When it comes to secure messaging apps, Signal vs Telegram is a common debate among users seeking the best chat app. Both apps offer unique features, but which one really meets your needs?
This comprehensive comparison of the main differences between Signal and Telegram will help you decide which app best suits your preferences.
What is Signal?
Signal is a free messaging app built for people who want to chat, call, and share media securely without data leaks. Developed by the nonprofit Signal Foundation, the app uses end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can read the messages, not anyone else, not even Signal itself.
Signal doesn’t store your chats, contacts, or personal information. It supports group chats and video calls on Android, iOS, and desktop. Signal is a good choice if you want a messaging app that protects your privacy.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a chat app that lets you send texts, make voice and video calls, share files, and create large group chats. With over 1 billion users, it has grown to become one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world.
You can create Telegram groups and channels to update followers. Your chats are stored online, so you can access them from any device without losing data. It provides advanced protection with end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and secret chats with two-step verification.
Telegram is the perfect choice if you need a secure chat app, a large community tool, or a place to share media.
Read more: What is Telegram? Is Telegram Safe?
Signal vs. Telegram: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Signal | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| Security | End-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default | E2EE only in secret chats (not default) |
| Data Collection | Minimal (only phone number) | Stores IP addresses, metadata, and usernames |
| Cloud Storage | No cloud storage (local only) | Cloud-based storage (messages accessible across devices) |
| Group Chats | Up to 1000 members, fully encrypted | Up to 200000 members, not E2EE |
| File Sharing | Limited file sharing, privacy-focused | Supports files up to 2GB, stickers, polls, bots |
| Multi-Device Support | One phone + up to 5 linked desktops, no cloud sync | Unlimited devices, cloud-based sync across all devices |
| Calls & Video | Secure voice/video calls (up to 40 participants) | Encrypted one-on-one calls, group voice chats (not E2EE) |
| Ease of Use | Simple, privacy-focused interface | Feature-rich with customization options |
| Best For | Privacy, security, and encryption | Large groups, features, and multi-device use |
Both Signal and Telegram have unique advantages. Signal excels in privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection by default. Telegram provides a wider range of features, such as large group chats, file sharing up to 2GB, and cloud-based multi-device support. The following content explains the differences between the two.
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Signal vs. Telegram: Which is More Secure?
Signal and Telegram are popular messaging apps, but they take different approaches to security and privacy. If you’re wondering which one is more secure, here’s what you need to know.
Signal: Privacy is guaranteed
- End-to-end encryption by default: Every message and call on Signal is automatically end-to-end encrypted (E2EE). Only you and the recipient can read the message, not even Signal itself. It uses the Signal Protocol, a trusted encryption method used by security experts around the world.
- No data collection: Signal doesn’t store messages, metadata, or personal information. The only thing it keeps is your phone number.
- Additional privacy features: Signal offers disappearing messages, screen security, and the ability to send messages without revealing your phone number.
Telegram: More features but less security
- No end-to-end encryption by default: Telegram only offers E2EE in secret chats, which you need to enable manually. Regular chats, groups, and channels are stored on Telegram’s servers, making them more vulnerable to attacks.
- Cloud storage: Telegram saves messages on its servers (although they are encrypted), allowing access from multiple devices. If Telegram’s security is compromised, it could access your messages.
- More data collection: Telegram stores IP addresses, usernames, and some metadata.
If privacy and security are your top concerns, Signal is the best choice. It ensures that all messages are end-to-end encrypted, stores minimal user data, and is open source and transparent.
Signal vs. Telegram: Which is Easy to Use?
Both Signal and Telegram are easy to install and use, but they have different approaches to the user experience.
Signup Process
The signup process for both apps is similar:
- Enter your phone number (including country code).
- Verify your number with an SMS code.
- Set up your profile with a name (nickname) and a picture.
The advantage of Telegram is that you can create a username so people can find you and chat with you without knowing your phone number, and Signal is now testing usernames as well.
Installation and Setup
- Install the app: Just download the app on your phone, sign up, and you’re ready to go.
- Security Settings: Signal requires creating a PIN to protect your account. Telegram offers a passcode lock, but it’s optional and can be found under settings.
- Desktop Access: Both apps support desktop versions. You need to link your phone via QR code or SMS verification to use them.
- Switching devices: Telegram has made it easier to change your number or device within the app. Signal allows you to transfer your account to a new number, but some restrictions exist.
User Experience
- Signal: If you like a clean and easy-to-use interface, Signal is the better choice. It focuses on private messaging without extra distractions.
- Telegram: Telegram offers more customization, bots, channels, and social media-style features. It’s great if you like more control and advanced options. Both apps are very user-friendly. It just depends on what you want!
Telegram vs. Signal: Which One Has More Features?
When it comes to versatility, Telegram and Signal serve different purposes. Telegram focuses on features and flexibility, while Signal prioritizes privacy and security.
Group Chats and Channels
- Telegram: Supports large groups of up to 200000 members, which is great for community and discussion. It also has a variety of interesting channels, and you can create or join any channel that interests you.
- Signal: Groups are end-to-end encrypted, but members are limited to 1000 people.
Messaging and Privacy
- Signal: By default, every chat is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring complete privacy. You also get self-destructing messages, sealed sender protection, and relay calls to hide your IP address.
- Telegram: Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, but secret chats offer this option. You can also set messages to self-destruct, unsend messages, and even automatically delete your account when inactive.
File Sharing and Media
- Telegram: This app allows the sharing of files up to 2GB per file, supports stickers, custom themes, and media editing tools, and offers polls, quizzes, and interactive bots.
- Signal: Focuses more on secure communications, with features like disposable media and an image blur tool for privacy. File sharing is more limited than Telegram.
Calls and Voice Chat
- Signal: Secure voice and video call with up to 40 participants.
- Telegram: Offers one-on-one, end-to-end encrypted calls, but group voice chats are only encrypted between the user and Telegram’s servers, not end-to-end.
Choose Telegram if you want rich, large group chats, channels, file sharing, bots, and a social media-like experience. Choose Signal if you prioritize privacy and secure messaging over extra features.
Telegram vs. Signal: Multi-Device Support
Both Telegram and Signal support multi-device use, but they take very different approaches.
Telegram’s Multi-Device Support
- Telegram supports logging into multiple devices at once, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and even web browsers.
- Cloud-based storage lets you access your full chat history on any device.
- Linked devices are unlimited.
- Secret chats stay on one device (not stored in the cloud for security reasons).
Signal’s Multi-Device Support
- One phone per account, but you can link up to 5 desktop devices.
- Multiple mobile devices are not supported. Your phone will be the primary device.
- Local storage only, no cloud backup, so old messages won’t sync when you link a new device.
- All messages are end-to-end encrypted, and security takes precedence over convenience.
Which one is better for multi-device use? If you want easy access across multiple devices, full chat history for all devices, and unlimited linked devices, choose Telegram. If you rely more on security, choose Signal, even if it means more restrictions on multi-device use.
FAQ about Signal vs. Telegram
1. Is Signal better than Telegram?
If you’re wondering whether Signal or Telegram is better, it depends on your needs. Signal is more focused on privacy and security. Everything is end-to-end encrypted, and your messages are not stored in the cloud. Telegram has more features. It allows you to use multiple devices, store chats in the cloud, and create large groups and channels.
2. What’s the difference between WhatsApp and Signal?
The main difference between the two apps is privacy.
Signal is more private. It encrypts everything end-to-end, collects almost no data, and does not store messages in the cloud. WhatsApp also has end-to-end encryption but collects more user data (such as contacts and metadata) and is owned by Meta (Facebook).
3. What app is better than Telegram?
If you need privacy, Signal is better because it has stronger encryption and collects almost no data. If you need more features and large groups, Telegram’s channels, bots, and cloud storage can meet your needs. WhatsApp is more popular if you don’t care about privacy and just want simple and convenient chat software.
