Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience real numbers from our own analytics — open to see them
–Visitors
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · counted by iTechGuides's own first-party analytics, bots removed, every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

Signal vs Jami

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Signal #1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Signal
Jami #8 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Jami

Signal leads on 0 checks, Jami on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSignal · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSignal · 3 of 3

Signal scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.4 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Signal is the better fit for most people wanting private messaging. Jami is the better fit for long-established free peer-to-peer calling.

  • Signal fits best

    Most people wanting private messaging

  • Jami fits best

    Long-established free peer-to-peer calling

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. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Signal 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Jami 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.4
Ranking #1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #8 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Most people wanting private messaging Long-established free peer-to-peer calling
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 Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features Signal 3/3 · Jami 2/3
Desktop app ✓ ✓
Voice and video calls ✓ ✓
Disappearing messages ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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 Not checked yet
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
  • Free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms
  • Supports messaging, group calls, file sharing, and screen sharing
  • Links multiple devices and supports SIP and plugins
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
  • Encryption is not explicitly classified for every communication type
  • Integration support is centered on SIP
  • No paid tiers or plan-based feature expansion
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 →

Jami is free/libre communication software for individuals, teams, and organizations that need messaging and calling across desktop and mobile devices. It supports text messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, conference calls,…

Read the review →
  1. SignalEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.4Free plan
  2. JamiEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.4Free plan

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

  • Jami — where it wins

    • Free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms
    • Supports messaging, group calls, file sharing, and screen sharing
    • Links multiple devices and supports SIP and plugins

    Where it doesn't

    • Encryption is not explicitly classified for every communication type
    • Integration support is centered on SIP
    • No paid tiers or plan-based feature expansion
  • Signal9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit SignalFull verdict →
  • Jami8.4/10 · Free plan

    A mature free communication app with broad calling features and a focused integration set.

    Visit JamiFull verdict →

More comparisons

All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on encrypted messaging apps

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update