SimpleX Chat

Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.7

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely5 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

SimpleX Chat is ranked #6 of 55 in secure messaging apps on Freedom251. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

SimpleX Chat plans and pricing

All plans

SimpleX Chat Free everything free; paid features planned simplex.chat · 1 Oct 2026

Compared on secure messaging apps

Free plan: Yes
Encryption coverage: default
Desktop app: Yes
Voice and video calls: Yes
Disappearing messages: Yes
Encrypted backups: none

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The record

Purpose: SimpleX Chat is a messaging application built on the SimpleX platform.
No identifiers: The SimpleX network assigns no user profile identifiers, including phone numbers, usernames, random numbers, cryptographic keys or hashes.
Encryption: The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata.
Privacy architecture: Four different servers are used in each chat so relay servers cannot observe which IP addresses communicate with each other.
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.
Messaging features: The apps support encrypted messages with Markdown and editing, encrypted media and files, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, audio and video calls, portable storage and incognito mode.
Self-hosting: Users can run their own SimpleX servers and still communicate with users on preconfigured servers.
Developer integrations: The open protocol provides SDKs for chat bots and integrations, including integration of the SimpleX Chat library into mobile apps.
TypeScript SDK: The TypeScript SDK connects to the SimpleX Chat CLI through a WebSocket API and supports profiles, invitations, addresses, groups and file transfers.
Supported downloads: Desktop downloads are available for Linux, macOS and Windows, while mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.
Desktop linking limit: A mobile device can link to the desktop app only when both devices are connected to the same local network.
Security assessments: SimpleX reports Trail of Bits implementation and cryptographic design assessments conducted in 2022 and 2024, with another implementation assessment scheduled for June 2026.
Deletion limitation: Disappearing messages and full message deletion on recipients' devices cannot be guaranteed or enforced if a device is offline or runs modified software.
Support: Users can contact the team through the in-app “Ask SimpleX team” contact or by emailing [email protected].
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Secure Messaging Apps in 2026#6 of 55

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Sources

simplex.chat/blog/20220112-simplex-chat-v1-released.· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/docs/simplex.html· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/messaging/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/blog/20220928-simplex-chat-v4-encrypted· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/downloads/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/security/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/privacy/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/about/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat/transparency/· checked 1 Oct 2026
simplex.chat· checked 28 Sept 2026
simplex.chat/crowdfunding/· checked 1 Oct 2026