Comparison

SimpleX Chat vs Nebenchat

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

Nebenchat

Read full description

Nebenchat helps you discover and chat with nearby people through a map-based experience. Your location is blurred to protect privacy, and the app includes account management, feedback, and safety-focused interaction flows.

Screenshots

SimpleX Chat4 screens
Nebenchat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimpleX Chat at none against Nebenchat's 5. SimpleX Chat also leads on ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#205 vs unranked). Nebenchat's advantage is update cadence (every 2 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. Nebenchat sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Nebenchat every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
SimpleX Chat versus Nebenchat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleX ChatNebenchat
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (268 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings268 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#205 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB87 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperSimpleX ChatGlasrocks Technology Co., Ltd.

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

Nebenchat

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

SimpleX Chat

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Nebenchat

Subscriptions5
  • Extended Radius$1.991 Month
  • Travel Mode (Weekly)$1.997 Days
  • Premium$2.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Travel Mode (Monthly)$4.991 Month
  • Unlimited$6.991 Month

Questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?
SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nebenchat free?
Nebenchat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SimpleX Chat or Nebenchat have ads?
Nebenchat shows ads; SimpleX Chat does not.
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Nebenchat?
SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Nebenchat every 2 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 14, 2026 and Nebenchat on October 9, 2026.

Other comparisons