# PortSIP UC vs SimpleX Chat

PortSIP UC and SimpleX Chat both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 56% of SimpleX Chat's written reviews are positive against 30% of PortSIP UC's. PortSIP UC's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SimpleX Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 93 and 274 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of PortSIP UC's written reviews are positive against 56% of SimpleX Chat's.

PortSIP UC ships an update fortnightly, SimpleX Chat every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PortSIP UC | SimpleX Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (93 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/portsip-uc/id426903818/reviews) | **[4.3 (274 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 93 | **274** |
| Positive reviews | 30.0% of reviews | **56.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 52 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [PortSIP Solutions, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/426903821) | [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086) |

## What reviewers say

### PortSIP UC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/portsip-uc/id426903818)

This SIP-based softphone allows users to make and receive calls and instant messages over Wi-Fi or cellular data. It integrates with a PBX for push notifications and offers advanced call management features, including video conferencing. Security is a priority with encrypted signaling and audio.

**Highlights:** SIP-based calling and messaging, Push notifications with PBX integration, Contact list integration, Multi-call management, Video conferencing, Secure call signaling and audio encryption, HD video calls up to 1080P

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### SimpleX Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084)

This secure messaging app offers unparalleled privacy by eliminating user identifiers. Enjoy end-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and files with features like disappearing messages and incognito mode. Connect via invitation links without needing phone numbers or emails.

**Highlights:** No user identifiers, End-to-end encrypted messages, Disappearing messages, Incognito mode, Encrypted file and voice messages, Secret chat groups, Encrypted portable chat database

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 End-to-end encryption and quantum-resistant security
- 🔐 No phone number or personal data required
- 👤 Anonymous profiles and multiple identities
- 🚀 Fast message delivery when working properly
- 🎯 Decentralized and open-source architecture

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and instability
- 📬 Delayed or missing notifications (20+ minutes common)
- ⌨️ Keyboard issues on iOS (freezing, unresponsive)
- 🔌 Poor connectivity and message delivery failures
- 📱 iPad version not optimized

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (v6.2 update)
- Keyboard unresponsive on iOS 26
- Messages not appearing until app is opened
- Notifications not working despite correct settings
- Chat freezing and lag on iPhone

**Requested features**

- Read receipts option
- Typing indicators
- Bot maker feature like Telegram
- Multiple image attachment with descriptions
- Better emoji reaction selection


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PortSIP UC free?

PortSIP UC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SimpleX Chat free?

SimpleX Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PortSIP UC or SimpleX Chat?

SimpleX Chat is rated higher. PortSIP UC averages 4.1 out of 5 from 93 ratings, while SimpleX Chat averages 4.3 from 274 ratings.

### Do PortSIP UC or SimpleX Chat have ads?

Neither PortSIP UC nor SimpleX Chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PortSIP UC or SimpleX Chat?

PortSIP UC ships an update fortnightly, and SimpleX Chat every 2 weeks. Most recently, PortSIP UC was updated on October 20, 2026 and SimpleX Chat on October 27, 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.*