Delta Chat vs Nheko
Delta Chat
delta.chatNheko
nheko-reborn.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Delta Chat | Nheko |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#11) | 7.6 (#27) |
| Calls | Audio and video calls on Android and iOS use peer-to-peer WebRTC with signaling through Delta Chat messages; the March 2026 post says the feature was still behind a debug setting. | It supports voice and video VoIP calls, with support varying by platform. |
| Encryption | All messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, and attachments and their metadata are included in the encryption. | Nheko supports end-to-end encryption, but its current implementation has never been audited and the project makes no security guarantees for it. |
| Messaging | The app supports multi-profile and multi-device use, and relays messages through secure, interoperable chatmail relays. | It supports creating, joining, and leaving rooms; invitations; file and emoji sharing; replies; read receipts; and message redaction. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Android, iPhone/iPad, macOS, Windows, GNU/Linux, and a community-driven Ubuntu Touch effort. | Releases are listed for Linux as Flatpak, macOS as a disk image, and Windows as x64 MSIX or appinstaller. |
| Support | The site links to a Delta Chat forum for support and feedback. | The README directs users seeking help with the undocumented D-Bus API to the #nheko:nheko.im Matrix room. |
Plans
In their own words
Delta Chat
Delta Chat is a free, open-source instant messaging app for mobile and desktop, with support for self-hosting. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and supports multiple profiles and devices. Messages travel through secure, interoperable chatmail relays and are end-to-end encrypted by default, including attachments and their metadata. Delta Chat uses a subset of OpenPGP with Secure-Join and Autocrypt. Servers can still see sender and receiver addresses and message size; other message, contact and group metadata is encrypted. Chats can include interactive web apps for gaming and collaboration. Android and iOS audio and video calls use peer-to-peer WebRTC, but a March 2026 post said the feature was still behind a debug setting. A classic email address can act as a relay only if used exclusively by chatmail clients, and classic email providers generally do not support push notifications. The FAQ says there are no immediate plans for a web client. The project links to a forum for support and feedback.
Nheko
Nheko has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.