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Signal vs WhatsApp

Signal scores 22 out of 30 and WhatsApp scores 14. Signal is ahead on footprint, lock-in, self-direction, power and longevity.

Signal

The small tool

22/30 · Leaning convivial

A private messenger run by a nonprofit, with end-to-end encryption by default.

WhatsApp

The giant

14/30 · Mixed

The chat app three billion people can't easily leave.

Footprint
3
2
Lock-in
3
1
Self-direction
4
2
Power
4
2
Longevity
3
2
Delivery
5
5
Price
Free
Free
Source
Open source
Closed source
Runs on
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, web
Maker
M · Medium
XL · Extra large

What you give up by switching

Signal still asks for a phone number to sign up, although a username can now hide it, and it lives on donations, so it depends on that staying true. Its circle of users is smaller than WhatsApp's.

How to move

Chat history does not come across easily from WhatsApp, so keep the old app until your groups have moved.

Scores are our opinion on six questions from Ivan Illich, based on public sources and dated October 2026. Read the full reviews of Signal and WhatsApp, or see how we score.

Also instead of WhatsApp: Delta Chat.

Visit Signal More tools for “chat with people”