BitChat vs SimpleX Chat
BitChat
bitchat.freeSimpleX Chat
simplex.chatSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | SimpleX Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata. |
| License | The iOS/macOS project and its whitepaper describe the software as released into the public domain. | The application source code is available under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3. |
| Messaging features | Features include IRC-style commands, automatic message routing, message queuing, and a triple-tap emergency wipe. | The apps support encrypted messages with Markdown and editing, encrypted media and files, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, audio and video calls, portable storage and incognito mode. |
| Open source | The iOS/macOS project and Android project state that they are released into the public domain. | Alternative client applications based on SimpleX Chat code must publish modifications under the AGPLv3 license. |
| Purpose | BitChat is a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr for internet messaging. | SimpleX Chat is a messaging application built on the SimpleX platform. |
| 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. | SimpleX Chat is an encrypted messaging platform for text, files, voice messages, groups, and audio/video calls. |
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.
SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a messaging application for the SimpleX platform, with apps for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports encrypted text with Markdown and editing, media and file sharing, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, and audio and video calls. The network does not assign profile identifiers such as phone numbers or usernames. Messages and metadata use end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange. Four servers participate in each chat so relay servers cannot see which IP addresses communicate. Profiles, contacts, and messages remain in a portable encrypted database on user devices; relay servers hold encrypted messages only until delivery. Users may operate their own servers and still reach people using preconfigured servers. Developers can build bots and integrations using protocol SDKs; the TypeScript SDK connects to the Chat CLI over a WebSocket API. A phone or tablet can link to the desktop app only when both devices share a local network. Disappearing messages and recipient-side deletion are not guaranteed when a recipient device is offline or modified. The free plan costs nothing.