Signal vs WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the most widely used communications app currently in existence with a user base of more than 2 Billion. It was purchased by Facebook back in 2014. In 2021 Whatsapp announce a policy of take-it or leave-it deal. Either accept its policy of sharing your data with Facebook and with its partner or simply leave the platform. This ignited a search to find the next big app that can replace Whatsapp and provide privacy at the same time. Luckily we have Signal App that fits the bill and provide more.

Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation. It can used for private one-on-one chats, group chats, send audio messages and can share images, files and videos. It also has the functionality to make group voice and video calls.

Security Security and Security

WhatsApp use Client-Server Model for its operations making it centralized and can be view, modify and analyze data.

Signal on the other hand used peer-to-peer model meaning no data ever reached to the server, thanks to its state-of-the-art open source "Signal Protocol" which ensures end-to-end encryption and keeps your conversations secure and private out of the box.

Facebook, owner of WhatsApp has an awful history of data collection and sharing with advertisement partners and other "partners". Cambridge Analytica scandal is reminder for whom who think otherwise.

Signal is run by Signal Foundation a independent nonprofit organization with no ties to any corporation. There are no advertisement or affiliation or user tracking system in signal as it run purely on donations. More and more security professionals recommend using Signal for privacy, security and freedom of speech like Edward Snowden, Bruce Schneier, Elon Musk, Jack Dorse,...

Same cannot be said for Whatsapp, for example EU Telling its staff to not use Whatsapp.

Source Code

Unlike WhatsApp, source code for Signal's server, Android app, iOS APP and Desktop app is available on Github. You can even run Signal Server on your own, privately.

Group Limit

WhatsApp imposes group member limits of 256.

Signal can accommodate 1000 members in a group.

Group Calls

Both Signal can Whatsapp can make group call of up-to 8 members.