Olvid vs Status

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.

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.