Signal vs. WhatsApp

As an iPhone user, I love using iMessage to chat with my friends and family. But not everyone's on iMessage, so I ended up trying out WhatsApp because it's so popular and works on different phones. The only downside is all the gossip about its bad privacy, which got me a bit worried.

In light of that, I checked out Signal, another messaging app that provides signal data protection and other privacy features. Even though you might still want to use WhatsApp from time to time (like me!), you might be wondering if you should completely make the switch or incorporate Signal into your messaging app roster. So, let's get into the comparison, shall we?

WhatsApp and Signal comparison

Both WhatsApp and Signal basically do the same thing - they let you chat with people anywhere in the world using voice, video, or text. You don't need to use SMS with these apps; all you need is a WiFi connection or data. But they have a bunch of differences that attract different users based on what matters most to them.

To help you make a choice, I'm going to compare Signal and WhatsApp based on features, security options, and platform compatibility.

Signal vs. WhatsApp feature overview

Arguably, the first few aspects to consider when we compare these apps are their features. After all, without the right ones, it’s pointless even to consider using them. Here’s how they stack up:

As you can see, both apps have many similarities but also enough differences to cater to specific audience bases. If you choose WhatsApp for its community focus and social features, I recommend using IM+ for the most seamless instant messaging experience on your computer. 

It’s an all-in-one platform that combines various popular messaging apps, so you no longer have to bother switching between tabs and windows. Whether you’re using Instagram or Slack, you can seamlessly toggle between those conversations and even organize them through color coding and tagging. 

My favorite thing about IM+ is that it’s incredibly customizable. You can implement hotkey switching, show specific statuses to specific people, and even set custom notifications. My least favorite? Signal is unfortunately unavailable on the app.

Security options overview

Regardless of the incredible features an app might have though, its security features can entirely make or break that experience. Especially since you might be sharing sensitive personal information over one-on-one messaging, you want to make sure there are robust measures in place to protect your data.

WhatsApp has previously been in hot water for these reasons, including for a vulnerability back in 2019 that let hackers install malware on people’s devices and the holes in their end-to-end encryption. These WhatsApp security issues prompted a lot of people to seek out other options, which, if you personally are, you can read up on this article on the best WhatsApp alternatives yourself.

Wondering what the security differences are between Signal and WhatsApp? 

Let’s break it down:

It’s quite clear that Signal’s data protection is a lot more sophisticated, as they take their security and privacy measures a lot more seriously. Much of this could be because of ownership reasons, as while WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which is notorious for monetizing and collecting user data, Signal is owned by a nonprofit that doesn’t rely on ad revenue.

Tip: No matter what apps and platforms you use, you should always use privacy and security tools whenever you’re online. Cybercrimes are only becoming more sophisticated, and just one security hole can put ourselves and our information in danger. That’s why I’ve been consistently using a VPN for over the past few years, specifically ClearVPN. With just one click, you’ll be able to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP, and there are complementary tools to bolster your privacy.

Platform compatibility

Unless you happen to have friends that all use the same device and platform, a super important part of a great messaging app is availability across devices. 

Here’s where WhatsApp vs Signal are available:

Luckily, Signal and Whatsapp are pretty much compatible across the board, which means you likely won’t have trouble switching between platforms. 

If you’re a WhatsApp user, though, maybe you want a desktop client that takes a page out of Signal’s privacy book. While it still uses the WhatsApp app, ChatMate for WhatsApp comes with all sorts of features like adjustable notifications, stealth mode that blurs out messages until you hover over them, privacy mode when you’re away from your desk, and plenty more.

What is the most used messaging app?

As I briefly touched on in the beginning, WhatsApp is by far the most used messaging app in the world. It’s particularly popular in Brazil, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and the United States. But just because it’s extremely popular doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit for you, the one with the most features, or even the one that’s the most secure. While two billion people worldwide use WhatsApp, Signal isn’t considered to have few users either, at around 40 million back in 2022.

Signal vs. WhatsApp: Closing the debate

The Signal private messenger vs. WhatsApp debate really comes down to what you value most in a messaging app experience. If you’re a stickler for security and privacy, WhatsApp might have its flaws, but if you place less emphasis on it the end-to-end encryption and feature-rich platform still has its merits. For those that crave a simpler approach to messaging with a stricter approach to confidentiality, Signal could be the Whatsapp alternative you’re looking for.

Regardless of your choice, Setapp can complement your digital experience with a variety of handy apps to manage files securely, improve online privacy, and lots more. All the apps mentioned in this article, including IM+ for chat aggregation, ChatMate for WhatsApp as an alternative client, and ClearVPN for online security, are available through a 7-day Setapp subscription trial. Try it free for seven days and see what it could do for your personal and professional life!