BonChat vs Dark18
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BonChat
This app offers secure messaging and file sharing with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. It provides options for private or on-premise server deployment, advanced group management, and a user-friendly interface. Enjoy seamless cross-platform communication with full control over your data.
- End-to-end encryption
- Private/on-premise server deployment
- Advanced group management
- User-friendly interface
- Cross-platform support
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Welcome to BonChat, your ultimate solution for secure and private communication! With BonChat, you can enjoy seamless messaging, file sharing, and collaboration - all protected by state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. # Key Features ## End-to-End Encryption Your messages and files are encrypted from the moment they leave your device until they reach the recipient, ensuring that only you and your chosen contacts can read or access them. ## Private or On-Premise Server Deployment Take control of your data with our private or on-premise server deployment option. Host BonChat on your own servers for total peace of mind, knowing that your communication is secure and under your control. ## Powerful Group Management Experience advanced group functionality with BonChat’s robust group management features. Create, manage, and customize groups effortlessly while controlling member permissions in detail for enhanced collaboration. ## User-Friendly Interface BonChat is designed for everyone. Our intuitive interface makes it easy to send messages, share files, and manage your contacts without compromising on security. ## Cross-Platform Support Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, BonChat provides a seamless experience across all devices, ensuring you stay connected anytime, anywhere. Experience the freedom of secure communication with BonChat. Download now and take the first step towards protecting your conversations and data like never before! BonChat: Your data, your control, your security.
Dark18
A private messenger offering secure end-to-end encrypted chats, HD voice and video calls, and community groups. Share updates through stories that disappear after 24 hours, all within a sleek, dark-themed interface. It's designed for users who prioritize privacy and freedom in their communication.
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- HD voice and video calls
- Private and public groups
- 24-hour disappearing stories
- Dark-themed interface
- Secure sync across devices
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Welcome to Dark – the ultimate private messenger with stories, calls, and community. Dark is your all-in-one communication platform for secure messaging, high-quality audio and video calls, and authentic sharing through stories and groups – all wrapped in a sleek, dark-themed design. Whether you’re chatting one-on-one, connecting with friends in a group, or expressing yourself through stories, Dark gives you the freedom to communicate your way – with privacy and control at the center. This app contains non-intrusive ads that support ongoing development while keeping the app free for all users. Built for Privacy and Freedom Dark puts end-to-end encryption front and center, ensuring your messages, media, and calls stay truly private. No one – not even Dark – can read your messages or listen to your calls. • Secure by default • Your data stays on your device • We do not sell your information Seamless Messaging Experience Enjoy fast, smooth, and beautiful messaging – whether you’re sending text, voice notes, photos, or videos. • One-on-one or group chats • Media sharing and reactions • Smart notifications • Secure sync across devices Voice and Video Calls Stay close, even when far apart. Dark offers HD-quality voice and video calls with full encryption. • Real-time video with smooth audio • Mute and switch cameras instantly • Reliable even on slow networks Groups That Feel Like Community Dark helps you start, grow, and manage private or public groups with ease. • Admin tools and permissions • Real-time announcements • Clean layout for focused conversations • Ideal for clubs, teams, and communities Share Life Through Stories Post quick updates, thoughts, photos, or short videos that last 24 hours – or longer, if you choose. • Stories with text, media, and reactions • Full control over who sees your updates • Authentic, private sharing Minimal Design, Maximum Function • Clean, dark theme for comfortable viewing • Easy navigation across all features • Lightweight and optimized for speed • Quick sign-up with email or Google Free to Use, Ad-Supported Dark is 100% free. To support development, we show limited, respectful ads – no pop-ups, no trackers. • No subscription required • Ads placed responsibly, without interrupting your flow Key Features Recap • Private, encrypted messaging • Secure voice and video calls • Groups with admin controls • Stories with privacy settings • Clean dark-mode interface • Fast and lightweight • Privacy-respecting ads Join the Movement Dark isn’t just a chat app – it’s a space for people who value privacy, connection, and freedom. Your data is yours. Your time is yours. TERMS OF USE (EULA): For auto-renewable subscriptions, please review Apple's Standard End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: - Subscription Title: Auto-renewable subscription - Subscription Length: Weekly/Monthly/Yearly (as selected by user) - Subscription Price: Dynamic pricing based on channel settings - Auto-renewal: Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled 24 hours before the end of the current period - Privacy Policy: https://www.termsfeed.com/live/20cde3e7-afa3-475c-b043-3bad3d0f8a0f - Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: BonChat at 4.8 against Dark18's 3.7. BonChat also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). Dark18's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). 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. Dark18 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. BonChat asks for nothing beyond the download.
BonChat holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BonChat has 59K ratings behind it against 150, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of BonChat's written reviews are positive against 38% of Dark18's.
BonChat ships an update every 4 weeks, Dark18 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BonChat | Dark18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (59K ratings) — better | 3.7 (150 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 55.7% of reviews — better | 38.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 59K — better | 150 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 77 MB | 123 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Hong Kong CipherChat Tech Company Limited | Ana Lucila Gomez Navarro |
Customer experience
BonChat
Dark18
Bugs and requests
BonChat
Reported bugs
2 issues- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
Requested features
2 requests- Add read receipts (two checkmarks when message is read)
- Improve keyboard and text area usability
Dark18
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
BonChat
No in-app purchases
Dark18
- Weekly Premium Access$4.997 Days
- Monthly Premium Access$8.991 Month
- Yearly Premium Access$90.991 Year
- Weekly Premium Access$5.99
- Monthly Premium Access$8.99
- Yearly Premium Access$99.99









