SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a free messaging app built on the SimpleX platform, available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What SimpleX Chat is
SimpleX Chat is a free messaging app built on the SimpleX platform, available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports encrypted messages with Markdown and editing, encrypted media and files, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, and audio and video calls. The network does not assign user profile identifiers such as phone numbers or usernames. Messages and metadata use end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange. Each chat uses four servers so relay servers cannot see which IP addresses are communicating. Profiles, contacts, and messages are kept in a portable encrypted database on client devices; relay servers temporarily hold encrypted messages until delivery. Users can operate their own SimpleX servers and still communicate with people on preconfigured servers. Developers can use protocol SDKs for chat bots and integrations, including a TypeScript SDK that connects to the CLI through a WebSocket API. Desktop downloads are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Linking a mobile device to desktop requires both to be on the same local network. Disappearing messages and recipient-side deletion cannot be guaranteed if a device is offline or uses modified software.
Good
- Network assigns no profile identifiers.
- Messages and metadata use end-to-end encryption.
- Supports audio and video calls.
- Users can run their own servers.
- Free on mobile and desktop platforms.
Watch out
- Mobile-to-desktop linking requires the same local network.
- Recipient-side deletion cannot be guaranteed in some cases.
- Alternative clients based on its code must publish modifications under AGPLv3.
Who it suits
It suits people seeking messaging without network-assigned profile identifiers, with encrypted messaging, calls, and optional self-hosted servers. Developers can use its protocol SDKs for bots and integrations.
Verdict
SimpleX Chat pairs identifier-free accounts with encrypted messaging and multiple communication features. Consider the local-network requirement for desktop linking and the limits on guaranteed deletion from recipients' devices.
Plans and prices
From SimpleX Chat's own pricing page, checked 14 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | No subscription charge stated · Free |
| SimpleX Chat | Free | everything free; paid features planned |
The facts
Each one read from SimpleX Chat's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API and SDK
- The open SimpleX protocol includes an SDK for building chat bots and services that users access through SimpleX Chat apps.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Audio and video calls
- The platform supports end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls and can use self-hosted WebRTC relays.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Crowdfunding news
- SimpleX announced an equity crowdfunding round on Wefunder on August 20, 2026, stating that the app had exceeded three million downloads and about 480,000 monthly users.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Data storage
- Profiles, contacts and messages are stored on client devices in a portable encrypted database, while relay servers temporarily hold encrypted messages until delivery.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Deletion limitation
- Message deletion and disappearing-message behavior cannot be guaranteed on recipients’ devices if they are offline or run modified software.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Desktop linking limit
- A mobile device can link to the desktop app only when both devices are connected to the same local network.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Developer documentation
- Documentation covers protocol schemas, terminal CLI operation, relay deployment, chat relays, calls, channels, privacy, and security settings.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Developer integrations
- The open protocol provides SDKs for chat bots and integrations, including integration of the SimpleX Chat library into mobile apps.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Download requirements
- Official desktop builds include Linux AppImage or Flatpak, Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 and Debian-based systems, macOS Intel or Apple Silicon, and Windows x86_64.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Encrypted media
- Users can send encrypted images and files, plus encrypted voice messages of up to five minutes.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Encrypted portable database
- The app stores an encrypted portable chat database that can be transferred with contacts and history to another supported device.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata.checked 1 Oct 2026
- End-to-end encryption
- Messages, files, voice messages, and calls are end-to-end encrypted so relay servers cannot decrypt their content.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Funding
- SimpleX announced a $1.3 million pre-seed round led by Jack Dorsey with participation from Asymmetric Capital Partners in August 2024.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Independent score
- ShieldCue rates SimpleX Chat 9.2 out of 10 and describes it as free, open source, and end-to-end encrypted.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Independent security findings
- PrivacyPick reports that the 2024 design review found three medium- and one low-severity issues, characterized as difficult to exploit.checked 14 Oct 2026
- License
- The application source code is available under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: notifications
- Apple and Google reviewers report delayed or missing background notifications and messages that arrive only after opening the app.checked 14 Oct 2026
The company
- Company identity
- Crunchbase identifies the legal name as SimpleX Chat, Inc., founded in 2021, with headquarters in London, England, and founder Evgeny Poberezkin.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists SimpleX Chat as a privately held technology company with 2–10 employees.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company status
- SimpleX Chat Ltd is a UK-registered company developing communication software for the SimpleX network.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Disappearing messages
- Chats support disappearing messages with opt-out controls per contact or group.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: iOS usability
- Apple reviewers repeatedly report awkward or outdated interface design, freezes, crashes, and other iOS usability bugs.checked 14 Oct 2026
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