Comparison

Session vs Tato Talk

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

Head to head
About

Session

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
Read full description

Session is a new breed of private messenger, built on a unique network of user-operated servers spread all over the world. With no central servers, Session can’t leak or sell your data. And with Session’s private routing protocols, your messages are completely safe. No trackers, no leaks — send messages, not metadata. • Fully private account creation: No phone number or email needed to create an Account ID • Decentralized server network: No data breaches, no central point of failure • No metadata logging: Session doesn't store, track, or log your messaging metadata • IP address protection: Device IP addresses are never exposed to the person you're talking to or the servers holding your data • Closed groups: Private, end-to-end encrypted group chats for up to 100 people • Secure attachments: Share voice snippets, photos, and files with Session's secure encryption and privacy protections • Free and open-source: Don’t take our word for it — check Session's code yourself Session is free as in free speech and free as in free of ads and trackers. It is stewarded by the Session Foundation, a Swiss-based foundation dedicated to advancing digital rights and innovation. Take back your online privacy today — download Session. Want to build from source, report a bug, or just take a look at our code? Check out Session on GitHub: https://github.com/session-foundation/session-ios Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Session Terms of Service: https://getsession.org/terms-of-service

About

Tato Talk

This app offers secure, instant messaging with a smart toolbox for enhanced communication. It includes AI-generated conversation starters, real-time translation, and a library of chat tips to help users express themselves confidently in any situation.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encryption
  • AI-generated conversation starters
  • Real-time message translation
  • Chat tips library
  • High-definition media sharing
  • Group voice and video calls
  • Cross-device syncing
Features
Read full description

TatoTalk is a next-generation instant messaging app built for people who want more from their conversations. From everyday chats to cross-border team collaboration, TatoTalk combines powerful communication tools with a clean, intuitive experience. Privacy-First Encryption Every message, call, and file transfer is protected by end-to-end encryption — your conversations are yours alone, with zero unauthorized access. Smart Toolbox Go beyond basic messaging with TatoTalk's built-in productivity suite: save Quick Replies for frequently used messages, break the ice with AI-generated conversation starters, and translate messages in real time without leaving the app. Chat Tips Library Not sure what to say? Browse a curated library of conversation guides and scripts — organized by scenario — to help you express yourself more confidently in any situation. Rich Media Support Share high-definition photos, videos, voice messages, and files of any type — no compression, no limits on your expression. Groups Built for Teams Host large communities or tight-knit teams with group voice and video calls, pinned announcements, and flexible admin controls. Crystal-Clear Calls High-quality voice and video calls that work reliably across borders — stay close to the people who matter, wherever they are. Always in Sync Pick up right where you left off — messages and contacts sync instantly across all your devices. Make It Yours Personalize your chat with custom themes, backgrounds, and notification settings. Available in 19 Languages Designed for a global community, with full localization across 19 languages.

Screenshots

Session4 screens
Tato Talk4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Session at 4.4 against Tato Talk's 3.2. Session also leads on review sentiment (61% vs 36%) and ratings volume (5.3K vs 62). Tato Talk's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model 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. Session sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Tato Talk asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Session holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Session has 5.3K ratings behind it against 62, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Session's written reviews are positive against 36% of Tato Talk's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Session ships an update fortnightly, Tato Talk monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Session versus Tato Talk: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSessionTato Talk
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5.3K ratings) — better3.2 (62 ratings)
Positive reviews61.0% of reviews — better36.2% of reviews
Number of ratings5.3K — better62
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#105#93 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB298 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperThe Loki ProjectBackEndTech

Customer experience

Session

All ratings5,186 ratings
Positive84.0%
Neutral4.3%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews1,227 reviews
Positive61.0%
Neutral12.1%
Negative26.8%

Tato Talk

All ratings62 ratings
Positive51.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative43.5%
Written reviews47 reviews
Positive36.2%
Neutral8.5%
Negative55.3%

Bugs and requests

Session

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • 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

5 requests
  • 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

Tato Talk

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Session

Subscriptions3
  • Session Pro$4.491 Month
  • Session Pro$11.993 Months
  • Session Pro$35.991 Year
None

Tato Talk

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Session free?
Session is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tato Talk free?
Tato Talk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Session or Tato Talk?
Session is rated higher. Session averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5.3K ratings, while Tato Talk averages 3.2 from 62 ratings.
Do Session or Tato Talk have ads?
Neither Session nor Tato Talk shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Session or Tato Talk?
Session ships an update fortnightly, and Tato Talk monthly. Most recently, Session was updated on October 24, 2026 and Tato Talk on October 21, 2026.
Which is more popular, Session or Tato Talk?
Session currently peaks at #105 in the App Store charts, and Tato Talk at #93. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

Other comparisons