# SimpleX Chat vs United CHAT

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimpleX Chat at none against United CHAT's 5. SimpleX Chat also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). United CHAT's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. United CHAT sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. SimpleX Chat asks for nothing beyond the download.

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, United CHAT every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleX Chat | United CHAT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **279** | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 207 MB | 157 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) | [Sebastian Przybylski](https://appshunter.io/developer/6794695019) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleX Chat

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

This secure messenger prioritizes privacy by eliminating user identifiers, offering end-to-end encrypted communication with features like disappearing messages and anonymous profiles. It provides a decentralized network and open-source code for enhanced user control and security.

**Highlights:** No user identifiers, End-to-end encrypted messages, Disappearing messages, Anonymous profiles, Decentralized network, Open-source code, Encrypted calls and files

**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


### United CHAT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/united-chat/id6802477293)

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| United CHAT — Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| United CHAT — 3 Months | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| United CHAT — 6 Months | $119.99 | per 6 months |
| United CHAT — Yearly | $299.99 | per year |
| 3-Day Trial | Free | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

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

### Is United CHAT free?

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

### Do SimpleX Chat or United CHAT have ads?

Neither SimpleX Chat nor United CHAT shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleX Chat or United CHAT?

SimpleX Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, and United CHAT every 3 days. Most recently, SimpleX Chat was updated on November 7, 2026 and United CHAT on October 31, 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.*