BitChat vs Wire
BitChat
bitchat.free
Wire
wire.comSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €7.45/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | Wire says messages, conference calls, and files are end-to-end encrypted, and only conversation participants can decrypt the information. |
| Integrations | The listed internet messaging transport is the Nostr protocol, which connects BitChat users through relays. | The pricing page lists deploying third-party integrated apps (bots) as an SMB and Enterprise feature. |
| Open source | The iOS/macOS project and Android project state that they are released into the public domain. | Wire says its source code is fully open source and available on GitHub for verification. |
| 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. | web,Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,API |
Plans
Wire
- Wire for FreeFree
- Wire for SMB€7.45 a month
- Wire for EnterprisePriced on request
- Wire for PartnersPriced on request
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.
Wire
Wire is a communications platform for organizations that combines messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing with end-to-end encryption. Messages support group conversations, search, sketches, reactions, shared files, and audio and video messages. Conferences support up to 150 participants, with screen sharing and moderation tools. File management and online document collaboration keep files in conversations tied to verified group membership. Wire says only conversation participants can decrypt messages, calls, and files. It lists ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and Cyber Essentials certifications, and says its servers are in Germany and Ireland. Organizations can choose cloud, private cloud, or on-premises deployment, including offline or air-gapped environments. Wire is available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android; its Linux binary is described as experimental with community support. The free plan is for up to five people. Wire for SMB costs €7.45 per person/month with annual payment, or €8,94 per person/month with monthly payment.