# SimpleX Chat vs Join Tracker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Join Tracker at 100% against SimpleX Chat's 57%. Join Tracker also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is ratings volume (264 vs 10) and chart position (#173 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.

Join Tracker 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 10, 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 Join Tracker's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Join Tracker every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Join Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join-tracker/id6720766205/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **264** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#173** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Tracker LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770851216) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

**Currently charting:** #173 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


### Join Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join-tracker/id6720766205)

A secure platform for communities to connect and share content. Create or join groups, post updates, and engage with others. Manage your online space and build meaningful connections.

**Highlights:** Create and join groups, Post updates, photos, and videos, Engage with comments, Manage online community space, Build meaningful connections

**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 Join Tracker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Join Tracker?

Join Tracker is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Join Tracker averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Join Tracker have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Join Tracker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Join Tracker?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Join Tracker every 5 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 23, 2026 and Join Tracker on September 21, 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.*