WhatsApp is a popular messaging application for communication owned by Meta. This instant messaging technology allows users to communicate across borders on PC, iPhone, and Android. However, recent reports and legal considerations have heightened fear among WhatsApp users due to proactive and security breaches.
Now, people are considering alternative WhatsApp applications like Signal. Signal is an open-source messaging app known for its focus on security. The application highlights that it offers end-to-end encryption for text messages, calls, and video calls. Although both apps claim to be encrypted, is Signal better than WhatsApp?
Confused about which application to use between Signal vs. WhatsApp? Below is a table highlighting the differences between Signal and WhatsApp:
| Features | Signal | |
|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Popularity | The Signal is a fairly popular application among users. It has over 40 million users. | WhatsApp has over 2 billion users. It is the preferred application for many people and business owners. |
| 🔐 Security | Signal is an open-source messaging application that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls. This application does not save users’ data and removes messages over time. | WhatsApp also offers end-to-end encrypted calls and messages. On this messaging app, you can self-destruct messages by activating the disappearing message feature. However, there have been security concerns due to the app’s affiliation with Facebook and Meta. |
| ✨ In-App Features | Signal has limited in-app features and only allows users to make voice and video calls. Users can also send text messages, media, and GIFs. | WhatsApp has consistently provided updates to offer users more choices. You can video call a group of people or a WhatsApp group, send personalized video messages, update your status, and many more. |
WhatsApp vs. Signal: Differences in Security Features
Both applications highlight message encryption as a selling point for new and existing users, but the question remains: do they deliver on these promises, and is Signal safer than WhatsApp?
Security Performance of Signal
To ensure proper security and privacy of personal information, Signal offers the following features:
➤ End-to-end encryption: End-to-end encryption refers to securing the personal messages of two people and ensuring only they get access to the messages at both ends. This means the system or developers of the application have no access to pry into these messages.
➤ Minimal data collection: Signal’s disappearing messages feature allows users to clear their chats, reducing the stored data. Users can choose to keep their messages for as little as 1 minute or 1 month.
➤ Open-source code: Since Signal is an open-source messaging app, anyone can audit the code to assess its security and also check for possible vulnerabilities, which builds trust among users.
Security Performance of WhatsApp
As tension breeds around the world over the use of WhatsApp, the following features highlight the security performance of WhatsApp:
➤ Changes to privacy policy: The recently rolled-out security and privacy policy of WhatsApp has raised concerns for many. This policy highlights that the app can share your data like phone numbers, call logs, IP addresses, and more.
➤ Data sharing with Facebook: If users grant permission, your information will also be shared with Facebook. Considering the legal jurisdictions against Facebook, this can heighten fear among users.
➤ Security breaches and concerns: If users refuse to accept these policies, the application can become unusable, further worsening the fear of security and privacy breaches.
WhatsApp Versus Signal: Varied Functions
Another difference between Signal vs WhatsApp is the varied functions and features they offer.
Functions of WhatsApp
WhatsApp has numerous inbuilt features that perform different functions, ranging from the main messaging and other additional features:
➤ Messaging features: WhatsApp allows you to text, voice call, and video call. You can also send voice notes, contacts, and documents. To cater to a large audience, WhatsApp allows group video calls for up to 32 people and allows users to switch to dark mode on their iOS, Android, and PC models.
➤ Additional features: WhatsApp offers more versatile features, such as an advanced search tool that helps you search messages instead of scrolling through thousands of messages. Users can also download GIFs and WhatsApp stickers and use them in conversations. Besides, there is an in-built translation tool that translates messages into your preferred language.
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Functions of Signals
Signal functions similar to WhatsApp, with integrated in-app features that support video and text-based messaging.
➤ Messaging feature: Signal also offers users different features to ease messages. Being a non-profit app developed by Open Whisper Systems, it allows users to use just their phone number and address to create an account. Like WhatsApp, Signal allows group voice and video calls for up to 40 users.
➤ Additional features: This messaging app provides end-to-end encryption for all communication, be it messages, videos, shared files, or voice notes. Signal has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation.
Cross-Platform Availability
Cross-platform compatibility has been an essential factor to consider when comparing WhatsApp versus Signal. Many users prefer apps that are easily compatible across different platforms, but how do WhatsApp vs Signal compare?
Availability of WhatsApp
WhatsApp is compatible with all kinds of devices, be they Android, iOS, or PC. In situations of device loss, WhatsApp allows for the easy recovery of WhatsApp data, including chats and media, onto your new device as long as a backup exists.
According to reports, WhatsApp claims to be working on a cross-platform feature allowing users to message users on other messaging platforms like Signal, Telegram, and more.
This report came as WhatsApp’s response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates the interoperability of messaging platforms on European shores.
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Availability of Signals
The Signal is compatible with Android, iOS, and PCs, including Linux, Unix, and macOS. Regarding backups, Signal does not offer cloud-based backups like WhatsApp; instead, users can backup their chats to their devices. On the downside, this backup feature is only accessible to Android users.
Like WhatsApp, there have also been social media reports of including Signal among the secure cross-platform messaging listed by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Signal vs WhatsApp: Community and Support
When it comes to community and support as regards the WhatsApp versus Signal debate, it is arguable that both applications have a large base of contributors.
Support for WhatsApp
WhatsApp has excellent customer support that handles reports and complaints. There are numerous articles, FAQs, and community forums where you can ask questions and receive helpful answers.
Support of Signal
When it comes to community support, Signal has a larger base of active supporters and contributors. Being open-source software, Signal does not support ads or tracking, as it is supported by independent donors.
For customer support, Signal has a community that offers documentation and tutorials for users. There are different forums handled by independent bodies that tackle specific problems you may face while operating the app.
WhatsApp vs. Signal: Which Suits You the Best?
WhatsApp and Signal offer different features; hence, it can be tricky to pick one for use. A simple way to choose the best app for you is to analyze your needs.
If your privacy and security are paramount, Signal is the best messaging app for you, as it offers the best encryption. If you need an application that offers versatile features and also supports business owners, WhatsApp is perfectly equipped to support you.
Another winning advantage of WhatsApp in this Signal app vs WhatsApp debate is that it is a popular messaging application and a great community builder, unlike Signal.
Conclusion
As technology bridges the gap between people and simplifies communication, messaging apps have become a staple for lots of people. WhatsApp and Signal are commonly used applications that offer similar uses with varying features.
For users in need of a messaging app with versatile features, WhatsApp excels, while Signal offers fewer features but better encryption.
