Discord vs Signal

Discord is a communications platform for voice, video, and text, with communities organized into servers and channels. People can create servers for groups to talk and spend time together, and use calls in direct messages, group direct messages, or voice channels. The service supports streaming games to friends, and supported consoles can stream gameplay directly. On desktop and in a browser, the App Directory lets users find apps to add to a server or account. Account Connections can link services such as Spotify, Xbox, and PlayStation to a profile; developers can use the Embedded App SDK to build interactive experiences inside Discord. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The free plan includes voice, video, and text chat, community servers, and browser, desktop, and mobile access. Nitro Basic is $2.99 a month and includes 50 MB file uploads; Nitro is $9.99 a month and includes custom emoji and stickers, HD video streaming, and two Server Boosts. Discord says calls use end-to-end encryption, but messages are not encrypted and remain subject to its content moderation approach.

Signal is a private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Users can send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats provide administrators, permissions and @mentions. Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal, and that it does not sell, rent or monetize personal data or content. Users may connect through a unique username without sharing their phone number with contacts, although registration still requires a phone number. Desktop use requires Signal to be installed on a phone first, and an account can have up to five linked devices. The free plan includes messaging and calling. Signal identifies itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations. Its terms require users to be at least 13, with potentially higher local minimums. The Support Center covers getting started, features, security, troubleshooting and general topics. Signal also supports disappearing messages and encrypted backups.