By Sophie Green

Updated on 2025-03-28

100 % Helpful

WhatsApp Tips

Signal vs WhatsApp: Which One is Better for Privacy and Security?

By Sophie Green

2025-03-28 / WhatsApp

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In today’s digital world, secure communication is more important than ever. WhatsApp and Signal are two of the most popular messaging apps, each with unique features and privacy policies. But which one is better for you?

In this guide, we’ll compare Signal vs WhatsApp in terms of security, features, usability, and data policies to help you decide.

1. Security: Is Signal More Secure Than WhatsApp?

2. Privacy: Is Signal Safer Than WhatsApp?

3. Features Comparison: WhatsApp vs Signal

4. Usability: Is Signal Better Than WhatsApp?

5. Platform Compatibility: WhatsApp vs Signal

6. Signal vs WhatsApp vs Telegram

Bonus Tip: How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone (or Vice Versa)

1. Security: Is Signal More Secure Than WhatsApp?

One of the biggest concerns when choosing a messaging app is security. Let’s compare how these two platforms protect your data.

Please swipe to view

Feature

Signal

End-to-End Encryption

Yes (Default)

Encryption Protocol

Signal Protocol

Data Collection

Minimal (No metadata stored)

Collects metadata & phone info

Open Source

Yes

Self-Destructing Messages

Yes

Backup Security

Local (Encrypted)

Cloud (Not Encrypted)

Third-Party Tracking

Yes (Owned by Meta)

Two-Factor Authentication

Yes

Encrypted Group Calls

Yes

Key Takeaway: If privacy is your top priority, Signal is a better option since it collects less data, doesn’t track users, and is open-source.

2. Privacy: Is Signal Safer Than WhatsApp?

Privacy-conscious users often wonder, is Signal safer than WhatsApp? Let’s break down their privacy policies:

WhatsApp collects metadata (who you talk to, when, and how often) while Signal does not.
WhatsApp shares data with Meta (Facebook), while Signal does not share data with any third parties.
Signal only requires your phone number for registration, while WhatsApp links to your Facebook account (if connected).
Signal offers additional privacy features, such as disappearing messages, relay calls (to hide IP addresses), and no ads.
Signal provides encrypted backups, while WhatsApp backups on Google Drive or iCloud are unencrypted and potentially vulnerable.
WhatsApp has ads and business data tracking, while Signal is ad-free and does not monetize user data.

Tips:

If you are worried about third-party data tracking, Signal is the better choice.

3. Features Comparison: WhatsApp vs Signal

While both apps offer essential messaging functions, their features differ significantly.

Please swipe to view

Feature

Signal

Messaging

Text, Voice, Video

Voice & Video Calls

Up to 40 participants

Up to 32 participants

Stickers & GIFs

Limited

Extensive support

Group Chats

Up to 1,000 members

Up to 1,024 members

File Sharing

Up to 100MB

Up to 2GB

Phone Number Privacy

Yes

Status Updates

Yes (24-hour stories)

Communities

Yes

AI Bot

Yes

Customization

Yes

Multi-Device Support

Limited

Yes (Up to 4 devices)

Anonymous Messaging

Yes (No contact sharing required)

Business Features

Yes (WhatsApp Business)

Read Receipts Control

Yes

Screen Lock for App

Yes

Tips:

If you need advanced features like status updates, multi-device support, and large file sharing, WhatsApp is the better choice. But if privacy and security matter most, Signal is superior.

4. Usability: Is Signal Better Than WhatsApp?

Ease of use is a crucial factor when choosing a messaging app.

User Interface: WhatsApp offers a more user-friendly experience with its familiar design.
Multi-Device Usage: WhatsApp allows simultaneous use on multiple devices, while Signal only supports one active session per account.
Adoption Rate: WhatsApp has a much larger user base, making it easier to connect with friends and family.
Customization: WhatsApp allows more personalization with themes, wallpapers, and chat backgrounds.
Performance & Stability: WhatsApp tends to have better performance for voice and video calls due to its larger server infrastructure.

Tips:

If you prioritize privacy over ease of use, Signal is a better choice. However, if you need a widely used platform, WhatsApp might be the better fit.

5. Platform Compatibility: WhatsApp vs Signal

The availability of an app across different devices is essential for a seamless communication experience. Here’s how Signal vs WhatsApp compare:

Please swipe to view

Platform

Signal

iOS

✓

Android

✓

Web

✓ (Requires phone)

Mac

✓

Linux

✕ Native client

✓ (via Snap/Flatpak)

Both apps are widely available, but Signal offers better support for Linux users.

6. Signal vs WhatsApp vs Telegram

Some users also consider Telegram as an alternative to WhatsApp and Signal. Here’s how the three compare:

Please swipe to view

Feature

Signal

End-to-End Encryption

Yes (Default)

Optional (Secret Chats Only)

Backup Storage

Local (Device Storage)

Google Drive / iCloud

Cloud-based

Group Chat Limit

1,000 members

1,024 members

200,000 members

File Sharing Limit

100MB

2GB

2GB (Unlimited for Premium)

Business Features

Yes

Bots & Automation

Yes

Key Takeaway:

Signal is best for privacy and security.
WhatsApp is best for features and mass adoption.
Telegram is best for large groups, automation, and cloud storage.

Bonus Tip: How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone (or Vice Versa)

If you’re switching between Android and iPhone, moving your WhatsApp data can be challenging. With iCareFone Transfer, this process becomes easy and stress-free.

This powerful tool allows you to move your WhatsApp data seamlessly between Android and iOS devices without worrying about losing your messages, photos, videos, or other important attachments.

Why Choose Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer?

Quick and Efficient: Supports even large data transfers without delays.
Beginner-Friendly: Step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure transfer of chats and attachments.
Cross-Platform Support: Works between Android and iOS seamlessly.
Backup & Restore: Transfer from device, Google Drive, or iCloud with ease.

Steps to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone

Free download and install iCareFone Transfer on your computer. Connect the both Android and iPhone using data cables.
Then create a backup for the source device so the program can get it.

Next, verify your WhatsApp account via 64-Digit Encryption Key (recommended) or SMS Verification.
Now you can select the data you want to transfer.
Make sure you are logged into WhatsApp on the target device. Or your WhatsApp data will disappear.
Turn of Find My on your iPhone, then you can find all the data is successfully transferred.

Conclusion

When comparing Signal vs WhatsApp, your choice depends on your priorities:

If privacy and security matter most, Signal is the better option.
If you need a widely used app with more features, WhatsApp is a solid choice.
If you want cloud backups, Telegram might be an alternative, though it has its own security trade-offs.

If you're changing devices and need to move your WhatsApp data securely, iCareFone Transfer is the best solution for hassle-free, secure WhatsApp transfers.