Comparison

SimpleX Chat vs Secure Comms

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

Secure Comms

This platform offers end-to-end encrypted communication and collaboration for teams. It uses human verification and advanced cryptography to protect sensitive data from various threats, ensuring only trusted members can connect.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encrypted Kibu Pods
  • Human verification for members
  • Biometric authentication (Face ID)
  • Secure file sharing
  • Screenshot protection notifications
  • Eliminates password/phone number reliance
Read full description

Kibu's encrypted collaboration platform protects your organization’s sensitive communication, workflows, and collaboration by adding a layer of human trust on top of advanced cryptography. Create secure "Kibu Pods"—private, end-to-end encrypted groups with trusted, verified members—to protect your organization from internal and external threats. Only individuals that you and your pod members verify can connect with you, ensuring you always know exactly who is on the other end. Why Choose Kibu? - Human Trust Meets Cryptography: Kibu combines strong end-to-end encryption with real-world human verification, enhancing security through mutual trust. - Eliminate Common Attack Vectors: By not using emails, passwords, or phone numbers, Kibu protects you from impersonation and credential-based attacks. - Device & Biometric Security: Your Kibu account exists only on your device and is secured by your Face ID at the time of account creation. Key Features - Biometric Authentication: Access your Kibu account and pods securely using Face ID—no passwords or phone numbers needed. - Kibu Pods: Create private, end-to-end encrypted groups with trusted, mutually verified members. - Secure Communication: Enjoy encrypted group chats within your pods, keeping conversations confidential. - File Sharing: Securely share files and documents within your pods, ensuring sensitive information stays protected. - Screenshot Protection: Get notified whenever someone takes a screenshot in a pod; screen recording is blocked to prevent unauthorized sharing and leaks. - Pod Member Verification: Verify the identity of pod members, even outside of Kibu (e.g., on video calls), to combat impersonation attacks and ensure authenticity. Protect Against Advanced Threats - Fraud - AI-assisted impersonation attacks - Phishing - Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks - Password Attacks - Spoofing - Identity-Based Attacks - Insider Threats - Spamming Common Use Cases - Executive Teams: Secure communication for C-Suite, Board of Directors, and advisors. Approve key decisions with full auditability and maintain a single source of truth. - Accounting Departments: Confirm vendor identities, invoices, and wire instructions. Securely send authorizations for approval, ensuring all decisions are compliant and traceable. - Client Engagements: Safely interact with clients and their teams. Share sensitive documents and validate key account changes using biometric verification. - Deal Teams: Protect M&A discussions and collaborate securely with advisors. Create shared workspaces, approve evolving deal terms, maintain a full audit trail, and prevent information leaks. Getting Started With Kibu Kibu is ready to protect your organization today. Download now or contact us to learn more!

Screenshots

SimpleX Chat4 screens
Secure Comms4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Secure Comms at 100% against SimpleX Chat's 57%. Secure Comms also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is ratings volume (264 vs 16) and chart position (#193 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

Secure Comms 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 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 100% of Secure Comms's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Secure Comms weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
SimpleX Chat versus Secure Comms: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleX ChatSecure Comms
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (264 ratings)5.0 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews56.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings264 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#193 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB57 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperSimpleX ChatKibu, Inc

Customer experience

SimpleX Chat

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

Secure Comms

All ratings16 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
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

Secure Comms

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

SimpleX Chat

No in-app purchases

None

Secure Comms

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?
SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Secure Comms free?
Secure Comms is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Secure Comms?
Secure Comms is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Secure Comms averages 5.0 from 16 ratings.
Do SimpleX Chat or Secure Comms have ads?
Neither SimpleX Chat nor Secure Comms shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Secure Comms?
SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Secure Comms weekly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 29, 2026 and Secure Comms on June 5, 2026.

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