state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption technology. Privacy and security are the core of our values. Respect for your privacy and protection of your data are our top priority. Every private message and call is secured by end-to-end encryption so that no one, including us, can read your messages or listen to your conversations except yourself and the intended recipients. Main features: * Secure messages with end-to-end encryption End-to-end encrypted messaging to give you peace of mind about your data security. * Encrypted real-time audio and video calls Crystal-clear audio & video let you hear your friends or family as if they were right there with you. * Scheduling messages Compose your messages ahead of time and choose when they get sent. You can send messages in advance, like friend's birthdays, or even schedule to send messages at midnight so that your friends can receive them in the morning. * Disappearing messages Set a timer that automatically deletes your messages after a certain interval. * Group Chats Use group chats to stay connected with friends and family.

About

hqChat

Features
Read full description

HQChat is a private messenger built for a future where today's encryption can be broken. Every message, photo, and call is end-to-end encrypted on your device using post-quantum HQC key exchange and AES-256-GCM. Your encryption keys are generated on your device and never leave it — not even our servers can read your conversations.

Screenshots

BrightChat4 screens
hqChat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: hqChat at every 6 days against BrightChat's every 3 weeks. BrightChat's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrightChat ships an update every 3 weeks, hqChat every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
BrightChat versus hqChat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrightChathqChat
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (190 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings190 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size98 MB13 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperShenXun IncMartin Rougeron

Bugs and requests

BrightChat

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • Cannot receive verification codes (UK, +262)
  • Long delays in sending or receiving messages
  • Messages do not send or receive for long periods
  • Cannot unblock users
  • Delete user option not working
Show 10 more
  • Bug where @ tagging in group chats doesn't work on iPhone
  • Impossible to add members after last update
  • No landscape mode on iPad
  • Unable to connect using mobile data since version 1.20.37
  • Computer version login issues (password reset needed)
  • Contact disappeared on computer version
  • Words with 'pp' cannot be sent
  • Notifications received but app doesn't open or show information
  • All connections gone after upgrading
  • Cannot log in on iPhone after latest update (no next step after password)

Requested features

13 requests
  • Add parental controls (contact restrictions, website blocking)
  • Make secure internet app with parental controls
  • Make double checkmarks more visible
  • Add landscape mode for iPad
  • Allow viewing messages and attachments in landscape mode
Show 8 more
  • Add zoom functionality for messages/attachments
  • Implement a simple poll feature in group chats
  • Create a 'note to self' section
  • Add ability to draw in messages
  • Add possibility to directly respond to messages
  • Add night mode/different color themes
  • Add password login option for computer version
  • Allow editing sent text (contradicts other reviews)

hqChat

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

BrightChat

No in-app purchases

None

hqChat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BrightChat free?
BrightChat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is hqChat free?
hqChat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BrightChat or hqChat have ads?
Neither BrightChat nor hqChat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrightChat or hqChat?
BrightChat ships an update every 3 weeks, and hqChat every 6 days. Most recently, BrightChat was updated on November 2, 2026 and hqChat on October 31, 2026.

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