# Delta Chat vs Element X

The clearest difference is rating: Delta Chat at 4.4 against Element X's 3.4. Delta Chat also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 39%) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.5). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Delta Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 129 and 162 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Delta Chat's written reviews are positive against 39% of Element X's.

Delta Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, Element X fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Delta Chat | Element X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/delta-chat/id1459523234/reviews)** | [3.4 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 129 | **162** |
| Positive reviews | **63.2% of reviews** | 38.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 60 MB | 341 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [merlinux](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459523233) | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) |

## What reviewers say

### Delta Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/delta-chat/id1459523234)

A decentralized instant messenger prioritizing privacy and ease of use. It allows secure communication with friends, family, and groups without requiring personal data like phone numbers. The app is flexible, reliable in challenging network conditions, and built on open-source principles.

**Highlights:** Private instant onboarding, No phone number required, Mutual consent for messaging, Multiple chat profiles, Works in bad network conditions, End-to-end encryption, Run with own email/server

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Element X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820)

Communicate securely and privately with instant messaging and video calls. This app offers robust features for individuals and communities, allowing you to own your data and choose where it's hosted. Enjoy real-time communication with synchronized history across all your devices.

**Highlights:** Real-time messaging, Video calls, Public and private rooms, Rich messaging features, Cross-device synchronization, Data ownership and server choice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Delta Chat free?

Delta Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Element X free?

Element X is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Delta Chat or Element X?

Delta Chat is rated higher. Delta Chat averages 4.4 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while Element X averages 3.4 from 162 ratings.

### Do Delta Chat or Element X have ads?

Neither Delta Chat nor Element X shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Delta Chat or Element X?

Delta Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, and Element X fortnightly. Most recently, Delta Chat was updated on October 29, 2026 and Element X on October 27, 2026.

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