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Threema vs Signal: catalog facts
Threema	Signal
Paid A one-time purchase is required. Business plans are separate.	Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
No phone number or email required; the ID is random Apps are open source and the company is based in Switzerland	End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking
A one-time purchase is required for each platform Smaller user base than the mainstream encrypted 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: AGPL-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 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

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