FaceTime vs Signal
FaceTime
support.apple.comSignal
signal.orgSide by side
| Figure | FaceTime | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · VoIP calling apps | 8.3 (#6) | 7.9 (#10) |
| Supported platforms | iOS,macOS,web,Windows,Android | Signal lists Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads. |
| Support | Apple’s FaceTime support page links to instructions for using FaceTime on Mac and for screening unknown callers on iPhone. | Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories. |
Plans
In their own words
FaceTime
FaceTime has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Signal
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.