# SimpleX Chat vs Airgun Nation

The clearest difference is update cadence: Airgun Nation at every 2 days against SimpleX Chat's every 2 weeks. Airgun Nation also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). SimpleX Chat's advantage is review sentiment (56% vs 33%) and ratings volume (274 vs 6). 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.

SimpleX Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 274 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 33% of Airgun Nation's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Airgun Nation every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Airgun Nation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (274 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | [4.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airgun-nation/id6469349209/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **274** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **56.2% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 193 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Michael Wendt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711819103) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

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


### Airgun Nation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airgun-nation/id6469349209)

Connect with fellow enthusiasts in a dedicated community for airguns. Share photos, videos, and resources, engage in discussions, and chat privately with others. Customize your experience with notifications and theme options.

**Highlights:** Share pictures and videos, Private messaging, Join and start discussions, Save, follow, and hide content, Customizable notifications, Light and dark mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is Airgun Nation free?

Airgun Nation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Airgun Nation?

SimpleX Chat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 274 ratings, while Airgun Nation averages 4.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Airgun Nation have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Airgun Nation shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Airgun Nation?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Airgun Nation every 2 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 27, 2026 and Airgun Nation 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.*