# Synod.im vs vio.chat

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Synod.im at 100% against vio.chat's 0%. Synod.im also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 18 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Synod.im ships an update every 2 months, vio.chat every 18 months. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Synod.im | vio.chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synodim/id1488171544/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 157 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Christoph Settgast](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488171543) | [vio:networks GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1504253659) |

## What reviewers say

### Synod.im

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synodim/id1488171544)

This app allows participation in a federated messaging system, offering a Matrix-compatible messenger. It connects to a default server but supports others, serving as a fork of a popular iOS client.

**Highlights:** Matrix-compatible messaging, Federated system participation, Customizable homeserver, Fork of Element iOS, Decentralized communication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### vio.chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viochat/id1585306488)

Connect with colleagues securely and flexibly through private or group chats. Enjoy end-to-end encryption and share files from anywhere, with your message history synced across devices. Customize your chat spaces to suit your team's needs.

**Highlights:** Create private or group chat rooms, End-to-end encryption, Share images and files, Synchronized message history across devices, Customizable chat spaces, Location-independent communication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Synod.im free?

Synod.im is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is vio.chat free?

vio.chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Synod.im or vio.chat have ads?

Neither Synod.im nor vio.chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Synod.im or vio.chat?

Synod.im ships an update every 2 months, and vio.chat every 18 months. Most recently, Synod.im was updated on October 1, 2026 and vio.chat on October 1, 2026.

---

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