Signal vs Zoom Phone

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.

Zoom Phone is a cloud VoIP phone system for making and receiving calls over broadband internet. Its connected communications offering supports calls, video, chat, SMS and fax, with desktop and mobile apps. Call management includes auto attendants, IVR, call queues, business-hours routing, recording and voicemail transcription. Plans include post-call summaries, voicemail prioritization and task extraction. You can port existing numbers or purchase new ones; a domestic number is included. Zoom lists integrations with Salesforce, Slack, Contact Center, Microsoft and Google, and APIs for adding phone capabilities to custom applications. Global PSTN coverage is listed in 49+ countries, with an option to bring your own carrier. Zoom states 99.999% uptime and lists E911 and failover options through Zoom Phone Local Survivability. Plan details list 256-bit authentication and media encryption support, FedRAMP Moderate compliance, and 24x7 live chat and phone support. Pricing starts at $10 per user per month for Metered calling. There is no free plan, though a free trial is available.