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Molly vs Signal: catalog facts
Molly	Signal
Free Free and open source; donations via Open Collective	Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations
Android	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Encrypts the local app database with a user passphrase Supports UnifiedPush notifications without Google services	End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking
Android only Registration uses a phone number able to receive SMS or calls, or linking as a Signal linked device	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
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: AGPL-3.0-only	License: AGPL-3.0
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

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