Compare software

Messenger vs Signal: catalog facts
Messenger	Signal
Free Free to use with a Meta account.	Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations
Web	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Reaches people who already use Facebook Messaging and video calls in one place	End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking
Requires a Meta account Closed source and run by an advertising company	Requires a phone number that can receive an SMS or phone call to register Desktop app requires Signal to be installed on a phone first
Web application	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: AGPL-3.0
Account needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.