BitChat vs Monal
BitChat
bitchat.free
Monal
monal-im.orgSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Monal |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 7.7 (#24) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | The features page lists encrypted private and group chats using OMEMO encryption. |
| 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 install page lists stable and beta downloads for iOS and macOS, plus macOS Homebrew installation. |
| Privacy | The app requires no accounts or phone numbers, but its mesh uses a persistent per-device identifier derived from the identity key. | The makers say Monal does not sell or track information for external parties. |
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.