Comparison

SimpleX Chat vs Sila Network

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SimpleX Chat

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
Read full description

SimpleX - the first messaging network without user identifiers of any kind (not even random numbers) - 100% private by design! Security assessments by Trail of Bits: 2022: https://simplex.chat/blog/20221108-simplex-chat-v4.2-security-audit-new-website.html 2024: https://simplex.chat/blog/20241014-simplex-network-v6-1-security-review-better-calls-user-experience.html SimpleX Chat features: - quantum resistant end-to-end encrypted messages, with editing, replies and deletion. - disappearing messages with opt-out per contact/group. - message reactions. - delivery receipts, with opt-out per contact or group. - multiple chat profiles, with hidden profiles. - app access and self-destruct passcodes. - incognito mode - unique to SimpleX Chat. - end-to-end encrypted images and files. - voice messages up to 5 minutes – also end-to-end encrypted. - "live" messages – they update for all recipients as you type them, every few seconds - unique to SimpleX Chat. - connect via one-time invitation links or via long-term public addresses. - secret chat groups - only group members know the group exists and who is the member. - end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls. - connection security code verification, for contacts and group members – to protect from man-in-the-middle attacks (e.g. invitation link substitution). - end-to-end encrypted push notifications (they contain only encrypted meta-data, not the actual content). - encrypted portable chat database - you can transfer your chat contacts and history to another device. - all local files and media are encrypted by default. - animated images and "stickers" (e.g., from GIF and PNG files and from 3rd party keyboards). SimpleX Chat advantages: - privacy of your identity, profile, contacts and metadata: unlike any other existing messaging platform, SimpleX uses no phone numbers or any other identifiers assigned to the users - not even random numbers. This protects the privacy of who you are communicating with, hiding it from SimpleX platform servers and from any observers. - complete protection against spam and abuse: as you have no identifier on SimpleX platform, you cannot be contacted unless you share a one-time invitation link or an optional temporary user address. - full ownership, control and security of your data: SimpleX stores all user data on client devices, the messages are only held temporarily on SimpleX relay servers until they are received. - decentralized proxied peer-to-peer network: you can use SimpleX Chat via your own relay servers and still communicate with people using pre-configured or any other SimpleX relay servers. - fully open-source code. You can connect to anybody you know via link or scan QR code (in the video call or in person) and start sending messages instantly - no emails, phone numbers or passwords needed. Your profile and contacts are only stored in the app on your device - relay servers do not have access to this information. All messages are end-to-end encrypted using open-source quantum resistant double-ratchet protocol; the messages are delivered via relay servers using open-source SimpleX Messaging Protocol. Please send us any questions via the app (connect to the team via the app settings!), email chat@simplex.chat or submit issues on GitHub (https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/issues) Ream more about SimpleX Chat at https://simplex.chat Get source code in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat Follow us on X/Twitter (@SimpleXChat), Reddit (r/SimpleXChat/) and Mastodon (https://mastodon.social/@simplex) for the latest updates.

About

Sila Network

An invite-only community platform designed for Muslims to connect with purpose. It facilitates meaningful conversations, exclusive access to trusted services, and a supportive network for personal and professional growth.

Highlights
  • Invite-only community
  • Trusted services
  • Meaningful conversations
  • Goal setting and support
  • Exclusive access
  • Seamless discovery of opportunities
Features
Read full description

Sila is where the Muslim world connects with purpose. This invite-only platform brings together trusted services, meaningful conversations, and a community that uplifts each other. Goal Posts – Share your aspirations and let the community help you move forward. Exclusive Access – Join a high-trust network built for Muslim excellence. Seamless Discovery – Explore top-tier products, services, and opportunities. Join Sila and experience a new way to live your digital Muslim lifestyle.

Screenshots

SimpleX Chat4 screens
Sila Network4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Sila Network at 5.0 against SimpleX Chat's 4.3. Sila Network also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is ratings volume (264 vs 2) and chart position (#187 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sila Network holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 264 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Sila Network every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
SimpleX Chat versus Sila Network: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleX ChatSila Network
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (264 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews56.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings264 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#187 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB98 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperSimpleX ChatLaunchGood, Inc

Customer experience

SimpleX Chat

All ratings264 ratings
Positive79.5%
Neutral6.1%
Negative14.4%
Written reviews208 reviews
Positive56.7%
Neutral13.9%
Negative29.3%

Sila Network

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

SimpleX Chat

Reported bugs

19 issues
  • 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
Show 14 more
  • QR code scanning not working on iPad
  • Desktop-phone sync connection failures
  • Auto-delete messages interrupting voice recordings
  • Typing inserts extra characters
  • iOS 17 keyboard autofill interferes with typing
  • Chat object unresponsive but moveable (delete)
  • Backup restoration key confirmation fails if contact offline
  • Server switching not reflected in chats
  • Cannot change sending server for stuck messages
  • Connection errors when creating chat links
  • Video upload takes hours
  • Call notifications appearing in Russian
  • Random photo auto-attachment during typing
  • Unable to unsend or delete sent attachments

Requested features

14 requests
  • Read receipts option
  • Typing indicators
  • Bot maker feature like Telegram
  • Multiple image attachment with descriptions
  • Better emoji reaction selection
Show 9 more
  • Mac desktop app
  • Web app (PWA)
  • iPad optimization
  • Improved group discovery/search
  • Global self-destruct message settings
  • Pin photos in group welcome messages
  • Chinese input method support
  • Ringing tone during calls
  • Speakerphone launch option before call pickup

Sila Network

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

SimpleX Chat

No in-app purchases

None

Sila Network

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?
SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sila Network free?
Sila Network is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Sila Network?
Sila Network is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Sila Network averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do SimpleX Chat or Sila Network have ads?
Neither SimpleX Chat nor Sila Network shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Sila Network?
SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sila Network every 4 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 23, 2026 and Sila Network on August 30, 2026.

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