BitChat vs Molly
BitChat
bitchat.free
Molly
molly.imSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Molly |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 7.1 (#36) |
| Build verification | The project recommends installing from the App Store or building verified source, and describes checking builds against a per-release hash manifest. | Molly supports reproducible builds so others can reproduce the APK from its build process. |
| Integrations | The listed internet messaging transport is the Nostr protocol, which connects BitChat users through relays. | Molly connects to Signal's servers and can use SOCKS proxies or Tor through Orbot. |
| Open source | The iOS/macOS project and Android project state that they are released into the public domain. | Molly is open source and is licensed under AGPL-3.0-only. |
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.