Monal vs Vibest
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Monal
This open-source messenger provides a fast and user-friendly way to connect to the XMPP public chat network. Enjoy private, ad-free communication with end-to-end encryption and features like group chats and file sharing.
- Open Source
- No Ads
- OMEMO encrypted chat
- Multi user chat (MUC)
- Audio/Video calls
- File sharing
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There has never been a better time to get into XMPP, a free public chat network no one controls or owns. Monal is a fast and user friendly way to use XMPP. Just download the app, login or register and you are ready to chat in minutes. It looks and works the way other apps do, so there is no need to “learn XMPP” or even care what it is. Notable features: - Open Source - No Ads! Strong focus on privacy. Does not phone home and does not have software "metrics" - Does not read any personal information - With a direct connection to your server, your password and all other info are never sent to a third-party - OMEMO encrypted chat - Will work with corporate XMPP servers that require VPN - Multi user chat (MUC) support for group chats - Audio/Video calls Implements certain XMPP extensions intended to improve mobile communication: - XEP-0357: Push Notifications - XEP-0280: Message Carbons keep messages in synch between clients - XEP-0198: Stream Management to quickly reconnect - XEP-0199: XMPP Ping to maintain connections - XEP-0313: Message Archive Management to download chat history - XEP-0352: Client State Indication for dramatic reduction on power use - XEP-0363: HTTP File Upload to send images in conversations
Vibest
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THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF DATING. More than a match. The start of a real conversation. Vibest combines AI-powered matching with thoughtful conversation hints — so mutual interest can turn into something more. MORE THAN A PHOTO The app learns who’s right for you based on your personality, interests, and how you communicate. Before you even send your first message, a Match Check shows you what you have in common and gives you something to talk about. For example: “You both prefer to talk openly about what’s on your mind rather than leave the other person guessing. Add a similar sense of humour, and you could connect over more than just flirting.” YOUR INTENTIONS. THE RIGHT WORDS. Ever thought of the perfect reply hours too late? With Vibest, find the right words when it matters. Choose your vibe — Funny, Witty, Curious, Chill, or Flirty — and get hints for that first message or whenever the conversation needs a little spark. No more ghosting just because someone doesn’t know what to say. Suggestions stay private in your text field. You choose what to use, edit, or send. Nothing gets sent without your OK. You get up to 3 hints per chat, per day. Find the words to express what you mean — the conversation stays yours. PROFILES WORTH READING Give your thumb a break from endless swiping. Scroll to explore profiles — double-tap to like. YOUR CITY. YOUR PEOPLE. Looking for a date, new friends, or your people in a new place? Vibest makes room for different kinds of connections — and wherever they might lead. Dating should be easier. With Vibest, find people who are right for you — and the right words when you’re not sure what to say. The best vibes? Find them on Vibest — download now.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Monal at none against Vibest's 2. Monal also leads on ads (none vs shown). Vibest's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Vibest sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month. Monal asks for nothing beyond the download.
Monal ships an update monthly, Vibest every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Monal | Vibest |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (142 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 57.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 142 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.0.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 72 MB | 105 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Molitor und Dietzel, Inh. Thilo Molitor | Vibest UG |
Bugs and requests
Monal
Reported bugs
4 issues- Disconnects frequently
- Incompatible with some XMPP servers
- Crashes when sending messages
- Issues with loading contact lists
Requested features
4 requests- Add OTR/PGP encryption support
- Improve group chat functionality
- Allow customization of sounds and notifications
- Optimize for older iOS versions
Vibest
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Monal
No in-app purchases
Vibest
- Vibest Plus$11.991 Month
- Vibest Aura$22.991 Month









