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

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