Head-to-head · WhatsApp Alternatives
Signal vs Telegram
Signal leads on 0 checks, Telegram 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 · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Signal scores higher on our rubric for whatsapp alternatives: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
Signal is the better fit for privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger. Telegram is the better fit for large communities and cross-device messaging.
- Signal fits best
Privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger
- Telegram fits best
Large communities and cross-device messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Signal 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Telegram 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in WhatsApp Alternatives | #2 in WhatsApp Alternatives |
| Best for | Privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger | Large communities and cross-device messaging |
| 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 2/5 · Telegram 2/5 | ||
| Default E2E encryption | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Desktop apps | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Multi-device support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Voice and video calls | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Max group size | Not checked yet | 200000 members |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Signal is a messaging app for individuals, families, groups, and organizations who want private conversations across phones and computers. Signal-to-Signal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, and the free core includes… Read the review → |
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app for individuals, communities, businesses and small teams. It combines private messaging with groups, broadcast channels, voice and video calls, file sharing, bots and usernames. Free accounts can… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Signal — where it wins
- Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Supports group chats with up to 1,000 members
- Apps are available for desktop and mobile platforms
Where it doesn't
- Free backups cover recent media only
- Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month
- Accounts can link up to five devices
Telegram — where it wins
- Free messaging syncs across web, desktop and mobile
- Groups support up to 200,000 members, alongside broadcast channels
- Bots, usernames and an open API support flexible extensions
Where it doesn't
- End-to-end encryption applies to Secret Chats, not regular cloud chats
- Secret Chats are device-specific and are not stored in the cloud
- Premium pricing varies by country, app store and payment provider
- Signal9.3/10 · Free plan
A capable free messenger with default encryption and optional paid media backups.
Visit SignalFull verdict → - Telegram9.1/10 · Free plan
A broad messaging app for communities, with end-to-end encryption confined to Secret Chats.
Visit TelegramFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Signal vs Threema
- Signal vs BiP
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- Telegram vs Delta Chat
- Telegram vs SimpleX Chat
- Telegram vs Threema
All WhatsApp alternatives comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update