Signal vs WhatsApp
Signal
signal.orgSide by side
| Figure | 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 |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · VoIP calling apps | 7.9 (#10) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 7.8 (#21) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 7.8 (#22) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Calls | Signal offers voice and video calls, including group calls. | Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, have no time limits, and work one-to-one or in groups across iOS, Android, and web. |
| Encryption | Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Signal. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California, United States | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Messaging | Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | Signal lists Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Product | Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Support | Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
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.
WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling app for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Users can exchange text, photos, videos, documents, and location, and make voice calls. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, have no time limits, and work one-to-one or in groups across iOS, Android, and web; group calls support up to 32 people. Calls can also be made in a browser. WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption keeps personal messages and calls private from others, including WhatsApp. Privacy controls include locked chats, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, online-visibility settings, and blocking unknown callers. Users can report messages, people, or businesses, and block contacts. Up to four devices can be linked to a primary phone, which is required to register an account and link new devices. Minimum requirements listed include Android OS 6.0, iOS 15.1, macOS 12.1, and Windows 10 or newer; iPadOS 15.1 is also listed. Data charges may apply, and calls use an internet connection. WhatsApp Business helps businesses showcase products and services and build customer relationships.