FluffyChat vs Session

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.

Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Account creation does not require a phone number or email address. Its onion-request routing is designed so no single server knows both the origin and destination of a message. The app supports disappearing messages and encrypted group chats for up to 100 people. Attachments can be up to 10MB; they are encrypted on the device and stored through the Session File Server. Communities are self-hosted public channels, but are not fully end-to-end encrypted. Voice and video calling are beta features for one-to-one calls only, using peer-to-peer networking; calls can expose a user’s IP address to the call partner and an STF-operated STUN/TURN server. The code is open source, and the desktop, Android, and iOS clients have been audited by Quarkslab. The free plan includes encrypted messaging and attachments up to 10MB. Pro costs $2.99 a month and adds messages up to 10,000 characters, unlimited pinned conversations, animated display pictures, and badges.