Signal vs WhatsApp
A side-by-side comparison of Signal and WhatsApp.
| Visit website | Visit website | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Private messaging with end-to-end encryption for everything | Encrypted messaging and calls tied to your phone number |
| Pricing | FreeOpen source(AGPL-3.0) | FreeProprietary |
| Developer | Signal Foundation | Meta |
| Ratings | 4.7(1.1M) · App Store | 4.7(18.8M) · App Store |
| Platforms | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux | ||
| iPhone | ||
| Android | ||
| Web | ||
| Features | ||
| Ad-free | ||
| Disappearing messages | ||
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| Group chats | ||
| Voice and video calls | ||
Alternatives to both Signal and WhatsApp

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 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
Viber
Free messaging and calls with communities and channels
4.6(831.1K) · App StoreChats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
Freemium8 alternatives
SimpleX Chat
Private messenger with no user identifiers at all
4.3(271) · App StoreNo user identifiers at all, not even random ones
FreeOpen source9 alternatives
Olvid
French secure messenger with no phone number or directory
4.5(42) · App StoreNo phone number, email or central user directory required
FreemiumOpen source8 alternatives