imo vs Status

imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. It offers HD audio and video calls, including international calls, and group video calls for up to 20 participants with no fixed time limit. Chats support real-time messages, photos, videos, voice recordings, and group conversations; its Big Group feature supports up to 5,000 members. Stories hold photos, videos, and text updates for 24 hours. Listed privacy features include end-to-end encryption, Time Machine, and disappearing messages, while account controls include two-step verification and spam blocking. Encryption coverage is mixed. Instant message translation is available, and the privacy policy says Google Translate may provide it. That policy also says imo collects usage data, including communication partners, times, and message content. On iOS, imo integrates with Siri and can access iCloud Drive for file sharing. The app is free, though mobile carrier data charges may apply to internet calls.

Status combines a cryptocurrency wallet, messenger, and browser in one application. The wallet supports sending, swapping, and bridging crypto, with a live token list synchronized from decentralized exchanges across multiple chains. Messaging is decentralized and provides metadata privacy with end-to-end encryption by default. Status says users need no phone number, email, bank card, or social media account. It supports token-gated communities, and the desktop app can create and administer them. Running Status Desktop contributes to decentralizing the Waku peer-to-peer messaging network. The Status Wallet Connector extension links the wallet to decentralized applications while keeping keys inside Status; Keycard is a compatible secure contactless hardware wallet. Status runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and as an extension. The free plan costs nothing, with no ads, paid tier, or imposed limits. The project is open source.