Comparison

Cipheus vs Layergram

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

Head to head
About

Cipheus

Features
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Is this two aliens talking? It might be. Or it might be your group chat in Cipheus. — Cipheus turns every text you send into ancient runes, celestial symbols, or geometric glyphs. Your friends with the same Language Pack see the real message. Anyone glancing at your phone sees... something they can't read. It's not magic. It's not really alien. But it kind of looks like both. — WHAT IT'S FOR - Group chats your parents/siblings/coworkers shouldn't read - Aesthetic texting (your messages look cool now) - A private second layer for conversations that matter - Just for the vibes, honestly — HOW IT WORKS Pick a Language Pack — Nordic Runes, Celestial, Geometric, and more. Share it with one friend or a whole group. Every message you send turns into symbols. Long-press to see what's underneath. It's encrypted end-to-end. Even I (the dev) can't read your messages. That's the point. — FROM THE DEV Hi, I'm Flood. I built Cipheus solo because I wanted texting to feel like a secret again. The kind of secret you and your best friend share in a language no one else speaks. I'm still adding Language Packs, fixing rough edges, and listening to everyone using it. Send feedback. I read everything. — CIPHEUS+ (Optional) Unlock unlimited Language Packs and unlimited friends. $3.99/month or $29.99/year. Cancel anytime. — Privacy Policy: cipheus.com/privacy Terms: cipheus.com/terms Contact: cipheus.com (yes I read DMs) cipheus.com

About

Layergram

Features
Read full description

Keep using your favourite chat apps. Add Layergram protection before you share. Layergram encrypts messages on your device, letting you exchange protected content through the conversations you already use. Create your Layergram identities, verify each other and share encrypted messages without moving to a different messaging platform. THE LAYERGRAM KEYBOARD Fewer steps between your private message and your conversation. Enable the optional Layergram system keyboard, choose a verified contact and compose your message in its editor. The keyboard inserts the encrypted message into your chat. To read a reply, copy the incoming encrypted message and use Paste and decrypt. The readable text appears inside the Layergram editor. You choose whether to activate the keyboard and enable Face ID reopening when a session expires. Activation requires your consent and setup in both Layergram and iOS settings. PROTECTION ON YOUR DEVICE • Hybrid post-quantum encryption with the Layergram v3 protocol. • Local identities, shared through links or QR codes. • Contact verification before exchanging protected messages. • Forward-secrecy sessions with visible status indicators. • Direct encrypted messages, links and cover messages. • Local message history. Layergram does not operate a server that delivers your messages. Your chosen chat app transports the encrypted content. PREMIUM CONVENIENCE Core protection remains available for free. Premium adds tools for a more convenient workflow, including the in-app keyboard, multiple identities, folders and encrypted backup. On-device cover-message generation requires supported hardware. Feature availability and pricing are shown in the app and the store. YOU STAY IN CONTROL The recipient also needs Layergram and the correct identity. Your chosen transport service may still have access to contacts, timestamps and other metadata. Keep your recovery words somewhere safe. Restoring an identity does not automatically restore message history or conversation state.

Screenshots

Cipheus4 screens
Layergram3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Layergram at every 5 days against Cipheus's every 6 weeks. Layergram also leads on device support (4 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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. Cipheus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Layergram sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cipheus ships an update every 6 weeks, Layergram every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
Cipheus versus Layergram: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCipheusLayergram
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.015.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB29 MB
Age rating4+17+
Developer擪涛 冯Simone Riccetti

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Cipheus

Subscriptions2
  • Cipheus+ Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Cipheus+ Yearly$29.991 Year
1 purchases

Layergram

One-time1
  • Layergram Premium Unlock$4.99

Questions

Is Cipheus free?
Cipheus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Layergram free?
Layergram is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Cipheus or Layergram have ads?
Neither Cipheus nor Layergram shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cipheus or Layergram?
Cipheus ships an update every 6 weeks, and Layergram every 5 days. Most recently, Cipheus was updated on September 30, 2026 and Layergram on October 14, 2026.

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