Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Privnote VS Signal

Compare Privnote 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.

Privnote logo Privnote

Send notes that will self-destruct after being read

Signal logo Signal

Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.
  • Privnote Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-04-09
  • Signal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Privnote features and specs

  • Self-Destructing Notes
    Notes automatically delete themselves after being read, enhancing privacy and security by ensuring that the content cannot be accessed more than once.
  • No Sign-Up Required
    Users don’t need to register or create an account to use the service, allowing for quick and anonymous note creation.
  • Encryption
    Notes are encrypted to secure the content from unauthorized access during transmission, adding a layer of security.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to create, send, and read notes even for non-technical users.
  • URL-Based Sharing
    Notes are shared via unique URLs, facilitating easy sharing through emails, instant messaging, or other digital communication channels.

Possible disadvantages of Privnote

  • Temporary Availability
    Once a note is read and self-destructs, it cannot be retrieved, which could lead to loss of important information.
  • Potential Phishing Risks
    The format of sharing via URLs can potentially be exploited for phishing attacks if users are not cautious about the source of the message.
  • Limited Features
    Privnote focuses solely on secure note sharing, lacking additional features like attachment support, rich text formatting, or integration with other services.
  • Reliance on Third-Party
    Users must trust the service provider to properly handle and secure their data, which may be a concern for highly sensitive information.
  • No Inherent Authentication
    There is no user authentication on either side (sender or recipient), which could lead to unauthorized users accessing the note if they intercept the URL.

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 Privnote

Overall verdict

  • Privnote is generally considered a good option for those who need a simple, secure, and temporary way to share confidential information. However, users should be aware of potential phishing attempts by ensuring they are using the legitimate site (privnote.com) and not a spoofed version.

Why this product is good

  • Privnote is a service that allows users to send notes that self-destruct after being read. This temporary nature ensures that sensitive information does not persist longer than necessary, enhancing privacy. It is straightforward to use and does not require account creation, which adds convenience.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who need to send sensitive information securely and temporarily.
  • Users seeking a no-hassle solution without the need for account creation.
  • People who value privacy and security in message transmission.

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.

Privnote videos

Privnote - Send Self Destructs Private Notes & Text After Read it 😱

More videos:

  • Review - Privnote - Send Self Destructs Private Notes & Text After Read it
  • Tutorial - How to Send Self Destructing Emails Using PrivNote?

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 Privnote and Signal)
Secure Document Sharing
100 100%
0% 0
Communication
0 0%
100% 100
Note Taking
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 Privnote and Signal

Privnote Reviews

We have no reviews of Privnote 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 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 Privnote. While we know about 184 links to Signal, we've tracked only 15 mentions of Privnote. 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.

Privnote mentions (15)

  • passiflora incarnata, on the vine I planted in my backyard. these things spread like wildfire, so be careful
    If that sounds good, just shoot me your address in DMs (I'd recommend using https://privnote.com to send a single use link with the info). I can likely get some out tomorrow. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Secure Password Sharing?
    Privnote.com is my burn-after-reading note of choice. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • New Users logon credentials
    I’ve used https://privnote.com before. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Rules of Communication with Females
    3) Use privnote.com messages that self-destruct instead of leaving trails in inboxes. If necessary sign up third party accounts to send the privnotes. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Don’t trust your messenger
    Also, there are services like privnote.com. And even better with a virtual keyboard, so that the message does not need to be typed on the keyboard, but typed with the mouse. But this option will not be a panacea either, in theory, on a computer or mobile device, you may already have a program that will take screenshots of all your actions. Source: about 3 years 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 / 17 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 Privnote and Signal, you can also consider the following products

One-Time Secret - One-Time Secret is a way to share sensitive information simple and secure.

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

SafeNote - Encrypt and send files and notes with a link that automatically destruct after being read. SafeNote is a free web-based service that allows you to share a note or a file with confidentiality. There is no way to spying on you even to a hacker.

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.

Password Pusher - Go Ahead. Email Another Password.

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.