Head-to-head · Iphone Apps
Procreate vs Signal
Procreate leads on 0 checks, Signal on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreProcreate · 8.8/10
- Free planonly Signal
Procreate scores higher on our rubric for iphone apps: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
Signal offers free plan; Procreate doesn't.
Procreate is the better fit for iPad illustrators seeking advanced drawing tools. Signal is the better fit for iPhone users prioritizing private messaging.
- Procreate fits best
iPad illustrators seeking advanced drawing tools
- Signal fits best
iPhone users prioritizing private messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Procreate 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Signal 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Iphone Apps | #7 in Iphone Apps |
| Best for | iPad illustrators seeking advanced drawing tools | iPhone users prioritizing private messaging |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Features Procreate 0/5 · Signal 0/5 | ||
| Offline access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| iPad app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Apple Watch app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Home screen widgets | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Family Sharing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Apple devices | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Procreate is an illustration and digital painting app for iPad, suited to creative professionals and aspiring artists who want a broad set of drawing tools. Its brush library includes hundreds of handcrafted brushes with customizable… Read the review → |
Signal is a nonprofit messaging application for individuals, families, groups, and organizations that prioritize private communication. Its core service covers encrypted text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, files, one-to-one calls,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Procreate — where it wins
- Customizable brushes, layers, masks, groups and blend modes
- Supports animation, multipage projects and painting on supported 3D models
- One-time purchase with no subscription
Where it doesn't
- Designed for iPad rather than desktop use
- No free plan
- Its range of tools may be more than casual sketching requires
Signal — where it wins
- End-to-end encryption covers messages and calls by default
- Disappearing messages, group calls, and 1,000-member chats
- Open-source clients span iPhone, desktop, Android, and tablets
Where it doesn't
- Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month
- Free backups focus on recent media; history beyond 45 days needs Secure Backups
- Linked devices are limited to five per account
- Procreate8.8/10 · Paid
A one-time-purchase iPad art app for illustrators who want more than basic sketching.
Visit ProcreateFull verdict → - Signal8.6/10 · Free plan
A free, private messenger with encrypted calls, disappearing messages, and desktop clients.
Visit SignalFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




