# Element X vs bitchat mesh

The clearest difference is rating: bitchat mesh at 4.7 against Element X's 3.5. bitchat mesh also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 39%) and chart position (#115 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, 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.

bitchat mesh holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 164 and 522 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Element X's written reviews are positive against 80% of bitchat mesh's.

Element X ships an update fortnightly, bitchat mesh weekly. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Element X | bitchat mesh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (164 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews) | **[4.7 (522 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 164 | **522** |
| Positive reviews | 38.8% of reviews | **79.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#115** |
| Size | 341 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) | [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893) |

## What reviewers say

### Element X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820)

Communicate securely and privately with instant messaging and video calls. This app offers robust features for individuals and communities, allowing you to own your data and choose where it's hosted. Enjoy real-time communication with synchronized history across all your devices.

**Highlights:** Real-time messaging, Video calls, Public and private rooms, Rich messaging features, Cross-device synchronization, Data ownership and server choice

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### bitchat mesh

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622)

**Currently charting:** #115 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with people nearby without needing personal contact information. This app facilitates private, encrypted group chats using Bluetooth mesh technology, making it ideal for local communication without internet access.

**Highlights:** Local Bluetooth mesh chat, No internet required, Encrypted private messages, Relays messages for range, Sidegroupchat functionality

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Modern, efficient offline communication
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Useful for areas with poor internet connectivity
- 👍 Innovative use of Bluetooth for decentralized network

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable message delivery and sync issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on certain devices
- 🔒 Concerns about long-term privacy and security

**Reported bugs**

- Typing input field issues on Mac
- Notifications not working consistently on iOS

**Requested features**

- Drawing/sketching feature like Pictochat
- Customizable themes and UI options
- Ability to filter messages by favorites or verified users
- Support for file sharing and image transfer
- Integration with cryptocurrency/Bitcoin payments


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Element X free?

Element X is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is bitchat mesh free?

bitchat mesh is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Element X or bitchat mesh?

bitchat mesh is rated higher. Element X averages 3.5 out of 5 from 164 ratings, while bitchat mesh averages 4.7 from 522 ratings.

### Do Element X or bitchat mesh have ads?

Neither Element X nor bitchat mesh shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Element X or bitchat mesh?

Element X ships an update fortnightly, and bitchat mesh weekly. Most recently, Element X was updated on October 30, 2026 and bitchat mesh on October 30, 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.*