Our verdict: SimpleX Chat goes further than most private messengers: there is no phone number, username or account ID at all, so servers cannot tell who talks to whom. That privacy comes at a price in convenience, because every contact has to be added with a link or QR code. Pick it when metadata privacy matters more than ease of use.
About SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is developed by SimpleX Chat Ltd. and released under the GNU AGPL v3. The network has no user identifiers of any kind: contacts and groups are stored on your device, and messages pass through relay servers that only see random-looking data.
You connect with someone by sharing a one-time invitation link or QR code, or a long-term contact address. Anyone can run their own relay servers and point the app at them. The Windows app can hold its own chat profile or be linked to SimpleX on your phone.
What it does well
- No user IDs. No phone number, email or username is needed to create a profile.
- End-to-end encryption. Messages and files are end-to-end encrypted between contacts.
- Link-based contacts. Add contacts with one-time links, QR codes or a reusable address.
- Self-hosted servers. Use the preset relays or run your own servers for messages and files.
- Groups and channels. Create groups and communities that are stored on members' devices.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want a messenger that reveals as little metadata as possible, including who their contacts are.
Look elsewhere
Users who want to find friends by phone number or need a large existing contact base.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No phone number or user ID
- Open source with independent security audits
- Relay servers can be self-hosted
- Desktop app can work without a phone
Cons
- Every contact must be added by link or QR code
- Few people you know are likely to use it yet
- Moving a profile between devices takes manual steps
How to install SimpleX Chat
The button downloads the official Windows MSI from the SimpleX GitHub releases. On first launch, create a profile with any display name; nothing is sent to a central directory. To use the same profile as your phone, link the desktop app to the mobile app instead of creating a new profile.
Questions about SimpleX Chat
Is SimpleX Chat free?
Yes. The apps are free and open source under the GNU AGPL v3, with no ads.
Does SimpleX Chat need a phone number?
No. SimpleX has no phone numbers, emails or usernames; you connect with people by sharing invitation links or QR codes.
Can I use SimpleX on Windows without a phone?
Yes. The desktop app can create its own profile, or it can be linked to SimpleX on your phone.
