Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Librem Chat VS Signal

Compare Librem Chat VS Signal and see what are their differences

Librem Chat logo Librem Chat

End-to-end encrypted chat, VOIP, and video calling used by millions of people

Signal logo Signal

Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.
  • Librem Chat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-02
  • Signal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Librem Chat features and specs

  • Privacy Focused
    Librem Chat is designed with privacy in mind, offering end-to-end encryption to ensure that users' conversations remain private and secure from eavesdroppers.
  • Open Source
    As part of the Purism suite, Librem Chat is built on open-source software, allowing for greater transparency and community-driven development.
  • Decentralized
    Librem Chat supports decentralized communication, meaning there is no single point of control or failure which enhances resilience and control for users.
  • Integration with Librem One
    It integrates seamlessly with other Librem One services such as Librem Mail and Librem Social, providing a cohesive ecosystem for privacy-centric users.

Possible disadvantages of Librem Chat

  • Limited User Base
    Compared to mainstream chat applications, Librem Chat has a smaller user base which may limit its usability for those looking to connect with a wider audience.
  • Subscription Cost
    To access Librem Chat, users must subscribe to Librem One premium services, which could be a deterrent for those looking for a completely free option.
  • Feature Set
    While it covers the essentials, Librem Chat may lack some advanced features found in other popular chat applications, such as extensive media integration or custom themes.
  • Learning Curve
    New users accustomed to mainstream chat services might experience a learning curve due to different user interface and feature sets focused on privacy and security.

Signal features and specs

  • End-to-End Encryption
    Signal uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. This makes it highly secure against eavesdropping.
  • Open Source
    Signal's code is open source, allowing anyone to inspect, audit, and improve it. This transparency helps to build trust and ensure the security of the platform.
  • User Privacy
    Signal is designed to collect minimal data from its users. It does not store metadata about contacts, messages, or user activity, thereby prioritizing user privacy.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Signal is available on a variety of platforms including iOS, Android, and desktop, making it accessible to a broad range of users.
  • Multi-purpose Usage
    Beyond just text messaging, Signal supports voice and video calls, as well as file sharing, making it a versatile communication tool.

Possible disadvantages of Signal

  • Limited User Base
    Compared to more popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Signal has a smaller user base, which may limit its utility as a communication tool.
  • Dependence on Phone Number
    Signal requires users to register with a phone number, which can be a privacy concern for some people who prefer not to share their number.
  • Backup Limitations
    Signal does not offer cloud backups for messages, which means users have to rely on local backups that can be more cumbersome to manage.
  • User Interface
    Some users find Signal's user interface to be less polished and user-friendly compared to other mainstream messaging apps.
  • Notification Issues
    There have been reports of unreliable notifications that can result in missed messages or calls, potentially impacting the user experience.

Analysis of Signal

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Signal is generally considered a good messaging app.

Why this product is good

  • Signal is known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the communicating users can read the messages. The app is open-source, which allows for external audits of its code, providing transparency. It does not collect metadata or user data beyond what is necessary for the operation of the service.

Recommended for

  • Privacy-conscious individuals who prioritize secure communication.
  • Journalists and activists who require confidential communications.
  • Users who prefer open-source software.
  • Anyone seeking a simple and user-friendly secure messaging app.

Librem Chat videos

Librem Chat - Let's Start a Riot(.im)

Signal videos

Why We Should All Be Using Signal Messenger

More videos:

  • Review - WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal: Which is the BEST?!
  • Review - THE SIGNAL: explained

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Librem Chat and Signal)
Group Chat & Notifications
Communication
2 2%
98% 98
Messaging
2 2%
98% 98
Instant Messaging
4 4%
96% 96

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Librem Chat and Signal

Librem Chat Reviews

We have no reviews of Librem Chat yet.
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Signal Reviews

7 best Mattermost alternatives for secure business messaging
Signal offers a secure instant messaging platform for businesses and others concerned about privacy. On Signal, business teams communicate one-on-one or in groups through text, voice, or video calls. The software is open-source and the server, mobile, and desktop client is published through AGPL v3.0 restrictive license. All data and messages are end-to-end encrypted.
Source: www.rocket.chat
20 Telegram Alternatives to Chat With in 2024
Signal is not a broadcasting app (although it does have a stories feature), nor is it a community-building app. It's a simple messaging Telegram alternative for those wanting to chat with friends.
10 Best Secure Messaging Apps to Keep Your Conversation Private
In our comparison between Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp, we found that Signal is the most secure messaging app out there. Signal uses the gold standard, open-source Signal Protocol to implement end-to-end encryption. And it implements E2E encryption on all forms of communication on Signalโ€“ be it voice/video calls, chat messages, media, or audio clips.
Source: beebom.com
10 Best Telegram Alternatives in 2024
Signal is an alternative Telegram app which was first developed in the year 2014 by Moxie Marlinspike and Brian Acton, Signal was launched after whatsapp and after its launch various organizations shifted their work to Signal from Whatsapp due to its highly secured and safe features than any other app.
Top 10 Apps like Telegram for Android and IOs [2023]
Signal is a messaging program that offers all the features you would anticipate from a modern instant messaging app, with a heavy focus on privacy. Signal is one of the safest messaging apps on the market thanks to its open-source architecture, end-to-end encryption, and commitment to never accumulating user data. If you're seeking secure apps like Telegram, Signal's...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Signal seems to be a lot more popular than Librem Chat. While we know about 185 links to Signal, we've tracked only 7 mentions of Librem Chat. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Librem Chat mentions (7)

  • Instances that doesn't block any instance
    Librem Chat is one of the most liberal instances since their business revolves around privacy and free speech, the free option gives access to Mastodon, the optional paid plan adds email and a VPN to Mastodon. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Librem 5 first impressions; comparison to Pinephones
    The "librem.one" entry in the Online Accounts doesn't work either. I get a TLS error IIRC. It's a crime that their bug tracker isn't free for all. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Does it make any difference which Matrix server you join?
    Or any recommendations? I was thinking of joining unredacted.org or librem.one or is there no point not just going with matrix.org which has the more up to date server version and most likely best maintenance and uptime? Source: almost 3 years ago
  • what's a lesser know distro that surprised you in a positive way?
    The main thing I would personally be worried about with Purism is a lack of timely software updates, as they were not good with them when it comes to their Librem One ecosystem (why even offer something like it, when you don't have the resources to administrate it properly?). Therefore I wondered if that might have been an issue with PureOS. Source: about 3 years ago
  • At wits end about managing privacy and Living My Life
    Https://librem.one/ is a step in the right direction. Iโ€™m going with Microsoft plus third party privacy services for the moment but biting the bullet in regards to my DAW and switching to Reaper. Framework laptop and building a new PC. Making my current pc a steambox. This should be interesting. Source: about 4 years ago
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Signal mentions (185)

  • Build a Signal Clone with React Native and Stream - Part One
    Ever wondered how popular messaging apps like Signal manage features such as real-time chat, voice calls, and video chat? In this tutorial, we'll build our own Signal-inspired messaging app using React Native, with Clerk handling authentication and Stream powering real-time chat and calls. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Magic of software; what makes a good engineer also makes a good engineering org
    This is the Moxie that created Signal.[0] I'm pointing this out because people are acting like he's a bit naive. But Moxie has built a very successful company, without the need for VCs, and the tech is used by many big tech companies. Several use the signal protocol. It's a successful nonprofit building open source software. If your focus is to make large amounts of money, maybe his isn't the best advice. But if... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Rely less on Third-Party Services
    Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messenger,. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • How to Make a Product Secure: A Developer's Perspective
    Signal: This messaging app is built with end-to-end encryption at its core. Itโ€™s open-source, allowing experts worldwide to audit its security protocols. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • 3G Cell Service Has a HUGE Security Flaw. ๐Ÿซข
    Well, the best thing you can do right now is stop using cell service (particularly 3G networks) whenever possible. For texting and phone calls, use an encrypted internet based service, like Signal or WhatsApp. Use authenticator apps or passkeys for two-factor authentication instead of your phone number. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Librem Chat and Signal, you can also consider the following products

Element.io - Secure messaging app with strong end-to-end encryption, advanced group chat privacy settings, secure video calls for teams, encrypted communication using Matrix open network. Riot.im is now Element.

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. Itโ€™s superfast, simple and free.

Matrix.org - Matrix is an open standard for decentralized persistent communication over IP.

Conduit Chat Server - Conduit is a simple, fast and reliable chat server powered by Matrix.

WhatsApp - WhatsApp Messenger: More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere.

Tox - Send messages, files, create groups and make Tox to Tox audio and video calls. Securely.