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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Signal vs Microsoft Teams

  • 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
Microsoft Teams #5 in Instant Messaging Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Try Microsoft Teams

Signal leads on 0 checks, Microsoft Teams 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 featuresMicrosoft Teams · 1 of 2

Signal scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Signal is the better fit for privacy-focused everyday messaging. Microsoft Teams is the better fit for organizations needing integrated team chat.

  • Signal fits best

    Privacy-focused everyday messaging

  • Microsoft Teams fits best

    Organizations needing integrated team chat

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Side by side

Feature Signal 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft Teams 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #3 in Instant Messaging Software #5 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Privacy-focused everyday messaging Organizations needing integrated team chat
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1.99/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features Signal 0/2 · Microsoft Teams 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
  • Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform
  • Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux
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
  • Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat
  • Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans
  • Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use
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 →

Microsoft Teams brings private and group chat, organized channels, audio and video meetings, cloud calling, file sharing, collaborative editing, workflows, and app integrations into one service. It suits solo users, small and mid-market…

Read the review →
  1. SignalInstant Messaging Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Microsoft TeamsInstant Messaging Software 9.0Free 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

  • Microsoft Teams — where it wins

    • Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps
    • Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform
    • Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux

    Where it doesn't

    • Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat
    • Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans
    • Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use

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