BitChat vs Jami
BitChat
bitchat.free
Jami
jami.netSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Jami |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.8 (#2) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | Jami states that its communications use end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. |
| 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. | Official documentation lists GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV and web access. |
| Purpose | BitChat is a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr for internet messaging. | Jami is free/libre, end-to-end encrypted communication software for private messaging and calls. |
| 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. | Jami is a free, peer-to-peer communication platform for private messaging and calls without a central authority. |
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.
Jami
Jami is free/libre software for private messaging and calls, with end-to-end encrypted communications and peer-to-peer connections. It offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, group chats, and recorded audio and video messages. Users can hold video conferences and create rendezvous points without third-party hosting, as well as share files or screens and stream media. Jami says it does not require a server to relay data between users; it also states that communications use perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. One account can link multiple devices, and account creation does not require personal information. Jami can also function as a regular SIP client. Optional extensions include green screen, watermark, auto answer, local AI transcription, audio filter, and video segmentation. These extensions are unavailable to iOS users, and features vary by client. Platforms listed include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, along with API and extension access. Jami also provides an OpenClaw channel plugin; bot accounts and API access are supported on desktop Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project is led by Savoir-faire Linux Inc. and supported by a global community of free software contributors.