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qTox vs Signal: catalog facts
qTox	Signal
Free Free and open source under the GPL.	Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations
Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging without a central server Voice, video and file transfer in one client	End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking
Contacts must also use Tox Smaller user base than mainstream messengers	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: GPL-3.0	License: AGPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is 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.