# SimpleX Chat vs ChatFort

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ChatFort at 100% against SimpleX Chat's 56%. ChatFort also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is ratings volume (274 vs 7). 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.

ChatFort holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 274 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 100% of ChatFort's.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, ChatFort every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | ChatFort |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (274 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatfort-secure-messenger/id6759920785/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **274** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 56.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 193 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [YOUR HEALING ARTIST LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881661422) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

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


### ChatFort

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatfort-secure-messenger/id6759920785)

A private, end-to-end encrypted messenger offering secure voice and video calls. It supports Urdu and English, with unique features like a Safety Hub and Emergency Data Protection for enhanced privacy.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, Secure voice and video calls, Urdu and English language support, Centralized Safety Hub, Emergency Data Protection, Nearby Mode for offline communication

**Features:** 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 ChatFort free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or ChatFort?

ChatFort is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 274 ratings, while ChatFort averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or ChatFort have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor ChatFort shows ads.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and ChatFort every 3 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 25, 2026 and ChatFort on October 24, 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.*