BitChat vs FluffyChat
BitChat
bitchat.free
FluffyChat
fluffychat.imSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | FluffyChat |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.0 (#15) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for private chats, and the app uses Vodozemac. |
| Integrations | The listed internet messaging transport is the Nostr protocol, which connects BitChat users through relays. | FluffyChat is compatible with other Matrix clients, including Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat. |
| Platforms | The maker's site lists iOS, macOS, and Android builds; iOS requires version 16.0 or later, macOS 13.0 or later, and Android 8.0 or later. | The FAQ lists Android, iOS, web, and Linux desktop; Windows and macOS builds are not yet supported. |
| What it does | BitChat is a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh nearby and Nostr over the internet for global messaging. | FluffyChat is a user-friendly, free, ad-free open-source messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. |
Plans
In their own words
BitChat
BitChat is a decentralized messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr relays for internet messaging. Bluetooth messages can pass between nearby devices across as many as seven hops without internet access. When Bluetooth is unavailable, the app can use Nostr; if neither route is available, messages can wait in a queue. Geographic chat rooms use geohash coordinates.
The app requires no account, phone number, or central server. Live mesh sessions use Noise XX for mutual authentication and forward secrecy, while private Nostr messages use an app-specific encrypted format that works only with BitChat clients. However, mesh announcements expose static keys and nicknames in cleartext, and a persistent per-device identifier can allow nearby listeners to follow a device over time and place. A triple-tap emergency wipe clears app data, including identity keys and queued messages. Android adds Wi-Fi Aware on supported devices and built-in Tor. BitChat is available for iOS, Android, and macOS, and is free.
FluffyChat
FluffyChat is a free, ad-free open-source messaging app built on the Matrix protocol. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, and the web, supporting private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and location sharing. The feature list also includes polls, custom stickers, spaces, moderation tools, multi-device support, and public chats with tens of thousands of participants. Direct calls and video conferences use Matrix RTC-compatible encryption. Private chats have end-to-end encryption enabled by default through Vodozemac. The app works with other Matrix clients such as Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat. FluffyChat caches server data locally and attempts SQLCipher encryption, keeping the key in device secure storage. Push notifications use Firebase Cloud Messaging or UnifiedPush. FluffyChat does not host messaging servers, so the chosen server’s data-protection terms apply.