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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Signal vs Mattermost

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Signal #3 in Instant Messaging Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Signal
Mattermost #8 in Instant Messaging Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Mattermost

Signal leads on 0 checks, Mattermost on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSignal · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMattermost · 1 of 2

Signal scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Signal is the better fit for privacy-focused everyday messaging. Mattermost is the better fit for open-source team messaging with automation.

  • Signal fits best

    Privacy-focused everyday messaging

  • Mattermost fits best

    Open-source team messaging with automation

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Side by side

Feature Signal 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Mattermost 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #3 in Instant Messaging Software #8 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Privacy-focused everyday messaging Open-source team messaging with automation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1.99/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features Signal 0/2 · Mattermost 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
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
  • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
  • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
  • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.
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
  • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
  • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
  • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.
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 →

Mattermost brings public and private channels, direct and group messaging, searchable message and file history, and calls into one collaboration platform. It is aimed at technical, operational, defense, government, and…

Read the review →
  1. SignalInstant Messaging Software 9.2Free plan
  2. MattermostInstant Messaging Software 8.7Free plan

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

  • Mattermost — where it wins

    • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
    • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
    • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
    • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
    • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update