# SimpleX Chat vs bitchat mesh

The clearest difference is rating: bitchat mesh at 4.7 against SimpleX Chat's 4.3. bitchat mesh also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 57%) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is chart position (#173 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

bitchat mesh holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 264 and 510 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 80% of bitchat mesh's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, bitchat mesh every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | bitchat mesh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[4.7 (510 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 264 | **510** |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | **79.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#173** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893) |

## 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


### bitchat mesh

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622)

Connect with people nearby without needing personal contact information. This app facilitates private, encrypted group chats using Bluetooth mesh technology, making it ideal for local communication without internet access.

**Highlights:** Local Bluetooth mesh chat, No internet required, Encrypted private messages, Relays messages for range, Sidegroupchat functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Modern, efficient offline communication
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Useful for areas with poor internet connectivity
- 👍 Innovative use of Bluetooth for decentralized network

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable message delivery and sync issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on certain devices
- 🔒 Concerns about long-term privacy and security

**Reported bugs**

- Typing input field issues on Mac
- Notifications not working consistently on iOS

**Requested features**

- Drawing/sketching feature like Pictochat
- Customizable themes and UI options
- Ability to filter messages by favorites or verified users
- Support for file sharing and image transfer
- Integration with cryptocurrency/Bitcoin payments


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is bitchat mesh free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or bitchat mesh?

bitchat mesh is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while bitchat mesh averages 4.7 from 510 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or bitchat mesh have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor bitchat mesh shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or bitchat mesh?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and bitchat mesh every 4 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 23, 2026 and bitchat mesh on September 25, 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.*