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SimpleX Chat

Open-source messenger with no user identifiers at all, not even random IDs, and self-hostable relays.

Open sourceSelf-hostableMessaging apps
Visit SimpleX ChatSee 5 alternatives
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About SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat takes metadata privacy further than almost any other messenger: there are no phone numbers, usernames or even random account IDs. Instead, each contact connection uses its own pair of message queues on relay servers, so no server can build a picture of who talks to whom. You connect by sharing a one-time link or QR code. Messages, files, voice notes, calls and groups are end-to-end encrypted with post-quantum protection, your profile lives only on your device, and you can run your own relay servers or use the preset ones. The apps are free and open source under the AGPL, and the protocol has had independent security audits. It runs on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac and Linux, with a terminal client for bots and developers. The trade-off for this design is convenience: moving to a new phone or using several devices is awkward, there is no contact discovery, and large groups can be slow.

Best for: Privacy-focused users and groups who want to minimise metadata as far as possible.

Pros and cons

What works

  • No phone numbers, usernames or account IDs
  • Self-hostable relay servers
  • Open source and independently audited

Why people leave

  • No contact discovery; you must share links
  • Multi-device use and phone migration are awkward
  • Large groups can be slow

Top SimpleX Chat alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1Session logo
    Session

    Also needs no phone number, with smoother multi-device support and onion routing.

    66.5
  2. 2Signal logo
    Signal

    Much easier to use with a big network, if you can accept phone-number sign-up.

    62.6
  3. 3Element logo
    Element

    Self-hostable and federated, with richer community features.

    59.6
  4. 4Briar logo
    Briar

    Peer-to-peer and able to work without internet via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

    57.2
  5. 5Delta Chat logo
    Delta Chat

    Decentralised and easy to onboard, using interoperable chatmail relays.

    55.3

Why people left SimpleX Chat

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Reviews

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SimpleX Chat: common questions

Is SimpleX Chat free?

Yes. SimpleX Chat is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is SimpleX Chat open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at simplex-chat/simplex-chat. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does SimpleX Chat run on?

SimpleX Chat is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to SimpleX Chat?

The highest-ranked SimpleX Chat alternatives right now are Session, Signal and Element. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 SimpleX Chat alternatives