# SimpleX Chat vs Sila Network

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.

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

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Sila Network |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sila-network/id6475728219/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **264** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [LaunchGood, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1113616842) |

## 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


### Sila Network

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sila-network/id6475728219)

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:** 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 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*