In addition to WhatsApp, some other messengers are also becoming increasingly popular. These include Telegram and Signal. But what is the difference between the messengers? In the following tipps + tricks article you will find the most important details about both apps.
signal
Signal is considered a very secure, GDPR-compliant app. The messenger is free and open source. In addition, all communication is encrypted end-to-end. The app has all the usual messenger functions: you can send normal text messages, but also voice messages. Calls can be made as audio calls and video calls. Any files can be sent. If you want to chat with several users at the same time, simply create a group. There is no cloud storage - all messages are automatically deleted after a certain period of time.
One disadvantage: Signal reads the contacts saved on your smartphone. But here, too, there is a ray of hope: The contacts are only used in the app and not stored on the signal servers. The app is available on mobile devices for iOS and Android. Signal can also be used on up to five desktops linked to a mobile device..
Telegram
The free messenger Telegram scores with its versatile availability: In addition to being used as a smartphone app, it can also be used in the browser or as a computer program. In addition to the usual messenger functions, you can also record and send audio and video messages. Voice calls are possible as well as video calls. In addition, like its competitor Signal, Telegram is completely open source.
With cloud synchronization, you can use your messages and uploaded files (such as pictures) on all devices on which you are logged into Telegram. That sounds practical, but also poses a problem: Telegram stores all messages on its own servers. After all, these are automatically deleted after a specified period of time. The "secret chats" are an exception to this. These are encrypted end-to-end after activation. One advantage of Telegram: The contacts saved on your mobile phone are not read out automatically..
Summary: Signal and Telegram in direct comparison
| function | signal | Telegram |
| For free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ | only in "secret chats" |
| GDPR compliant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud synchronization | X | ✓ |
| Available platforms | iOS, Android, desktop version | iOS, Android, desktop version, browser version |
| Audio calls / video calls / voice messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| groups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic reading of telephone contacts | ✓ | X |
| Automatic deletion of messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Usability on multiple devices | up to 5 paired devices | unlimited |
| function | signal | Telegram |
| For free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ | only in "secret chats" |
| GDPR compliant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud synchronization | X | ✓ |
| Available platforms | iOS, Android, desktop version | iOS, Android, desktop version, browser version |
| Audio calls / video calls / voice messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| groups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic reading of telephone contacts | ✓ | X |
| Automatic deletion of messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Usability on multiple devices | up to 5 paired devices | unlimited |
