Ricochet Refresh vs SimpleX Chat
Ricochet Refresh
ricochetrefresh.netSimpleX Chat
simplex.chatSide by side
| Figure | Ricochet Refresh | SimpleX Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 7.9 (#18) | 8.5 (#5) |
| Data storage | Account data is stored locally on the user's computer, and the maker says there are no servers hosting user data. | Profiles, contacts and messages are stored on client devices in a portable encrypted database, while relay servers temporarily hold encrypted messages until delivery. |
| Encryption | The maker says communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. | The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata. |
| Open source | The source code is available for inspection and development. | Alternative client applications based on SimpleX Chat code must publish modifications under the AGPLv3 license. |
| Purpose | Ricochet Refresh is an open-source app for private, anonymous instant messaging. | SimpleX Chat is a messaging application built on the SimpleX platform. |
| Support | Users can contact the team at [email protected]. | Users can contact the team through the in-app “Ask SimpleX team” contact or by emailing [email protected]. |
Plans
In their own words
Ricochet Refresh
Ricochet Refresh has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.