SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat is a free, open source instant messaging application allowing users to message, voice and video chat securely without disclosing their personal phone numbers. SimpleX is an alternative for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Skype, Facebook messenger, etc.
SimpleX Chat image
messaging chat video-chat voice-chat privacy security open-source

SimpleX Chat: Secure Instant Messaging

Free, open source instant messaging application with end-to-end encryption and secure voice/video calls without phone number disclosure

What is SimpleX Chat?

SimpleX Chat is a free, open source instant messaging application allowing users to have secure text, voice and video chats without disclosing their personal phone numbers or any other sensitive contact information.

With SimpleX, users can register with just a username and password. Their phone numbers or other personal details are never shared with the platform or other users. This allows SimpleX users to chat freely and privately without being tracked or spammed.

SimpleX is a full-featured messaging app with 1-to-1 and group texting, high quality voice and video calling, media sharing, channels & communities, emoji reactions and more. The app is designed to be fast, simple and secure for everyday communication and collaboration.

SimpleX does not use any sensitive permissions common in other messaging apps like access to contacts, camera, microphone, location, storage etc. until the user explicitly grants access as needed. SimpleX also uses end-to-end encryption for messages and calls to keep user communications private.

Overall, SimpleX Chat aims to set a new standard for privacy, transparency and ethical data practices in the messaging industry that has been dominated by platforms harvesting excessive user data. It is designed to be an ethical alternative to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Discord, Viber, Skype, Facebook Messenger etc.

SimpleX is available on Web, Android, iOS and Desktop platforms with seamless sync allowing users to message from any device. The app is developed by an independent non-profit making it free from advertising, subscription fees or any monetization models requiring user data collection.

SimpleX Chat Features

Features

  1. End-to-end encryption
  2. Self-destructing messages
  3. Screen lock
  4. No phone number required
  5. Open source
  6. Cross-platform
  7. Group chats
  8. Media sharing
  9. Voice & video calls

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Strong privacy and security

No ads or tracking

Customizable interface

Lightweight and fast

Free and open source

Works across devices

Cons

Smaller user base than mainstream apps

Fewer features than some competitors

Video calls can be glitchy

No cloud sync between devices


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