imo vs Signal
imo
imo.im
Signal
signal.orgSide by side
| Figure | imo | 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 · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#10) | 7.8 (#21) |
| Spec score · VoIP calling apps | 8.2 (#7) | 7.9 (#10) |
| Spec score · Instant Messaging Software | 8.2 (#14) | 7.9 (#16) |
| Calls | imo offers free HD audio and video calls over the internet, including international calls. | Signal offers voice and video calls, including group calls. |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, United States | Mountain View, California, United States |
| Integrations | The privacy policy describes iOS integration with Siri and access to iCloud Drive for sharing files. | Signal's privacy policy names YouTube, Spotify, and Giphy as third-party services users may interact with in connection with Signal. |
| Messaging | Chats support real-time messages, photo, video and voice-recording sharing, and group chat. | Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free. |
| Platforms | imo lists Android, iOS, Windows and Mac downloads, and its FAQ also describes using imo Web in a browser. | Signal lists Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads. |
| Product | imo is an instant communication app for calls and messages. | Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls. |
| Support | The download FAQ directs users who need help to [email protected]. | Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories. |
Plans
In their own words
imo
imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. It offers HD audio and video calls, including international calls, and group video calls for up to 20 participants with no fixed time limit. Chats support real-time messages, photos, videos, voice recordings, and group conversations; its Big Group feature supports up to 5,000 members. Stories hold photos, videos, and text updates for 24 hours. Listed privacy features include end-to-end encryption, Time Machine, and disappearing messages, while account controls include two-step verification and spam blocking. Encryption coverage is mixed. Instant message translation is available, and the privacy policy says Google Translate may provide it. That policy also says imo collects usage data, including communication partners, times, and message content. On iOS, imo integrates with Siri and can access iCloud Drive for file sharing. The app is free, though mobile carrier data charges may apply to internet calls.
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.