# Colloquy vs bitchat mesh

The clearest difference is price: bitchat mesh at Free against Colloquy's $1.99. bitchat mesh also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.8) and review sentiment (80% vs 39%). Colloquy's advantage is chart position (#50 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

bitchat mesh holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: bitchat mesh has 510 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Colloquy's written reviews are positive against 80% of bitchat mesh's.

Colloquy ships an update fortnightly, bitchat mesh every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Colloquy | bitchat mesh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [1.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colloquy-irc-client/id302000478/reviews) | **[4.7 (510 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **510** |
| Positive reviews | 39.3% of reviews | **79.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#50** | — |
| Size | 10 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Colloquy Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/302000481) | [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893) |

## What reviewers say

### Colloquy

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

**Currently charting:** #50 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


### bitchat mesh

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

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 Colloquy free?

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

### Is bitchat mesh free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Colloquy or bitchat mesh?

bitchat mesh is rated higher. Colloquy averages 1.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while bitchat mesh averages 4.7 from 510 ratings.

### Do Colloquy or bitchat mesh have ads?

Neither Colloquy nor bitchat mesh shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Colloquy or bitchat mesh?

Colloquy ships an update fortnightly, and bitchat mesh every 4 days. Most recently, Colloquy was updated on October 13, 2026 and bitchat mesh on October 13, 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.*