Signal vs Telegram
Signal
Privacy-focused encrypted messaging app with open-source architecture.
Privacy advocates, journalists, activists, and users prioritizing security over features
VS
Telegram
Feature-rich messaging platform with 1 billion users and extensive bot ecosystem.
Communities, businesses, content creators, and users wanting feature-rich messaging with large networks
Short Answer
Signal prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption by default on all messages, while Telegram offers more features including channels, bots, and larger group capabilities. Choose Signal for maximum privacy or Telegram for feature richness and community engagement.
Our Verdict
Signal is the superior choice for users prioritizing absolute privacy and security, with mandatory end-to-end encryption on all communications. Telegram excels for communities, businesses, and users seeking rich features like channels, bots, and extensive customization, though with trade-offs in privacy. Your choice depends on whether privacy or functionality is your primary concern.
Signal6.3
8.8Telegram
Choose Signal if
Privacy advocates, journalists, activists, and users prioritizing security over features
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Key Differences at a Glance
🔹
Default Encryption: Signal wins (End-to-end encrypted by default vs Optional for secret chats only)
🔹
Monthly Active Users: Telegram wins (1 billion vs 70-100 million)
🔹
Pricing Model: Completely free, open source vs Free with optional $4.99/mo Premium
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Signal | Telegram | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Active Users (2026)(millions) | Signal | — | — |
| Advanced Features Count(features) | Signal | — | — |
| Transparency Score(percent) | Signal | — | — |
| Security Audits(per year) | Signal | — | — |
| Monthly Active Users |
Key Differences
Signal
Attribute
Telegram
End-to-end encrypted by default🏆
Default Encryption
Optional for secret chats only
70-100 million
Monthly Active Users
1 billion🏆
Completely free, open source
Pricing Model
Free with optional $4.99/mo Premium
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Last updated: April 25, 2026AI generated
