SimpleX Chat vs HopNet
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- No user identifiers
- End-to-end encrypted messages
- Disappearing messages
- Incognito mode
- Encrypted file and voice messages
- Secret chat groups
- Encrypted portable chat database
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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.
HopNet
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HopNet sends messages directly from your phone to theirs, protected by end-to-end encryption. There's no sign-up and no central message database — your conversations belong to you. When the other phone is offline, an encrypted envelope waits briefly on a relay that cannot read it — then it's gone. Photos and videos between online phones travel directly. HopNet is a private messenger with nothing to breach. HopNet lets you exchange end-to-end-encrypted messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and calls — one-to-one or in small private groups — with people you add yourself, so no one, including us, can read your conversations. You're only ever in touch with people you choose. You add a contact by scanning their QR code, in person. HopNet has no random matching, no "chat with strangers" mode, and no public directory — only the people you've added can reach you. Why HopNet is different • No phone number, no email, no account — your identity is a key that lives only on your phone. • End-to-end encryption — the same proven design used by leading secure messengers (X3DH and the Double Ratchet). • Voice & video calls — end-to-end encrypted, and they connect even on restrictive networks. • Photos & voice notes in groups — shared with the same end-to-end encryption as your messages. • Private offline delivery — when your contact is offline, your message waits in an encrypted "blind mailbox" that no one, not even us, can read, and is deleted once delivered. • You're in control — verify contacts with safety numbers, lock the app with Face ID, block or report anyone, and wipe everything instantly. Safety HopNet has zero tolerance for objectionable content and abusive users. You can block or report any contact at any time from the chat menu, and reports are reviewed within 24 hours. How it works 1. Open HopNet — a private identity is created on your device. 2. Scan a friend's QR code (or have them scan yours). 3. Start chatting, privately. HopNet is in active development. We'd love your feedback — Settings, then Send Feedback. Note: when you're connected to a contact, they may see your IP address, as with other direct-connection messengers. Use a VPN if that matters to you.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HopNet at every 2 days against SimpleX Chat's every 2 weeks. HopNet also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). SimpleX Chat's advantage is chart position (#200 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
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, HopNet every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SimpleX Chat | HopNet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (264 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 264 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | #200 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 193 MB | 97 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | SimpleX Chat | ANTON SHIFMAN |
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
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- 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
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- 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
HopNet
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SimpleX Chat
No in-app purchases
HopNet
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SimpleX Chat free?
Is HopNet free?
Do SimpleX Chat or HopNet have ads?
Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or HopNet?
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