# SimpleX Chat vs Spectra Protocol

The clearest difference is rating: Spectra Protocol at 5.0 against SimpleX Chat's 4.3. Spectra Protocol also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). SimpleX Chat's advantage is ratings volume (268 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Spectra Protocol holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleX Chat has 268 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 50% of Spectra Protocol's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, Spectra Protocol weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | Spectra Protocol |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectra-protocol/id6776937247/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **268** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **56.5% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 193 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Mozaga Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776937249) |

## 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


### Spectra Protocol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectra-protocol/id6776937247)

This app offers a secure, privacy-focused messaging and self-custody wallet experience. It uses wallet-based identity for communication and allows users to manage digital assets securely from their device.

**Highlights:** Wallet-linked identity, End-to-end encrypted messaging, Secure voice and video calls, Self-custody wallet, Biometric app protection, Offline encrypted relay

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is Spectra Protocol free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleX Chat or Spectra Protocol?

Spectra Protocol is rated higher. SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Spectra Protocol averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SimpleX Chat or Spectra Protocol have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor Spectra Protocol shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or Spectra Protocol?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 2 weeks, and Spectra Protocol weekly. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on October 14, 2026 and Spectra Protocol on September 29, 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.*