# SimpleX Chat vs BonChat

The clearest difference is rating: BonChat at 4.8 against SimpleX Chat's 4.3. BonChat also leads on ratings volume (59K vs 264). SimpleX Chat's advantage is chart position (#167 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

BonChat holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BonChat has 59K ratings behind it against 264, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 57% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 56% of BonChat's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, BonChat every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | BonChat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[4.8 (59K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonchat/id6701998686/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 264 | **59K** |
| Positive reviews | **56.7% of reviews** | 55.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#167** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Hong Kong CipherChat Tech Company Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1769526889) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

**Currently charting:** #167 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


### BonChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonchat/id6701998686)

This app offers secure messaging and file sharing with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. It provides options for private or on-premise server deployment, advanced group management, and a user-friendly interface. Enjoy seamless cross-platform communication with full control over your data.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encryption, Private/on-premise server deployment, Advanced group management, User-friendly interface, Cross-platform support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful training
- 💡 Useful updates and news
- 🔒 Safe and secure communication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inadequate training
- 🐛 Difficult to use
- 💬 Feature poor (can't hide online status, keyboard hides text area)

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add read receipts (two checkmarks when message is read)
- Improve keyboard and text area usability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is BonChat free?

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

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

BonChat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while BonChat averages 4.8 from 59K ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or BonChat have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor BonChat shows ads.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and BonChat every 4 weeks. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 23, 2026 and BonChat on September 24, 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.*