# Session vs bitchat mesh

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: bitchat mesh at none against Session's 3. bitchat mesh also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). Session's advantage is ratings volume (5.2K vs 510) and chart position (#100 vs unranked). On price, ads, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Session sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. bitchat mesh asks for nothing beyond the download.

bitchat mesh holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Session has 5.2K ratings behind it against 510, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Session ships an update fortnightly, bitchat mesh every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Session | bitchat mesh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868/reviews) | **[4.7 (510 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5.2K** | 510 |
| Positive reviews | — | 79.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#100** | — |
| Size | 92 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Loki Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465686521) | [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893) |

## What reviewers say

### Session

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

**Currently charting:** #100 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


### bitchat mesh

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622)

Connect with people nearby without needing personal contact information. This app facilitates private, encrypted group chats using Bluetooth mesh technology, making it ideal for local communication without internet access.

**Highlights:** Local Bluetooth mesh chat, No internet required, Encrypted private messages, Relays messages for range, Sidegroupchat functionality

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Modern, efficient offline communication
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Useful for areas with poor internet connectivity
- 👍 Innovative use of Bluetooth for decentralized network

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable message delivery and sync issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on certain devices
- 🔒 Concerns about long-term privacy and security

**Reported bugs**

- Typing input field issues on Mac
- Notifications not working consistently on iOS

**Requested features**

- Drawing/sketching feature like Pictochat
- Customizable themes and UI options
- Ability to filter messages by favorites or verified users
- Support for file sharing and image transfer
- Integration with cryptocurrency/Bitcoin payments


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Session free?

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

### Is bitchat mesh free?

bitchat mesh is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Session or bitchat mesh?

bitchat mesh is rated higher. Session averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5.2K ratings, while bitchat mesh averages 4.7 from 510 ratings.

### Do Session or bitchat mesh have ads?

Neither Session nor bitchat mesh shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Session or bitchat mesh?

Session ships an update fortnightly, and bitchat mesh every 4 days. Most recently, Session was updated on October 18, 2026 and bitchat mesh on October 18, 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.*