Delta Chat vs Matrix (2026): which should you pick?

Pick Delta Chat if

• Fits if you want a free private messenger that works across phones and desktops
• Works for friends or families who would rather not use a phone number

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you want team channels or an admin console, as there are none
• Skip it if you want paid support, since funding is by donations
• Watch out: minimum systems apply, including Android 5.0, iOS 15.6, macOS 12 and Windows 10
• Too light for workplace chat, with no workspace structure

Pick Matrix if

• Fits if you want chat that no single company controls
• Works for communities that want to run their own server

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want one app that behaves the same everywhere, since features depend on the client
• Tight if you share big files on the free homeserver, as attachments stop at 10MB
• Watch out: the matrix.org server is crowded and has usage limits
• Watch out: running your own homeserver, or paying a host, is a separate cost and effort the Foundation does not endorse
• Watch out: Element X is mobile only and Nheko is desktop only

Delta Chat

• There is no team workspace, channel structure or admin console; it is a messenger with group chats.
• Minimum systems named on the download page include Android 5.0, iOS 15.6, macOS 12 and Windows 10.
• Funding is by donations, so there is no paid support plan on the site.

Matrix

• Matrix is a protocol, not one app: features such as calls, threads and encryption depend on the client you choose.
• The public matrix.org homeserver is crowded and has usage limits; the Foundation says premium plan pricing is not yet published.
• Running your own homeserver, or paying a hosting provider, is a separate cost and effort that the Foundation does not endorse or guarantee.
• The platforms listed are those of the featured clients, which differ: Element X is mobile only, while Nheko is desktop only.

Delta Chat

Chatmail relays

Sign up to a chatmail relay for an instant chat profile, or use a classic email address as the relay.

Audited encryption

The site describes audited end-to-end encryption designed to hold up against network and server attacks.

Multiple profiles and devices

Run several chat profiles and use the same one on more than one device. The desktop apps do not need a phone install.

Interactive web apps

Small web apps open inside a chat for games and collaboration.

Interoperability

Built on internet standards, so users on different relays and clients can message each other.

Open-source apps

Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux apps are published with source code, along with alternative third-party clients.

Matrix

Federation between servers

Accounts look like @username:example.com, and people on different providers can message each other, much as email works across providers.

Choice of client

Matrix is only the standard; you chat through a client. The clients page lists Element, Element X, FluffyChat, Cinny and Nheko across web, desktop and mobile.

Encryption in clients that support it

End-to-end encryption is listed as a capability of the featured clients, including for media and calls where a client supports them.

Spaces and threads

Clients can browse and manage Matrix spaces to group rooms for a community, and most featured clients support threaded replies.

Bridges to other networks

Bridges connect Matrix rooms to platforms including Discord, Slack, Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, Mattermost and Google Chat.

Self-hosting or hosted providers

Anyone can run their own homeserver, or pick from the hosting providers the Foundation lists, so an organization keeps control of its data.

Delta Chat

• Free$0

  All apps for phones and desktops at no charge. The project is funded partly by donations.

Matrix

• Free$0

  Matrix.org homeserver account: 10MB per attachment and 100MB of uploads per 24 hours, up to 500MB per 28 days.