FluffyChat vs Olvid

FluffyChat is a free, ad-free open-source messaging app built on the Matrix protocol. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, and the web, supporting private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and location sharing. The feature list also includes polls, custom stickers, spaces, moderation tools, multi-device support, and public chats with tens of thousands of participants. Direct calls and video conferences use Matrix RTC-compatible encryption. Private chats have end-to-end encryption enabled by default through Vodozemac. The app works with other Matrix clients such as Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat. FluffyChat caches server data locally and attempts SQLCipher encryption, keeping the key in device secure storage. Push notifications use Firebase Cloud Messaging or UnifiedPush. FluffyChat does not host messaging servers, so the chosen server’s data-protection terms apply.

Olvid is an instant messaging app for text messages and attachments, available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Olvid says it does not require identifying details such as a phone number, email, name, address, or birth date. It also says messages and metadata are end-to-end encrypted, so it cannot know who is communicating with whom. Each message and file uses a single-use ephemeral key, intended to protect message history if a key is compromised. The app supports synchronization across devices without a master device. Secure audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted; video calls support up to two contacts, while group audio calls have no participant limit. Receiving calls is free, and initiating them is free during a one-month trial that ends without billing or automatic subscription. The free plan includes unlimited messages and attachments, group discussions, ephemeral messages, multiple profiles, and inbound calls. Business costs €990 a year; Enterprise costs €990.50 a year.