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WeChat vs Signal: catalog facts
WeChat	Signal
Free Free to download and use.	Free Free; developed by a nonprofit funded by grants and donations
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Very large user base, especially in China Chat, calls, social feed and payments in one app	End-to-end encryption on every message and call using the open source Signal Protocol No ads, affiliate marketers or tracking
Closed source and run by a single company Many features go beyond messaging, which makes the app large	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
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	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 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

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