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Communication · head to head

Messenger vs Signal

Messenger logo

Messenger

Communication

Meta's standalone messaging app for Facebook, with end to end encryption on by default since 2023

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Signal logo

Signal

Communication

Speak Freely

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Messenger while message content is end-to-end encrypted by default since December 2023, metadata such as who messaged whom and when is not encrypted and remains visible to Meta.; Signal signal must be installed on a phone before the desktop app can be used, so there is no phone-free desktop-only account
  • They diverge on capability: Messenger covers End-to-end encrypted chats, Signal covers End-to-end encryption.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Messenger and Signal actually diverge.

Attributes where Messenger and Signal differ
AttributeMessengerSignal
Pricing modelFree, funded by Meta's advertising businessfree
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWindows, 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 Messenger

  • End-to-end encrypted chats
  • Voice and video calling
  • Marketplace messaging
  • Cross-app chat with Instagram
  • Business messaging

Only in Signal

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Screen security
  • Group chats
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • File sharing
  • No data collection
  • Open source protocol

Both cover

  • Disappearing messages

What people use each for

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

Messenger

  • Messaging friends and family who primarily use Facebook rather than a phone number based appnot Signal
  • Coordinating a buy or sell exchange through Facebook Marketplace messagingnot Signal
  • Making free video or voice calls to contacts without needing their phone numbernot Signal
  • Messaging a business through its Facebook Page for customer servicenot Signal

Signal

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

Where each one falls short

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

Messenger

  • While message content is end-to-end encrypted by default since December 2023, metadata such as who messaged whom and when is not encrypted and remains visible to Meta.
  • Full functionality generally assumes a linked Facebook account, which ties messaging to a broader social profile many users would rather keep separate.
  • Cloud chat backups, if enabled, are protected by a PIN the user sets, and losing that PIN without a recovery key can mean losing access to backed-up chat history.
  • As a Meta product, its business model depends on the surrounding Meta advertising ecosystem, and account-level data outside message content still feeds that system.
  • Group chat and calling features have historically launched later or with more limitations on Messenger than on some competing apps built encryption-first from the start.

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

Messenger

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited messaging, calling and group chats
    • No subscription tier

Signal

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Messenger if

  • You need end-to-end encrypted chats.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want voice and video calling.
Messenger 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 screen security.
Signal review

Questions people ask

Is Messenger or Signal better?
Neither clearly leads. Messenger 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, Messenger or Signal?
Messenger starts at Free and Signal at Free.
Does Messenger or Signal run on more platforms?
Messenger runs on iOS, Android, Web. Signal runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
Can I use Messenger for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Messenger best used for?
Messenger is most often used for messaging friends and family who primarily use facebook rather than a phone number based app, coordinating a buy or sell exchange through facebook marketplace messaging, making free video or voice calls to contacts without needing their phone number, messaging a business through its facebook page for customer service. Of those, messaging friends and family who primarily use facebook rather than a phone number based app and coordinating a buy or sell exchange through facebook marketplace messaging are not what Signal is typically brought in for.
What can Messenger do that Signal cannot?
Messenger covers End-to-end encrypted chats, Voice and video calling, Marketplace messaging, Cross-app chat with Instagram. Signal covers End-to-end encryption, Screen security, Group chats, Voice calls. Both handle Disappearing messages.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Messenger: Is Messenger encrypted by default now?

Yes, since December 2023 personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, moving on from the earlier opt-in Secret Conversations mode.

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
Messenger: What can Meta still see if chats are encrypted?

Metadata such as who is messaging whom, when, and group membership is not encrypted and remains visible to Meta, even though message content is.

Signal: Does Signal have ads?

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

Source
Messenger: Do I need a Facebook account to use Messenger?

In some markets Messenger can be used with just a phone number, but most features assume a linked Facebook account.

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