Comparison

SimpleX Chat vs Tato Talk

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

Tato Talk

This app offers secure, instant messaging with a smart toolbox for enhanced communication. It includes AI-generated conversation starters, real-time translation, and a library of chat tips to help users express themselves confidently in any situation.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encryption
  • AI-generated conversation starters
  • Real-time message translation
  • Chat tips library
  • High-definition media sharing
  • Group voice and video calls
  • Cross-device syncing
Features
Read full description

TatoTalk is a next-generation instant messaging app built for people who want more from their conversations. From everyday chats to cross-border team collaboration, TatoTalk combines powerful communication tools with a clean, intuitive experience. Privacy-First Encryption Every message, call, and file transfer is protected by end-to-end encryption — your conversations are yours alone, with zero unauthorized access. Smart Toolbox Go beyond basic messaging with TatoTalk's built-in productivity suite: save Quick Replies for frequently used messages, break the ice with AI-generated conversation starters, and translate messages in real time without leaving the app. Chat Tips Library Not sure what to say? Browse a curated library of conversation guides and scripts — organized by scenario — to help you express yourself more confidently in any situation. Rich Media Support Share high-definition photos, videos, voice messages, and files of any type — no compression, no limits on your expression. Groups Built for Teams Host large communities or tight-knit teams with group voice and video calls, pinned announcements, and flexible admin controls. Crystal-Clear Calls High-quality voice and video calls that work reliably across borders — stay close to the people who matter, wherever they are. Always in Sync Pick up right where you left off — messages and contacts sync instantly across all your devices. Make It Yours Personalize your chat with custom themes, backgrounds, and notification settings. Available in 19 Languages Designed for a global community, with full localization across 19 languages.

Screenshots

SimpleX Chat4 screens
Tato Talk4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SimpleX Chat at 4.3 against Tato Talk's 3.2. SimpleX Chat also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 36%) and ratings volume (268 vs 62). Tato Talk's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SimpleX Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 268 and 62 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 36% of Tato Talk's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Tato Talk monthly. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
SimpleX Chat versus Tato Talk: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleX ChatTato Talk
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (268 ratings) — better3.2 (62 ratings)
Positive reviews56.5% of reviews — better36.2% of reviews
Number of ratings268 — better62
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#208#84 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB298 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperSimpleX ChatBackEndTech

Customer experience

SimpleX Chat

All ratings268 ratings
Positive79.1%
Neutral6.0%
Negative14.9%
Written reviews209 reviews
Positive56.5%
Neutral14.4%
Negative29.2%

Tato Talk

All ratings62 ratings
Positive51.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative43.5%
Written reviews47 reviews
Positive36.2%
Neutral8.5%
Negative55.3%

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

Tato Talk

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

SimpleX Chat

No in-app purchases

None

Tato Talk

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?
SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tato Talk free?
Tato Talk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Tato Talk?
SimpleX Chat is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Tato Talk averages 3.2 from 62 ratings.
Do SimpleX Chat or Tato Talk have ads?
Neither SimpleX Chat nor Tato Talk shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Tato Talk?
SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Tato Talk monthly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 14, 2026 and Tato Talk on October 14, 2026.
Which is more popular, SimpleX Chat or Tato Talk?
SimpleX Chat currently peaks at #208 in the App Store charts, and Tato Talk at #84. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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