Comparison

UP vs BonChat

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

UP

This communication tool prioritizes user privacy by offering end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. It allows for secure sharing of various media types and the creation of private or public chat rooms. The app is designed to prevent data mining and monetization, fully complying with GDPR.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Encrypted audio/video calls
  • Screen sharing
  • Private and public chat rooms
  • File sharing
  • Privacy-first design
  • GDPR compliant
Features
Read full description

Meet the UP Messenger, your everyday communication tool that does not mine, analyze or monetize your data. Offered as part of the Unplugged application suite, the UP Messenger is designed to protect your privacy and bring the control over your data back to you. Want to communicate freely? Here are some of the main features of the UP Messenger: Message- send and receive encrypted text messages, pictures, video, audio and other files with your friends, family and colleagues. Calls- make one-on-one or conference audio and video calls. You can also share your screen. Rooms- create and manage private and public communication rooms. End-to-End Encryption- every message and call is end-to-end encrypted by default. No one except you (and the other party with whom you communicate) has access to your data, not even Unplugged. Privacy-First- the UP Messenger is private by design. We cannot and will not analyze your data, monetize it or sell it to anyone. For additional information, please review our privacy policy. GDPR- the UP Messenger fully complies with the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Desktop client- visit our website to access the UP Messenger using your desktop web-browser. To learn more about Unplugged and how to reclaim control over your privacy, visit www.unplugged.com.

About

BonChat

This app offers secure messaging and file sharing with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. It provides options for private or on-premise server deployment, advanced group management, and a user-friendly interface. Enjoy seamless cross-platform communication with full control over your data.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Private/on-premise server deployment
  • Advanced group management
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cross-platform support
Read full description

Welcome to BonChat, your ultimate solution for secure and private communication! With BonChat, you can enjoy seamless messaging, file sharing, and collaboration - all protected by state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. # Key Features ## End-to-End Encryption Your messages and files are encrypted from the moment they leave your device until they reach the recipient, ensuring that only you and your chosen contacts can read or access them. ## Private or On-Premise Server Deployment Take control of your data with our private or on-premise server deployment option. Host BonChat on your own servers for total peace of mind, knowing that your communication is secure and under your control. ## Powerful Group Management Experience advanced group functionality with BonChat’s robust group management features. Create, manage, and customize groups effortlessly while controlling member permissions in detail for enhanced collaboration. ## User-Friendly Interface BonChat is designed for everyone. Our intuitive interface makes it easy to send messages, share files, and manage your contacts without compromising on security. ## Cross-Platform Support Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, BonChat provides a seamless experience across all devices, ensuring you stay connected anytime, anywhere. Experience the freedom of secure communication with BonChat. Download now and take the first step towards protecting your conversations and data like never before! BonChat: Your data, your control, your security.

Screenshots

UP4 screens
BonChat4 screens

Verdict

The call

UP and BonChat both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of UP's written reviews are positive against 56% of BonChat's. BonChat's advantage is ratings volume (59K vs 29). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for UP against 4.8 for BonChat. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BonChat has 59K ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of UP's written reviews are positive against 56% of BonChat's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

UP ships an update monthly, BonChat every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
UP versus BonChat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUPBonChat
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (29 ratings)4.8 (59K ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better55.7% of reviews
Number of ratings2959K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size136 MB77 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperUnplugged Technologies LtdHong Kong CipherChat Tech Company Limited

Customer experience

UP

All ratings29 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral3.4%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

BonChat

All ratings59,172 ratings
Positive95.4%
Neutral1.7%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews501 reviews
Positive55.7%
Neutral2.6%
Negative41.7%

Bugs and requests

UP

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

BonChat

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices

Requested features

2 requests
  • Add read receipts (two checkmarks when message is read)
  • Improve keyboard and text area usability

In-app purchases

None

UP

No in-app purchases

None

BonChat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is UP free?
UP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BonChat free?
BonChat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, UP or BonChat?
BonChat is rated higher. UP averages 4.7 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while BonChat averages 4.8 from 59K ratings.
Do UP or BonChat have ads?
Neither UP nor BonChat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, UP or BonChat?
UP ships an update monthly, and BonChat every 4 weeks. Most recently, UP was updated on September 11, 2026 and BonChat on September 24, 2026.

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