# Cipher Message vs EncryptChat X

The clearest difference is ads: EncryptChat X at none against Cipher Message's shown. EncryptChat X also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). Cipher Message's advantage is iOS requirement (18.5 vs 26.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cipher Message sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and EncryptChat X sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Cipher Message against 5.0 for EncryptChat X. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively.

Cipher Message ships an update fortnightly, EncryptChat X every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cipher Message | EncryptChat X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-message/id6748971173/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encryptchat-x/id6762053921/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 21 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.5** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Nathaniel Van Evera](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827814572) | [Hercules Tech LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1325999319) |

## What reviewers say

### Cipher Message

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-message/id6748971173)

Easily encrypt and decrypt messages within your messaging app using various classic ciphers. Protect your conversations with friends and upgrade for advanced encryption methods and Face ID unlock.

**Highlights:** Encrypt/decrypt in iMessage, Classic ciphers (Caesar, Vigenère), Advanced ciphers (AES), Face ID unlock, Private conversations

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cipher Message Premium | $0.99 | one-time |


### EncryptChat X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encryptchat-x/id6762053921)

Send end-to-end encrypted messages and files directly within iMessage. Messages are ephemeral, self-destructing after one read, ensuring your conversations remain private and secure without requiring new accounts or servers.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, Ephemeral messages (self-destruct after read), Direct iMessage integration, Encrypted file sharing (up to 100 MB), PGP-style key exchange, Face ID authentication, No account or sign-in required

**Features:** iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Enterprise Yearly | $149.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cipher Message free?

Cipher Message is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is EncryptChat X free?

EncryptChat X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cipher Message or EncryptChat X?

Cipher Message and EncryptChat X are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Cipher Message or EncryptChat X have ads?

Cipher Message shows ads; EncryptChat X does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cipher Message or EncryptChat X?

Cipher Message ships an update fortnightly, and EncryptChat X every 5 days. Most recently, Cipher Message was updated on October 1, 2026 and EncryptChat X on September 10, 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.*