# Skred Messenger vs Session

The clearest difference is rating: Session at 4.4 against Skred Messenger's 3.9. Session also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (5.3K vs 78). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Skred Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and Session sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Session holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Session has 5.3K ratings behind it against 78, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Skred Messenger's written reviews are positive against 61% of Session's.

Skred Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, Session fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Skred Messenger | Session |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (78 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skred-messenger/id1201278426/reviews) | **[4.4 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 78 | **5.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.6% of reviews | **61.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#103** |
| Size | 90 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SKRED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1232873096) | [The Loki Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465686521) |

## What reviewers say

### Skred Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skred-messenger/id1201278426)

This secure messaging app offers private, peer-to-peer communication without requiring personal information. It enables encrypted exchanges of messages, images, videos, and calls, with messages disappearing from both devices upon deletion. Multiple identities can be generated for enhanced confidentiality.

**Highlights:** Peer-to-peer communication, End-to-end encryption, No email or phone number required, Self-destructing messages, Multiple identities, Voice and video calls

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month | $2.49 | per month |
| 6 months | $11.99 | per 6 months |
| 12 months | $20.49 | per year |


### Session

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868)

**Currently charting:** #103 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

This secure messenger prioritizes your privacy with a decentralized network and end-to-end encryption. It offers anonymous account creation, IP address protection, and private group chats without collecting any metadata. Share messages and files with confidence, knowing your communications are truly private.

**Highlights:** Anonymous account creation, Decentralized server network, No metadata logging, IP address protection, End-to-end encrypted group chats, Secure file sharing

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Session Pro | $4.49 | per month |
| Session Pro | $11.99 | per 3 months |
| Session Pro | $35.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Clean and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 No phone number or personal data required
- 💡 Innovative use of blockchain and Tor network

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications and message delivery
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Slow media file transfers
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Limited features compared to competitors

**Reported bugs**

- Messages not syncing across devices
- Inability to join or view group chats
- Attachments and media not loading properly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add voice and video calling
- Implement self-destruct/ephemeral messaging
- Allow customization of chat backgrounds and themes
- Improve group chat functionality
- Add support for multiple accounts/identities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Skred Messenger free?

Skred Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Session free?

Session is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Skred Messenger or Session?

Session is rated higher. Skred Messenger averages 3.9 out of 5 from 78 ratings, while Session averages 4.4 from 5.3K ratings.

### Do Skred Messenger or Session have ads?

Neither Skred Messenger nor Session shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Skred Messenger or Session?

Skred Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, and Session fortnightly. Most recently, Skred Messenger was updated on October 26, 2026 and Session on October 28, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*