# SimpleX Chat vs Ello Messenger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimpleX Chat at none against Ello Messenger's 16. SimpleX Chat also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9) and chart position (#210 vs unranked). Ello Messenger's advantage is review sentiment (65% vs 56%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ello Messenger sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

SimpleX Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 268 ratings behind it against 41, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 65% of Ello Messenger's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Ello Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | [3.9 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ello-messenger/id6469151194/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **268** | 41 |
| Positive reviews | 56.5% of reviews | **65.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#210** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 365 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Ello Messenger Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711621771) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

**Currently charting:** #210 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


### Ello Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ello-messenger/id6469151194)

This app offers secure messaging and creative tools, including AI-powered content generation. It allows users to connect with others, build communities, and monetize their creations through subscriptions and exclusive content. Sign up easily with just an email.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, AI-powered text and image generation, Creator channels and exclusive content, Fan subscriptions for creators, Direct messaging and group chats, Email-based signup

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Membership | $10.00 | per month |
| Support with $1 | $1.00 | one-time |
| AI Chat Experience Prompts | $4.99 | one-time |
| AI Image Experience Prompts | $4.99 | one-time |
| $5 Wallet Credit | $5.00 | one-time |
| Al Images and Chat | $5.99 | one-time |
| $10 Wallet Credit | $10.00 | one-time |
| Mini | $10.00 | one-time |
| $20 Wallet Credit | $20.00 | one-time |
| $25 Wallet Credit | $25.00 | one-time |
| Small | $25.00 | one-time |
| $50 Wallet Credit | $50.00 | one-time |
| Medium | $50.00 | one-time |
| $75 Wallet Credit | $75.00 | one-time |
| $100 Wallet Credit | $100.00 | one-time |
| Large | $100.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is Ello Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Ello Messenger?

SimpleX Chat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Ello Messenger averages 3.9 from 41 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Ello Messenger have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Ello Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Ello Messenger?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ello Messenger every 2 weeks. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 14, 2026 and Ello Messenger on October 11, 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.*