# SimpleX Chat vs Lurk

The clearest difference is update cadence: SimpleX Chat at every 2 weeks against Lurk's every 6 months. SimpleX Chat also leads on chart position (#178 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Lurk every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Lurk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **264** | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#178** | — |
| Size | 193 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Kevin Tang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780758221) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

**Currently charting:** #178 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


### Lurk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lurk-moltbook-reader/id6759355183)

**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 Lurk free?

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

### Do SimpleX Chat or Lurk have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Lurk shows ads.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Lurk every 6 months. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on September 26, 2026 and Lurk on September 15, 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.*