Signal vs WhatsApp

Signal9.4Visit WWhatsApp9.3Visit

Higher score Signal #1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Signal

vs

W WhatsApp #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit WhatsApp

• Signal fits best

  Most people wanting private messaging

• WhatsApp fits best

  Free mainstream messaging with encryption

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Side by side

Feature	Signal 9.4/10 Visit ↗	WWhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.3
Ranking	#1 in Encrypted Messaging Apps	#2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for	Most people wanting private messaging	Free mainstream messaging with encryption
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, iOS, Android
Features Signal 3/3 · WhatsApp 3/3
Desktop app	✓	✓
Voice and video calls	✓	✓
Disappearing messages	✓	✓
Specs
Encryption coverage	Default	Default
Maximum group size	1000 members	1024 members (best)
Linked device limit	5 devices (best)	4 devices
Encrypted backups	End_to_end	End_to_end
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	End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing
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	The app is closed source rather than open source Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience
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 →	WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling application for individuals, groups, and organizations. It brings text messaging, voice notes, photo and video sharing, documents, status updates, group chats, and one-to-one or group voice and… Read the review →

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

• WhatsApp — where it wins

  • End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default
  • Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices
  • Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing

  Where it doesn't

  • The app is closed source rather than open source
  • Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users
  • Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience

• Signal9.4/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit SignalFull verdict →
• WWhatsApp9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.

  Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →