Signal vs Telegram
A side-by-side comparison of Signal and Telegram.
| Visit website | Visit website | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Private messaging with end-to-end encryption for everything | Cloud-based messaging with large groups, channels and bots |
| Pricing | FreeOpen source(AGPL-3.0) | FreemiumOpen source |
| Developer | Signal Foundation | Telegram |
| Ratings | 4.7(1.1M) · App Store | 4.0(282.8K) · App Store33.2Kstars |
| Platforms | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux | ||
| iPhone | ||
| Android | ||
| Web | ||
| Features | ||
| Ad-free | ||
| Disappearing messages | ||
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| Group chats | ||
| Voice and video calls | ||
| API access | ||
| Channels | ||
| Cross-device sync | ||
Alternatives to both Signal and Telegram

Discord
Voice, video and text chat for communities and groups
4.7(3.6M) · App StoreDrop-in voice channels make spontaneous conversations easy
Freemium11 alternatives
Element
Secure, decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol
3.3(590) · App StoreEnd-to-end encryption by default for private rooms and messages
FreemiumOpen source12 alternatives
Messenger
Meta's chat and calling app for your Facebook connections
4.7(13.8M) · App StoreEasy way to reach Facebook contacts without swapping phone numbers
Free8 alternativesWhatsApp
Encrypted messaging and calls tied to your phone number
4.7(18.8M) · App StoreHuge user base makes it easy to reach almost anyone
Free8 alternatives
Threema
Swiss messenger that works without a phone number
4.2(715) · App StoreNo phone number or email needed, thanks to a random Threema ID
PaidOpen source9 alternatives
Session
Anonymous messaging over a decentralized onion-routed network
4.4(5.2K) · App StoreNo phone number or email: an account is just a random Session ID
FreeOpen source9 alternatives