# bitchat mesh vs Groucho

The clearest difference is ratings volume: bitchat mesh at 522 against Groucho's 6. bitchat mesh also leads on chart position (#106 vs unranked) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Groucho's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Groucho holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: bitchat mesh has 522 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of bitchat mesh's written reviews are positive against 100% of Groucho's.

bitchat mesh ships an update weekly, Groucho every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | bitchat mesh | Groucho |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (522 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groucho/id6756526142/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **522** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 79.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#106** | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893) | [Trampoline LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751627914) |

## What reviewers say

### bitchat mesh

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622)

**Currently charting:** #106 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with people nearby without needing personal contact information. This app facilitates private, encrypted group chats using Bluetooth mesh technology, making it ideal for local communication without internet access.

**Highlights:** Local Bluetooth mesh chat, No internet required, Encrypted private messages, Relays messages for range, Sidegroupchat functionality

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Modern, efficient offline communication
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Useful for areas with poor internet connectivity
- 👍 Innovative use of Bluetooth for decentralized network

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable message delivery and sync issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on certain devices
- 🔒 Concerns about long-term privacy and security

**Reported bugs**

- Typing input field issues on Mac
- Notifications not working consistently on iOS

**Requested features**

- Drawing/sketching feature like Pictochat
- Customizable themes and UI options
- Ability to filter messages by favorites or verified users
- Support for file sharing and image transfer
- Integration with cryptocurrency/Bitcoin payments


### Groucho

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groucho/id6756526142)

This app facilitates real-life connections by forming small, compatible groups for recurring in-person dinner parties and activities. It uses guided interviews for matching, focusing on genuine interaction over public metrics.

**Highlights:** Private guided interviews for matching, Formation of small, compatible groups, Coordination of recurring in-person dinners, Focus on conversation-based matching, No public metrics like likes or followers, Emphasis on face-to-face connection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is bitchat mesh free?

bitchat mesh is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Groucho free?

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

### Which has better reviews, bitchat mesh or Groucho?

Groucho is rated higher. bitchat mesh averages 4.7 out of 5 from 522 ratings, while Groucho averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do bitchat mesh or Groucho have ads?

Neither bitchat mesh nor Groucho shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, bitchat mesh or Groucho?

bitchat mesh ships an update weekly, and Groucho every 3 weeks. Most recently, bitchat mesh was updated on October 28, 2026 and Groucho on October 25, 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.*