# K9 Chat vs Hugin Messenger

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hugin Messenger at weekly against K9 Chat's every 3 weeks. Hugin Messenger also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.5). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for K9 Chat against 5.0 for Hugin Messenger. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 4 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

K9 Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, Hugin Messenger weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | K9 Chat | Hugin Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k9-chat/id1603886124/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hugin-messenger/id6741133299/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 254 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **16.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Colohost LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1582364323) | [Harry Eriksson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793219872) |

## What reviewers say

### K9 Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k9-chat/id1603886124)

This secure chat application offers end-to-end encryption and zero-trust communication for private teams and organizations. It supports audio, video, screensharing, and voice notes without tracking user activity. Access requires an account provided by an administrator.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encryption, Zero-trust communication, Anonymous messaging, Audio and video calls, Screensharing, Voice notes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hugin Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hugin-messenger/id6741133299)

Experience secure, decentralized communication with this peer-to-peer chat service. Connect with friends and communities through encrypted direct and group messages, all without central servers or personal data collection. Enjoy crystal-clear voice and video calls and a decentralized social feed.

**Highlights:** Peer-to-peer communication, End-to-end encryption, Voice and video calls, Decentralized social feed, Zero sign-up required, No personal data collection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is K9 Chat free?

K9 Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hugin Messenger free?

Hugin Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, K9 Chat or Hugin Messenger?

K9 Chat and Hugin Messenger are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do K9 Chat or Hugin Messenger have ads?

Neither K9 Chat nor Hugin Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, K9 Chat or Hugin Messenger?

K9 Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hugin Messenger weekly. Most recently, K9 Chat was updated on October 16, 2026 and Hugin Messenger on October 21, 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.*