Kaidan vs SimpleX Chat
Kaidan
kaidan.imSimpleX Chat
simplex.chatSide by side
| Figure | Kaidan | SimpleX Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 7.3 (#30) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Encryption | Kaidan supports end-to-end encryption with OMEMO 2 for messages, files, and metadata. | The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata. |
| End-to-end encryption | Kaidan supports end-to-end encryption via OMEMO 2 and Automatic Trust Management; encryption is enabled by default when a contact supports it. | Messages, files, voice messages, and calls are end-to-end encrypted so relay servers cannot decrypt their content. |
| Messaging features | Kaidan supports message reactions, read markers, drafts, message search, and chat pinning. | The apps support encrypted messages with Markdown and editing, encrypted media and files, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, audio and video calls, portable storage and incognito mode. |
Plans
In their own words
SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a messaging application for the SimpleX platform, with apps for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports encrypted text with Markdown and editing, media and file sharing, decentralized groups, voice messages, disappearing messages, and audio and video calls. The network does not assign profile identifiers such as phone numbers or usernames. Messages and metadata use end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange. Four servers participate in each chat so relay servers cannot see which IP addresses communicate. Profiles, contacts, and messages remain in a portable encrypted database on user devices; relay servers hold encrypted messages only until delivery. Users may operate their own servers and still reach people using preconfigured servers. Developers can build bots and integrations using protocol SDKs; the TypeScript SDK connects to the Chat CLI over a WebSocket API. A phone or tablet can link to the desktop app only when both devices share a local network. Disappearing messages and recipient-side deletion are not guaranteed when a recipient device is offline or modified. The free plan costs nothing.