# SimpleX Chat vs Swiftgram

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimpleX Chat at none against Swiftgram's 1. Swiftgram's advantage is review sentiment (69% vs 56%) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Swiftgram sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per month. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for SimpleX Chat against 4.2 for Swiftgram. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 279 and 646 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 69% of Swiftgram's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Swiftgram monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Swiftgram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | [4.2 (646 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swiftgram-telegram-mod-client/id6471879502/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 279 | **646** |
| Positive reviews | 56.2% of reviews | **69.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 193 MB | 251 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Akentech Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716113804) |

## 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


### Swiftgram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swiftgram-telegram-mod-client/id6471879502)

A modified Telegram client offering enhanced privacy, unlimited accounts, and advanced messaging features. Enjoy ad-free communication with tools like message filtering, real-time translation, and voice-to-text transcription.

**Highlights:** Unlimited accounts, Message filtering, Voice-to-text transcription, Real-time chat translation, Customizable interface, Apple Watch companion, Privacy-focused features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Siri integration, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Swiftgram Pro | $3.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate translation
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 Extensive customization options
- 🚀 Lightweight and efficient
- 👍 Feature-rich alternative to official Telegram

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Accounts sometimes get locked or banned
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🐛 Unreliable voice message transcription

**Reported bugs**

- Search bar crashes the app
- Forwarded messages disappear
- Notification issues and unknown caller spam
- Slow message loading and account switching
- Crashes when accessing storage usage section

**Requested features**

- Add Thai language support
- Integrate with iOS call features
- Implement 'show restricted content' for entire chats
- Add 'add to cloud' option for direct message saving
- Allow custom app icon selection


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is Swiftgram free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Swiftgram?

SimpleX Chat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while Swiftgram averages 4.2 from 646 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Swiftgram have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Swiftgram shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Swiftgram?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Swiftgram monthly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on November 3, 2026 and Swiftgram on October 30, 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.*