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Signal vs KakaoTalk: catalog facts
Signal	KakaoTalk
Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations	Free Free to use for messaging and calls.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows
End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking	Free messaging plus voice and video calls Chat folders and editable sent messages
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	Official information is mostly in Korean Includes social and short-form video features beyond plain messaging
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0	License: Proprietary
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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