Signal vs Discord

Signal9.2Visit Discord9.1Visit

Higher score Signal #3 in Instant Messaging Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Signal

vs

Discord #4 in Instant Messaging Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Discord

• Signal fits best

  Privacy-focused everyday messaging

• Discord fits best

  Community chat, voice and streaming

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Signal 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Discord 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	9.1
Ranking	#3 in Instant Messaging Software	#4 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for	Privacy-focused everyday messaging	Community chat, voice and streaming
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$1.99/mo	$29.99/user/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features Signal 0/2 · Discord 0/2
End-to-end encryption	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Guest access	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Message history	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Max group size	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
File size limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Signal-to-Signal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default Supports group chats of up to 1,000 members and group calls Runs on mobile and desktop, with up to five linked devices	Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions
Cons	Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month for expanded media storage Free backups cover recent media rather than a long media history Messaging and calls are Signal-to-Signal over an internet connection	Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB Nitro supports up to 200 servers HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier
Our verdict	Signal is a nonprofit messaging app for individuals, families, groups, and organizations who want private everyday communication. Its core service is free, with end-to-end encryption on Signal-to-Signal messages and calls by default. It… Read the review →	Discord combines voice channels, video calls, text chat, direct messages, screen sharing, game streaming, and community servers. It is designed for gaming communities and online groups, while its listed company-size fit spans solo users… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Signal — where it wins

  • Signal-to-Signal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
  • Supports group chats of up to 1,000 members and group calls
  • Runs on mobile and desktop, with up to five linked devices

  Where it doesn't

  • Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month for expanded media storage
  • Free backups cover recent media rather than a long media history
  • Messaging and calls are Signal-to-Signal over an internet connection

• Discord — where it wins

  • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
  • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions

  Where it doesn't

  • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
  • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
  • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier

• Signal9.2/10 · Free plan

  Private, free messaging with encrypted calls and an optional paid media backup tier.

  Visit SignalFull verdict →
• Discord9.1/10 · Free plan

  A flexible community chat platform with free voice, video, text, and streaming.

  Visit DiscordFull verdict →