BitChat vs Messenger
BitChat
bitchat.freeMessenger
meta.comSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Messenger |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.0 (#17) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | Meta says Messenger personal messages are becoming end-to-end encrypted by default, protecting message and call content so Meta cannot see or listen to it in transit. |
| Purpose | BitChat is a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr for internet messaging. | Messenger is a free messaging app for staying in touch, exploring interests, building communities, and sharing. |
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.
Messenger
Messenger is Meta’s free messaging app for chatting and calling friends and family on Facebook and Messenger without needing a phone number. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Alongside messages and voice and video calls, it supports high-definition photos, animated stickers, GIFs, reactions, and chat themes. Stories photos and videos and shared Notes disappear after 24 hours, while sent messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes. Meta AI can answer questions, give advice, and help with homework, but is available only in select languages and countries. Meta says personal messages are becoming end-to-end encrypted by default, protecting message and call content in transit from Meta seeing or hearing it. Encrypted chat history can be saved in secure storage and accessed with a six-digit PIN or a key stored in Google Drive or iCloud. Disappearing messages are available only in end-to-end encrypted conversations and last 24 hours. The desktop apps for Windows and macOS offer group video calls, notifications, and chats synced across mobile and desktop.