# SimpleX Chat vs Element X

The clearest difference is rating: SimpleX Chat at 4.3 against Element X's 3.4. SimpleX Chat also leads on review sentiment (57% vs 40%) and chart position (#187 vs unranked). 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.

SimpleX Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 264 and 152 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 40% of Element X's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Element X fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Element X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | [3.4 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **264** | 152 |
| Positive reviews | **56.7% of reviews** | 40.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 313 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084)

**Currently charting:** #187 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

This secure messaging app offers unparalleled privacy by eliminating user identifiers. Enjoy end-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and files with features like disappearing messages and incognito mode. Connect via invitation links without needing phone numbers or emails.

**Highlights:** No user identifiers, End-to-end encrypted messages, Disappearing messages, Incognito mode, Encrypted file and voice messages, Secret chat groups, Encrypted portable chat database

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 End-to-end encryption and quantum-resistant security
- 🔐 No phone number or personal data required
- 👤 Anonymous profiles and multiple identities
- 🚀 Fast message delivery when working properly
- 🎯 Decentralized and open-source architecture

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and instability
- 📬 Delayed or missing notifications (20+ minutes common)
- ⌨️ Keyboard issues on iOS (freezing, unresponsive)
- 🔌 Poor connectivity and message delivery failures
- 📱 iPad version not optimized

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (v6.2 update)
- Keyboard unresponsive on iOS 26
- Messages not appearing until app is opened
- Notifications not working despite correct settings
- Chat freezing and lag on iPhone

**Requested features**

- Read receipts option
- Typing indicators
- Bot maker feature like Telegram
- Multiple image attachment with descriptions
- Better emoji reaction selection


### 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 SimpleX Chat free?

SimpleX 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, SimpleX Chat or Element X?

SimpleX Chat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Element X averages 3.4 from 152 ratings.

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

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Element X shows ads.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Element X fortnightly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 23, 2026 and Element X on September 24, 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.*