# Colloquy vs Element X

The clearest difference is price: Element X at Free against Colloquy's $1.99. Element X also leads on rating (3.4 vs 1.8) and ratings volume (156 vs 32). Colloquy's advantage is chart position (#58 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 18.5). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Element X is free to download; Colloquy costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Element X holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 156 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 39% and 39% positive.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Colloquy | Element X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [1.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colloquy-irc-client/id302000478/reviews) | **[3.4 (156 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **156** |
| Positive reviews | **39.3% of reviews** | 39.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#58** | — |
| Size | 10 MB | 313 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 18.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Colloquy Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/302000481) | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) |

## What reviewers say

### Colloquy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colloquy-irc-client/id302000478)

**Currently charting:** #58 Top Paid · Social Networking (US App Store)

This app brings the functionality of a popular desktop IRC client to your mobile device. It offers a full-featured experience optimized for on-the-go use with iOS multitasking and push notifications. Enjoy customizable settings, message highlighting, and robust IRC command support.

**Highlights:** Retina display support, iOS multitasking and split-screen, Push notifications with bouncer, Nickname and emoticon completion, Message highlighting and vibration, Customizable interface and behavior, WHOIS user information display

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reliable connection
- 👍 Thoughtful design
- 🔒 Handles bouncer setup well
- 📱 Works great on iOS

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Difficult to use for new users
- 🔋 Disconnects after inactivity
- 🔍 Confusing interface

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Text entry box issues
- Inconsistent user list display
- Broken features after updates

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Longer background timeout
- Improved search and user list
- Better file transfer support


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Colloquy free?

Colloquy costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Element X free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Colloquy or Element X?

Element X is rated higher. Colloquy averages 1.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Element X averages 3.4 from 156 ratings.

### Do Colloquy or Element X have ads?

Neither Colloquy nor Element X shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Colloquy or Element X?

Colloquy ships an update fortnightly, and Element X fortnightly. Most recently, Colloquy was updated on October 15, 2026 and Element X on October 14, 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.*