Comparison

Hamkar vs Owla

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

Head to head
About

Hamkar

Features
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

Owla is a modern messenger built on the open Matrix protocol. Connect to your homeserver, chat securely, and stay in sync across your devices — with a familiar, WhatsApp-inspired interface. PRIVATE BY DESIGN • End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for protected conversations • Your messages live on standard Matrix homeservers — 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

Hamkar4 screens
Owla4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 7 level
Hamkar versus Owla: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHamkarOwla
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size129 MB82 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperIhor BondarGOLDEN OWL CONSULTING COMPANY LIMITED

In-app purchases

None

Hamkar

No in-app purchases

None

Owla

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hamkar free?
Hamkar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Owla free?
Owla is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Hamkar or Owla have ads?
Neither Hamkar nor Owla shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hamkar or Owla?
Hamkar ships an update every 4 months, and Owla every 4 days. Most recently, Hamkar was updated on October 30, 2026 and Owla on November 11, 2026.

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