The popular WhatsApp messenger is being challenged by the chat app Signal. We pit the two apps against each other in a direct comparison.
Functions of WhatsApp and Signal in comparison
While Signal stood next to WhatsApp with only a few functions a few years ago, it now offers itself as a very good alternative that also scores with data protection and privacy.
– In terms of operation, the two apps are quite similar. The functions for sending messages, pictures and videos as well as making phone calls hardly differ either.
– Both apps also allow you to send voice messages, GIFs, contacts and your location.
-Signal has also caught up a lot in the settings now. Features such as changing background images, blocking contacts, and a backup function are now available in Signal.
– However, changing your phone number is not yet as easy in Signal as it is in WhatsApp, because you do not automatically notify all your contacts and you do not remain in your groups. For this, you have to notify the groups and ask them to add you again afterwards.
– Other features that are not available on Signal, unlike WhatsApp, are stories and automatic cloud backups of your chats.
– Unlike WhatsApp, however, Signal offers its own exciting features. For example, it is possible to react to messages with emojis, as is known from Instagram.
You can also automatically recognise faces in pictures and have them pixelated if you want to make them unrecognisable. Self-deleting messages are also possible in Signal.
WhatsApp vs. Signal – Messenger security
– Signal: Here all chats and calls are encrypted. The encryption code can be seen online by everyone. This guarantees transparent security. With end-to-end encryption, the messages on your device are sent encrypted via Signal’s servers and only decrypted again when they reach the recipient.
– In the settings, you can also enable features like screenshot protection, an incognito keyboard, indirect calls and more under “Privacy”.
– WhatsApp: WhatsApp has also been focusing more on data protection for some time and encrypts all messages. Nevertheless, it continues to be criticised because a lot of data is still stored on Facebook servers and there is no complete transparency.
– Signal is currently one of the most secure messengers for iOS and Android. With end-to-end encryption, your data is very secure by today’s standards.
WhatsApp vs. Signal – who wins?
– While Signal could only score with security a few years ago, today it offers almost every WhatsApp feature and more.
– If you can do without some security, data protection and privacy, you will probably stay with WhatsApp. Signal, however, is clearly superior to WhatsApp in terms of data protection and is free of charge. The development is financed by donations.
– The free app Telegram and the paid app Threema are safe and relatively widespread alternatives. Here, your chats are encrypted, just like with Signal.
