# SimpleX Chat vs Dabbel

The clearest difference is rating: Dabbel at 5.0 against SimpleX Chat's 4.3. Dabbel also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (276 vs 8). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dabbel sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per month. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dabbel holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 276 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Dabbel weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Dabbel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (276 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dabbel-hobbies-and-meetups/id6760844866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **276** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 56.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 193 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Dabbel LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886515102) |

## 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


### Dabbel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dabbel-hobbies-and-meetups/id6760844866)

Connect with others to explore new hobbies and activities in your local area. Discover nearby events, host your own gatherings, and form small groups for shared experiences. Chat with participants to finalize plans and build lasting connections.

**Highlights:** Discover nearby activities, Host your own events, Match in small groups, Group chat for planning, Build community connections

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dabbel Premium | $3.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is Dabbel free?

Dabbel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Dabbel is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 276 ratings, while Dabbel averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Dabbel have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Dabbel shows ads.

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

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Dabbel weekly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 30, 2026 and Dabbel on October 28, 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.*