SimpleX Chat vs WhatsApp
SimpleX Chat
simplex.chatSide by side
| Figure | SimpleX Chat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.4 (#3) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.5 (#5) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Company size | LinkedIn lists SimpleX Chat as a privately held technology company with 2–10 employees. | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp's company size as 51–200 employees. |
| Encryption | The network uses end-to-end encryption with continuous post-quantum key exchange for messages and metadata. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| End-to-end encryption | Messages, files, voice messages, and calls are end-to-end encrypted so relay servers cannot decrypt their content. | WhatsApp states that personal messages, calls, photos and other content are protected with end-to-end encryption. |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| License | The application source code is available under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3. | WhatsApp Messenger is proprietary software distributed under an end-user license agreement. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 4.3 out of 5 from 268 ratings | 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.1 out of 5 from 2.83K reviews | 4.6 out of 5 from 245M reviews |
| Self-hosting | Users can operate their own SMP relay server with a VPS, domain, and basic Linux knowledge, while still communicating with users on other relays. | The documented Business Platform is hosted by Meta and the official materials describe direct API access or solution-provider integration rather than self-hosting. |
| Support | Users can contact the team through the in-app “Ask SimpleX team” contact or by emailing [email protected]. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
| What it does | SimpleX Chat is an encrypted messaging platform for text, files, voice messages, groups, and audio/video calls. | WhatsApp is a messaging and voice-over-IP service for text, voice and video calls, media, files and locations. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
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.
WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling app for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Users can exchange text, photos, videos, documents, and location, and make voice calls. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, have no time limits, and work one-to-one or in groups across iOS, Android, and web; group calls support up to 32 people. Calls can also be made in a browser. WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption keeps personal messages and calls private from others, including WhatsApp. Privacy controls include locked chats, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, online-visibility settings, and blocking unknown callers. Users can report messages, people, or businesses, and block contacts. Up to four devices can be linked to a primary phone, which is required to register an account and link new devices. Minimum requirements listed include Android OS 6.0, iOS 15.1, macOS 12.1, and Windows 10 or newer; iPadOS 15.1 is also listed. Data charges may apply, and calls use an internet connection. WhatsApp Business helps businesses showcase products and services and build customer relationships.