Signal vs Delta Chat

Signal9.4Visit Delta Chat8.6Visit

Higher score Signal #1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Signal

vs

Delta Chat #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Delta Chat

• Signal fits best

  Most people wanting private messaging

• Delta Chat fits best

  Open-source messaging with email interoperability

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Side by side

Feature	Signal 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Delta Chat 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.6
Ranking	#1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps	#6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for	Most people wanting private messaging	Open-source messaging with email interoperability
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	$1.99/mo	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features Signal 3/3 · Delta Chat 3/3
Desktop app	✓	✓
Voice and video calls	✓	✓
Disappearing messages	✓	✓
Specs
Encryption coverage	Default	Default
Maximum group size	1000 members	Not checked yet
Linked device limit	5 devices	Not checked yet
Encrypted backups	End_to_end	None
Our review
Pros	End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for messages and calls Supports messaging, calls, file sharing, groups, stickers, and disappearing messages Official apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android	Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps
Cons	Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month Free backups cover recent media, while older media needs Secure Backups Group chats support up to 1,000 members	Exported backups are not encrypted Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
Our verdict	Signal is a nonprofit messaging application for individuals, families, groups, and organizations. It provides end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, files, voice calls, video calls, group chats, stickers, and… Read the review →	Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for private conversations, groups, channels, and one-to-one audio or video calls. It is designed for people who want default end-to-end encryption across mobile and desktop while retaining… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Signal — where it wins

  • End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for messages and calls
  • Supports messaging, calls, file sharing, groups, stickers, and disappearing messages
  • Official apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android

  Where it doesn't

  • Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month
  • Free backups cover recent media, while older media needs Secure Backups
  • Group chats support up to 1,000 members

• Delta Chat — where it wins

  • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
  • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps

  Where it doesn't

  • Exported backups are not encrypted
  • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
  • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers

• Signal9.4/10 · Free plan

  A free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.

  Visit SignalFull verdict →
• Delta Chat8.6/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source messenger that combines default encryption with email interoperability.

  Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →