Comparison

Atom Messenger vs Wave

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

Head to head
About

Atom Messenger

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Atom is the integrated messaging solution for organizations or individuals that require maximum security. The combination of Atom's proven security architecture and absolute data ownership create an independent chat environment that is unmatched in terms of confidentiality. PRIVACY AND ANONYMITY Atom is designed to generate the least amount of metadata possible without keeping conversations inside the phone. Each user is anonymous and registration takes place only through direct invitation from the administrator of the single node. SECURE ENCRYPTION Atom performs full end-to-end encryption of all communications exchanged. Only the intended recipient, and No one else, will be able to read your messages. Encryption keys are generated and securely stored on user devices to prevent copying or backdoor access. FULL FEATURED Atom is not only a messenger for encrypted and confidential communications: it is also a versatile and feature-rich tool. • Make voice calls • Compose texts and send voice messages • Send any type of file (pdf animated gif, mp3, doc, zip, etc...) • Create group chats, add and remove members at any time • Profile security settings for cancellation due to inactivity or for managing the self-preservation of communications • Settings to define messages that self-destruct on reading or timed • Verify a contact's identity by scanning their personal QR code • Use Atom as an anonymous instant messaging tool SELF HOSTED SERVERS Atom messenger has a decentralized infrastructure where individual servers are isolated from each other. The application allows you to connect to multiple nodes that you can access by invitation or as an administrator (who purchases and manages an instance of the platform) FULL ANONYMITY Each Atom user receives a random ATOM ID that identifies him. No phone number or email address is required to use Atom. This exclusive feature allows you to use Atom completely anonymously: you don't need to give private information and you don't need to open an account. NO ADVERTISING, NO TRACKER Atom is not funded by advertising and does not collect user data. ASSISTANCE/CONTACTS If you have any questions or problems, check out our website: https://atomapp.cloud

About

Wave

A privacy-focused messaging app offering end-to-end encrypted chats without requiring sign-ups or personal information. It utilizes a decentralized network for enhanced user control and supports both one-to-one and group conversations.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encryption
  • No sign-up required
  • Decentralized network
  • One-to-one and group chats
  • Optional Bluesky integration
  • Ad-free and tracker-free
Features
Read full description

Wave: Secure Messaging Wave is a privacy-first messaging app built for people who value security, simplicity, and control. Chat freely without signing up, sharing personal details, or trusting centralized servers. You can start messaging instantly. Wave uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring only you and the people you’re chatting with can read messages. Conversations are encrypted on your device and decrypted only by recipients. Powered by XMTP, Wave is built on a decentralized messaging network reducing reliance on central servers and giving users more control over their conversations. Wave supports fast one-to-one messaging and secure group conversations in a clean, minimal interface with no clutter or distractions. You can optionally connect your Bluesky account to message people you already know, or simply use Wave on its own without linking any account. Wave is designed with privacy at its core, with end-to-end encrypted messages, a privacy-first architecture, and no ads or trackers.

Screenshots

Atom Messenger4 screens
Wave4 screens

Verdict

The call

Atom Messenger and Wave are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atom Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, Wave every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 6, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Atom Messenger versus Wave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtom MessengerWave
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB149 MB
Age rating17+12+
Developerigloocy s.r.l.Simhadri Bogula

In-app purchases

None

Atom Messenger

No in-app purchases

None

Wave

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Atom Messenger free?
Atom Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Wave free?
Wave is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Atom Messenger or Wave have ads?
Neither Atom Messenger nor Wave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Atom Messenger or Wave?
Atom Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, and Wave every 4 weeks. Most recently, Atom Messenger was updated on September 6, 2026 and Wave on September 6, 2026.

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