Comparison

Zhi vs MetaKey

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

Head to head
About

Zhi

This secure messaging app prioritizes privacy with zero-trust, end-to-end encryption and pre-shared keys. It offers isolated chats and invites only friends, with an optional subscription for enhanced features like larger file transfers and unlimited chats.

Highlights
  • Zero-trust end-to-end encryption
  • Pre-shared key authentication
  • Isolated chat environments
  • Invite-only friend system
  • Optional subscription for enhanced features
  • Markdown support for messages
Features
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Zhi - A Zero-Trust End-to-End Encrypted Instant Messaging App - Zhi is based on pre-shared keys, instead of generating keys through server intermediaries like other applications. - Zhi uses simple network protocols and encoding to more easily audit the content being transferred. - Zhi replaces metadata with random UUIDs. - Zhi makes every chat isolated. - Zhi only supports chatting with friends you've invited or those who have invited you. Zhi Plus - Zhi Plus is a subscription service. - The period of subscription is a about $4.99/month or $49.99/year. - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - You can manage subscription in App Store Setting. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable What's included in Zhi Plus - You can enable markdown, the text messages you sent will be rendered in Markdown format. - You can use Meeting that is over TURN and end-to-end encrypted. - You can send a single text message of 30KB(after encrypted), while free users are limited to 3KB. - You can enable original image, the images sent will not be compressed and will be sent as original images. - You can send a single image of 10M, while free users are limited to 2M. - You can send a single image of 99M, while free users are limited to 10M. - You can send a single file of 99M, while free users are limited to 10M. - Unlimited number of Chats, while free users are limited to 100. - The server indefinitely stores the encrypted messages from Chats of Zhi Plus users. When forwarding the encrypted messages of a Chat, for free users the server will by default save them for 7 days to facilitate the users retrieving messages from the server when they come online from being offline or at other times. Note: The server's cleanup mechanism runs a scheduled cleanup task. If it is detected during the run that there are no Zhi Plus users in the Chat, the encrypted messages from more than 7 days prior within the Chat will be cleared. About Zhi Plus Even with the free version of Zhi, normal use is possible, and it does not compromise the feature of end-to-end encryption. Zhi Plus is a paid option that allows paying users access to more generous features, which compensates for some of our server costs, allowing us to continue to keep it free for everyone. By subscribing to Zhi Plus you agree to the policy and terms below. Standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms of Service: https://www.txthinking.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.txthinking.com/privacy.html

About

MetaKey

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MetaKey: A Secure Communication and Asset Management Tool Integrating Encrypted Wallet and Instant Messaging Features Secure Ethereum Wallet The MetaKey encrypted wallet allows you to securely send, store, and manage Ethereum assets (such as ETH and USDT) and stablecoins (such as DAI). With our multi-chain Ethereum wallet application, you can confidently control your cryptocurrencies and digital assets. This application supports the Ethereum mainnet, Binance Smart Chain, and EVM-compatible chains. User-Friendly Communication With end-to-end one-on-one chat and encrypted group chats, no one can snoop on your communications. MetaKey integrates an instant messaging application that generates a unique chat identity proof through your Ethereum address. With an address, you can start chatting globally, eliminating centralized message relays and enhancing the privacy and security of message delivery. All direct messages are encrypted using end-to-end encryption technology, ensuring that no messages reveal the identity of the sender or receiver. Therefore, even MetaKey cannot know who is talking to whom or what they are discussing. Build Global Connections Explore, connect, and join your favorite group chat communities and friends. Whether it’s small groups, art collectives, cryptocurrency traders, or future large organizations, you can exchange messages on MetaKey. We support group chats for thousands of participants, allowing for open discussions. Create Private Accounts Create an account using your Ethereum address to protect your privacy. When you create a free account, you do not need to provide any personal information, including but not limited to phone numbers, email addresses, or bank account information. Your wallet's private key is generated locally and securely stored, ensuring that only you can access your funds and financial transactions.

Screenshots

Zhi3 screens
MetaKey4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MetaKey at none against Zhi's 2. Zhi's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Zhi sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MetaKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Zhi versus MetaKey: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZhiMetaKey
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size185 MB63 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperTxThinking, Inc.METAKEY TECHNOLOGY - FZCO

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Zhi

Subscriptions2
  • Zhi Plus Month$4.991 Month
  • Zhi Plus Year$49.991 Year
None

MetaKey

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Zhi free?
Zhi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MetaKey free?
MetaKey is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Zhi or MetaKey have ads?
Neither Zhi nor MetaKey shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Zhi or MetaKey?
Zhi ships an update every 2 months, and MetaKey every 2 months. Most recently, Zhi was updated on October 30, 2026 and MetaKey on October 28, 2026.

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