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Messaging

SimpleX Chat

Maximum privacy messaging with no user identifiers and

relay servers

Privacy score 90 Free Technical: Intermediate Open source
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SimpleX Chat is a private messaging with

. It helps you keep more control over your data.

Android iOS Windows Mac Linux

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You need the highest level of anonymity (no user IDs at all)
  • • You want to avoid all collection
  • • You need messaging with relay server choice
  • • You want protection against spam (invitation-only messaging)
  • • You need post-quantum resistant

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You want the simplest messaging experience (requires sharing invitation links)
  • • You need to message people who only use mainstream apps
  • • You want phone number or username-based messaging
  • • You need the largest user base (SimpleX is newer and smaller)
  • • You want automatic contact discovery

Overview

SimpleX Chat is a messaging app designed for maximum privacy and anonymity. Unlike most messaging apps, SimpleX Chat doesn't require you to create an account, give a phone number, or provide an email address. Instead, it uses temporary anonymous addresses that change, making it very hard to track you. All your messages are encrypted, and SimpleX Chat doesn't store your messages on servers. The app includes features like group chats, file sharing, and voice messages. SimpleX Chat is free, open source

, and particularly useful if you want to chat with complete anonymity and privacy, without anyone knowing who you are or who you're talking to.

Privacy highlight

End-to-end encrypted messaging without user identifiers. No phone numbers or emails required.

, no , strong anonymity.

Quick facts

Country:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Technical:
Intermediate
:
Yes
:
No telemetry
:
Yes
Open-source status:
Fully open source
:
No
:
No

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Voice and video calls with
  • Group messaging with
  • File sharing with
  • Disappearing messages
  • Username support (phone number privacy)
Security & encryption Click to expand
Yes
Encryption protocols
Double Ratchet Algorithm
SimpleX Chat uses with keys generated and stored on user devices. The service uses a unique architecture where keys are managed locally and never transmitted to servers. SimpleX Chat does not have access to keys as they never leave user devices. The service uses secure key exchange protocols to establish encrypted sessions. SimpleX Chat supports secure and recovery through encrypted stored on user devices. When self-hosted, users have complete control over .
Offline support
No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
No telemetry
No
Ip no
SimpleX Chat does not collect data. The service does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor message activity. SimpleX Chat does not log IP addresses and does not use or tools. The application is designed for maximum privacy and anonymity with no . The service uses temporary anonymous addresses, making difficult.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
SimpleX Chat is open-source software with no central jurisdiction. The service operates on decentralized servers, so data residency depends on server locations. SimpleX Chat does not retain message content on servers, so there is minimal data residency concern. When self-hosted, users have complete control over data residency.
SimpleX Chat does not retain message content on servers. Messages are delivered and then deleted from servers. The service does not retain user data, message content, or . SimpleX Chat does not log IP addresses. Users can delete their accounts and all associated data at any time. When self-hosted, users have complete control over .
Legal frameworks
GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
Revenue sources
Donations
Editorial signals Click to expand
90
Trust score
92
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 95, Audits: 80, Open source: 90, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 100, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
Editorial notes
Usability: 80, Performance: 75, Family friendly: 80
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
none
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
2
Accessibility features
Support for modern accessibility features depends on the platform version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
No
Migration tools
May offer import or export tools; see official docs.
Account recovery options depend on the provider.

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