Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft 365 VS Signal

Compare Microsoft 365 VS Signal and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Microsoft 365 logo Microsoft 365

Boost your productivity with reliable access anywhere with services like email, calendar, file sharing, meetings, instant messaging, and Office Online

Signal logo Signal

Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.
  • Microsoft 365 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-16
  • Signal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Microsoft 365 features and specs

  • Accessibility
    Office 365 allows users to access their documents and applications from virtually any device with an internet connection, promoting remote and collaborative work.
  • Automatic Updates
    Software updates are automatically rolled out, ensuring that users always have the latest features, security patches, and improvements without needing to manually install them.
  • Integrated Productivity Tools
    The suite includes a wide range of integrated tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, which streamline workflow and enhance productivity.
  • Cloud Storage
    Microsoft 365 provides cloud storage options through OneDrive and SharePoint, offering users scalable storage solutions and easy file sharing capabilities.
  • Security Features
    The platform includes advanced security features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates to protect sensitive information.
  • Collaboration
    Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, with real-time editing and commenting features, which enhances team collaboration and productivity.
  • Scalability
    Different subscription plans are available, allowing businesses of all sizes to choose the appropriate plan based on their needs and scale as they grow.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft 365

  • Subscription Model
    Office 365 operates on a subscription-based model, which may become expensive over time compared to a one-time purchase of traditional Office software.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features require an internet connection to function properly. Inconsistent or poor internet access can hinder productivity and limit accessibility.
  • Complexity
    With a vast array of tools and features, some users may find it challenging to navigate and utilize the full potential of the platform without adequate training.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Storing data on cloud services can raise privacy and compliance concerns, especially for organizations dealing with sensitive information.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There may be compatibility issues with older versions of Microsoft Office and other third-party applications, potentially causing disruptions in workflow.
  • Cost
    For small businesses or individual users, the cost of the subscription can be a significant expense, particularly when considering ongoing payments.

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.

Microsoft 365 videos

Office 365 Complete Tutorial Zero to Hero

More videos:

  • Review - What is Office 365
  • Review - The Merger - S3E8 - The Office In Review
  • Review - Performance Review - S2E8 - The Office in Review
  • Review - Checking Out Microsoft Office 365
  • Review - All 9 Seasons of The Office Ranked!
  • Review - Microsoft Office 365 review: Online, offline, any good?
  • Review - 🤷‍♂️ What is Microsoft 365 - Explained

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 Microsoft 365 and Signal)
Office Suites
100 100%
0% 0
Communication
0 0%
100% 100
Office & Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Group Chat & Notifications

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Microsoft 365 and Signal

Microsoft 365 Reviews

  1. Always backup your Office 365 data

    Microsoft Office 365 is an amazing software that helps companies establish their business, so a backup is a must since Microsoft is not offering the proper backup.

    🏁 Competitors: Google Docs
    👍 Pros:    Great set of functions
    👎 Cons:    No backup

Top Alternatives to Microsoft Office Suite
In today’s competitive business environment, having the right office suite is crucial for streamlined operations and effective collaboration. While Microsoft Office Suite has been a popular choice, these alternatives offer unique features and cost-effective solutions to cater to your specific business needs. Whether you prioritize real-time collaboration, budget-friendly...
Source: saaszeal.com
112 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try (2021 List)
Office Editing For Docs, Sheets & Slides is an offline chrome extension that helps you edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files without Office installed on your PC. It opens Docx and other files in a new tab instead of downloading them locally.
The BEST Email Hosting Providers for Small Business in 2021
There are 4 deployment steps to set up an account on Microsoft 365 Business. The initial step is acquiring a subscription and assigning Microsoft 365 Business licenses to the user. Then you use the set-up wizard to configure the account. Once you install the Office apps on your devices, the final step is to prepare your PCs by using the Windows AutoPilot.

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 Signal– 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 Microsoft 365. While we know about 184 links to Signal, we've tracked only 13 mentions of Microsoft 365. 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.

Microsoft 365 mentions (13)

  • You Are Already Using Wasm In Production
    If you use Microsoft’s online Office.com suite or the popular Figma graphics tool, you’ve already used Wasm in production. If you’ve used a device to watch streaming services like BBC or Amazon Prime, you’ve already used Wasm in production. In fact, you’re using Wasm in production right now. This website has been powered by server-side Wasm since its initial launch in February of 2022. Our serverless platform for... - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Need to count calls on certain days in certain time slots
    Yes it does change, will not work for 2016, but it works for excel online at office.com, which is free with a microsoft account. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Change SharePoint Start Page for All
    When our users go to office.com, login and click the waffle for SharePoint, I want to change this landing page. Right now, it goes to https://ourdomain.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/sharepoint.aspx and once users are in SP, if they ever click the home button it will direct them to this page as well. I want to change this to a new site we created that makes browsing our sites and sharing information/events much... Source: over 1 year ago
  • Has anyone seen same behavior with AAD laptops reaching out to internal DCs on ports 88, 389, and 445
    Authentication happens through a 3rd party so when we try to login to office.com with our company accounts it redirect us to this 3rd party company that handles our logins. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Where is the Copilot in Excel?
    I've looked in office.com (using Chrome) and Excel 365 for Mac (Version 16.79). Nothing in the top-right corner except "Analyze Data". And when I try to search for in the the Tell Me or Help menu, it acts like it has no idea what Copilot is. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

Signal mentions (184)

  • 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 / 16 days ago
  • Rely less on Third-Party Services
    Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messenger,. - Source: dev.to / 3 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. It’s open-source, allowing experts worldwide to audit its security protocols. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • 3G Cell Service Has a HUGE Security Flaw. 🫢
    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 / 8 months ago
  • WhatsApp forces Pegasus spyware maker to share its secret code
    Just so you know: https://grapheneos.org/ and https://signal.org/ do exist! - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft 365 and Signal, you can also consider the following products

LibreOffice - Free office suite, open source, and compatible with .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx files. Updated regularly – download for free. Originally based on OpenOffice.org.

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.

Apache OpenOffice - Apache OpenOffice is an open source, office document productivity suite.

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.

Google Workspace - Google's encompassing suite of cloud-based business apps.

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.