Side by side
Session vs Status
Both stand on encrypted messaging apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Session offers private messaging across mobile and desktop, with a free plan and a $2.99 USD monthly Pro option. Note that communities lack full end-to-end encryption and beta calls may expose an IP address.
Visit Session
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+3
Choose Status if you want a free app that combines a crypto wallet with encrypted messaging and browser access, while allowing use without personal contact or payment details. Its desktop features also support administering token-gated communities.
Visit StatusThe facts
| Session | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $2.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getsession.org | status.app |
| On encrypted messaging apps | #19 of 43 | #23 of 43 |
Session: what it does well
- Sign-up does not require a phone number or email.
- Encrypted group chats support up to 100 people.
- Attachments are encrypted on-device up to 10MB.
- Open-source code can be independently audited.
- Free plan includes encrypted messaging.
What to know first
- Communities are not fully end-to-end encrypted.
- Calls are beta and one-to-one only.
- Calls may expose an IP address to specified parties.
- Account recovery retrieves messages from the last 14 days.
Status: what it does well
- Wallet supports sending, swapping and bridging crypto.
- Messaging has default end-to-end encryption and metadata privacy.
- Use does not require a phone number, email, bank card or social account.
- Desktop app can create and administer token-gated communities.
- Open source project can be built on, contributed to or forked.
What to know first
- Maximum group size is 20 members.
- Using Status Wallet Connector requires its browser extension for dapp connections.
- Desktop network contribution is specific to the Waku peer-to-peer network.
Alternatives to Session Alternatives to Status The whole list