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Signal vs MAX: catalog facts
Signal	MAX
Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations	Free Free to use, including calls.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux, Android, iOS
End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking	Calls without limits on time or participants Built to work on weak connections and slow devices
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	Proprietary, with no published information on end-to-end encryption Interface and website are Russian-language
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 1, 2026

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