Comparison

SimpleX Chat vs HispanoIRC

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

HispanoIRC

This app offers a modern and multilingual IRC experience with a customizable interface and an innovative permissions system. It allows seamless communication, even with anti-spam measures enabled, making it a comprehensive tool for global discussions and connections.

Highlights
  • Modern and customizable interface
  • Multilingual support (5 languages)
  • Innovative permissions system
  • Anti-spam communication
  • Global discussion participation
Features
Read full description

HispanoIRC: Modern IRC Client HispanoIRC is an IRC client that lets you connect to public chat networks easily. With a modern and customizable interface, integrated translation in a multitude of languages, and moderation tools to keep conversations organized. Key Features: • Connection to standard IRC servers • Real-time translation (multitude of languages) • Customizable interface • Channel and user management • Multi-network compatibility Designed for users seeking a smooth and organized IRC chat experience.

Screenshots

SimpleX Chat4 screens
HispanoIRC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SimpleX Chat at 56% against HispanoIRC's 0%. SimpleX Chat also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). HispanoIRC's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. HispanoIRC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, HispanoIRC every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SimpleX Chat versus HispanoIRC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleX ChatHispanoIRC
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (268 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.5% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings268 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB45 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperSimpleX Chatpablo cebrian

Customer experience

SimpleX Chat

All ratings268 ratings
Positive79.1%
Neutral6.0%
Negative14.9%
Written reviews209 reviews
Positive56.5%
Neutral14.4%
Negative29.2%

HispanoIRC

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative50.0%

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

HispanoIRC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

SimpleX Chat

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

HispanoIRC

One-time2
  • Premium monthly$0.99
  • Subscripción anual$8.99

Questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?
SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HispanoIRC free?
HispanoIRC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SimpleX Chat or HispanoIRC have ads?
HispanoIRC shows ads; SimpleX Chat does not.
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or HispanoIRC?
SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and HispanoIRC every 8 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 12, 2026 and HispanoIRC on October 6, 2026.

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