Softwr

Communication · head to head

Chatwork vs Signal

Chatwork logo

Chatwork

Communication

Group chat for global teams, built to replace email with real-time communication

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Signal logo

Signal

Communication

Speak Freely

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Chatwork free plan limited to 100 users; Signal signal must be installed on a phone before the desktop app can be used, so there is no phone-free desktop-only account
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Chatwork and Signal actually diverge.

Attributes where Chatwork and Signal differ
AttributeChatworkSignal
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android
FoundedUnknown2010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Communication).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Chatwork

Nothing recorded that Signal does not also cover.

Only in Signal

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Disappearing messages
  • Screen security
  • Group chats
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • File sharing
  • No data collection

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Chatwork

  • Team communication and collaborationnot Signal

Signal

  • Private messagingnot Chatwork
  • Secure group communicationnot Chatwork
  • Confidential conversationsnot Chatwork
  • Journalism communicationnot Chatwork
  • Family messagingnot Chatwork

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Chatwork

  • Free plan limited to 100 users
  • Free plan message history limited to last 40 days
  • Standard plan pricing: $7/month annual or $8.40/month monthly

Signal

  • Signal must be installed on a phone before the desktop app can be used, so there is no phone-free desktop-only account

Pricing, plan by plan

Chatwork

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Secure messaging
    • Unlimited group chats
    • 1:1 video calls
  • Standard$7/month
    • All Free features
    • Unlimited message history
    • Group video calls

Signal

Free
  • FreeFree
    • End-to-end encrypted messaging
    • Voice and video calls
    • Group chats

Which should you pick?

Choose Chatwork if

  • You want to start without paying.
Chatwork review

Choose Signal if

  • You need end-to-end encryption.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want disappearing messages.
Signal review

Questions people ask

Is Chatwork or Signal better?
Neither clearly leads. Chatwork starts at Free and Signal at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Chatwork or Signal?
Chatwork starts at Free and Signal at Free.
Does Chatwork or Signal run on more platforms?
Chatwork runs on Web. Signal runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
Can I use Chatwork for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Chatwork best used for?
Chatwork is most often used for team communication and collaboration. Of those, team communication and collaboration is not what Signal is typically brought in for.
What can Chatwork do that Signal cannot?
Signal covers End-to-end encryption, Disappearing messages, Screen security, Group chats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Chatwork: How much does Chatwork cost?

Chatwork is free for up to 100 users. The Standard plan costs $7 per month with annual subscription or $8.40 per month with monthly subscription for unlimited users.

Source
Signal: How much does Signal cost?

Signal is free for everyone. The messaging app is supported by grants and donations, not user fees, and is maintained by an independent nonprofit that is not tied to any major tech companies.

Source
Chatwork: What is the limit on the Chatwork free plan?

The free plan supports up to 100 users and limits message history to the last 40 days. It includes secure messaging, unlimited group chats, 1:1 video calls, 10GB storage per organization, and task management.

Source
Signal: Does Signal have ads?

No. Signal is ad-free and does not collect advertising revenue.

Source
Chatwork: What does the Chatwork Standard plan add?

The Standard plan ($7-8.40/month) adds unlimited message history, group video calls, 10GB storage per user instead of per organization, advanced search, dedicated support, user management controls, and CSV contact import.

Source
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