Monal vs Session
Monal
monal-im.org
Session
getsession.orgSide by side
| Figure | Monal | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 7.7 (#24) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · Instant Messaging Software | 7.8 (#19) | 8.4 (#11) |
| Headquarters | Bürstadt, Germany | Switzerland |
| Platforms | The install page lists stable and beta downloads for iOS and macOS, plus macOS Homebrew installation. | The maker’s download page offers apps for Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and Linux. |
| Product | Monal is an XMPP instant messaging client for iOS and macOS. | Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted private messaging app. |
| Support | Support is available through an XMPP group chat, GitHub issues, and email. | The maker directs users needing help to its support portal. |
Plans
In their own words
Session
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.