Compare software

Signal vs Snapchat: catalog facts
Signal	Snapchat
Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations	Free Free to download and use; the service carries advertising.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS, Web
End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking	Chat, Snaps and video calls in one app Large library of camera Lenses
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, account-based service with advertising Much of the app is built around feeds and discovery rather than messaging
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Open source	Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0	License not stated
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 24, 2026

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