Delta Chat vs Wire
Delta Chat
delta.chat
Wire
wire.comSide by side
| Figure | Delta Chat | Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €7.45/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#4) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#11) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Encryption | All messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, and attachments and their metadata are included in the encryption. | Wire says messages, conference calls, and files are end-to-end encrypted, and only conversation participants can decrypt the information. |
| Headquarters | Freiburg, Germany | Berlin, Germany |
| Integrations | Delta Chat supports chatmail relays and in-chat web apps, and can use a classic email address as a relay with limitations. | The pricing page lists deploying third-party integrated apps (bots) as an SMB and Enterprise feature. |
| Messaging | The app supports multi-profile and multi-device use, and relays messages through secure, interoperable chatmail relays. | Messaging supports groups, conversation search, sketches, reactions, file sharing, and audio and video messages. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Android, iPhone/iPad, macOS, Windows, GNU/Linux, and a community-driven Ubuntu Touch effort. | web,Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,API |
| Product | Delta Chat is a reliable, decentralized and secure instant messaging app for mobile and desktop. | Wire provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing for organizations. |
| Support | The site links to a Delta Chat forum for support and feedback. | The pricing page lists standard support and optional premium support with first replies within 16 hours during business hours, premium+ within 4 hours, and optional 24/7 platinum support. |
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
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.
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.