Hamkar vs Owla
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
Hamkar
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This application is a private messaging solution built on the open-source Element client and powered by the Matrix protocol. Created for internal organizational use, it provides secure, real-time communication for authorized members only. All conversations are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and protection of sensitive information. With support for one-to-one and group messaging, voice and video calling, file transfers, notifications, and full chat history, the app enables seamless collaboration in a closed and secure environment. Highlights: * Strong end-to-end encryption (Matrix / Olm) * Individual and group chat support * Voice and video calling support * File and media sharing * Sync across multiple devices * Purpose-built for internal organizational communication
Owla
A modern, secure messaging app built on the open Matrix protocol. It offers end-to-end encryption, a familiar interface, and cross-device synchronization. Enjoy features like direct and group chats, threads, and file sharing, with optional AI assistance.
- End-to-end encryption
- Matrix homeserver integration
- Direct and group chats
- Message threads and replies
- File and media sharing
- Cross-device synchronization
- Optional AI assistant
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Owla is a modern messenger built on the open Matrix protocol. Connect to your homeserver, chat securely, and stay in sync across your devices ā with a familiar, WhatsApp-inspired interface. PRIVATE BY DESIGN ⢠End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for protected conversations ⢠Your messages live on standard Matrix homeservers ā not a proprietary Owla backend ⢠Read receipts, typing indicators, and online presence MESSAGING THAT FEELS RIGHT ⢠Direct messages and group chats ⢠Threads for focused side conversations ⢠Replies, edits, reactions, forwards, and pinned messages ⢠Photos, videos, files, voice notes, and custom sticker packs ⢠@mentions with member picker ⢠Link previews, message search, and jump-to-message STAY ORGANIZED ⢠Pin, archive, mute, and mark chats unread ⢠Saved Messages for your personal notes ⢠Activity feed for mentions, threads, and updates ⢠Optional Google Calendar events & Tasks (read-only) WORKS GREAT ON DESKTOP & MOBILE ⢠Two-pane layout on tablet and Mac ⢠Drag-and-drop files, keyboard shortcuts, swipe-to-reply ⢠Resizable sidebar on desktop AI ASSISTANT (OPTIONAL) ⢠Bring your own API key (Claude, OpenAI, or Gemini) ⢠Suggest replies, rewrite drafts, summarize chats, and extract action items FOR TEAMS & DIRECTORIES ⢠Directory-aware discovery for managed Owla deployments ⢠Admin tools for organizations using a compatible homeserver Owla is for people and teams who want secure, federated messaging without sacrificing everyday chat UX. Note: You need access to a Matrix homeserver to sign in. Some organization features require a compatible server setup.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Owla at every 4 days against Hamkar's every 4 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Hamkar ships an update every 4 months, Owla every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hamkar | Owla |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | ā | 0.0% of reviews |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 days ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | ā | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac ā better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 129 MB | 82 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ihor Bondar | GOLDEN OWL CONSULTING COMPANY LIMITED |
In-app purchases
Hamkar
No in-app purchases
Owla
No in-app purchases









