Head-to-head · Iphone Apps
Shazam vs Signal
Shazam leads on 0 checks, Signal on 0, and 1 is 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 scoreShazam · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
Shazam scores higher on our rubric for iphone apps: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Shazam is the better fit for anyone who wants to identify songs on the go. Signal is the better fit for iPhone users prioritizing private messaging.
- Shazam fits best
Anyone who wants to identify songs on the go
- Signal fits best
iPhone users prioritizing private messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Shazam 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Signal 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #3 in Iphone Apps | #7 in Iphone Apps |
| Best for | Anyone who wants to identify songs on the go | iPhone users prioritizing private messaging |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Features Shazam 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 | Shazam is a song-identification app for people who want to recognize music as it plays, then return to the result later. Available on iOS, Android, the web, and as a Chrome extension, it can identify audio around the device or inside other… 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
Shazam — where it wins
- Recognizes songs around you or playing in other apps
- Stores offline requests and matches them after reconnection
- Pairs saved song history with lyrics and listening links
Where it doesn't
- Offline matches require reconnecting for synchronization
- Listening links depend on supported music services
- Support channels listed are limited to documentation
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
- Shazam9.1/10 · Free plan
A free song identifier with offline matching, lyrics, and links to major music services.
Visit ShazamFull 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





