Signal VS HexChat

Compare Signal VS HexChat and see what are their differences

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Signal

Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.

HexChat

HexChat is a fork of XChat with bug fixes and new features.

Landing page //
2023-07-20

Landing page //
2018-09-30

Signal

Website: signal.org
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HexChat

Website: hexchat.github.io
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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.

HexChat features and specs

Open Source
HexChat is open source, which means the source code is available for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance. This fosters a community-driven development approach and ensures transparency.
Cross-platform
HexChat is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. This makes it a versatile choice for users on different platforms.
Customization
HexChat offers a high degree of customization with plugins and scripts, allowing users to tailor the client to their personal needs and preferences. It supports Python and Perl scripting.
User-friendly Interface
The software comes with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible even for users who are new to IRC (Internet Relay Chat).
Notifications
HexChat supports desktop notifications, helping users stay informed about important messages or events even when they are not actively looking at the client.

Possible disadvantages of HexChat

Learning Curve
While the interface is user-friendly, the use of IRC itself has a learning curve, particularly for users who are not familiar with IRC commands and etiquette.
Limited Modern Features
Compared to some modern chat applications, HexChat may lack features such as media sharing, integrated voice/video calls, and advanced file transfer capabilities.
Security Concerns
Despite being open source, IRC as a protocol can be less secure compared to modern messaging protocols. Users need to be cautious about sharing personal information and may need to use additional measures like SSL/TLS encryption.
Resource Usage
For users running HexChat on older systems, the application may consume a noticeable amount of resources, affecting system performance.
Community Support
While there is a community around HexChat, it might not be as large or responsive as the support communities for more widely-used, proprietary software.

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.

Analysis of HexChat

Overall verdict

HexChat is a highly regarded IRC client, particularly for users who appreciate open-source software and need a reliable tool that's easy to personalize.

Why this product is good

HexChat is considered a good choice for an IRC client due to its open-source nature, cross-platform availability, and customizable features. It offers a user-friendly interface, supports multiple servers and channels, and includes features like scripting and plugins for enhanced functionality.

Recommended for

Users who participate in IRC chat rooms.
Linux users looking for a native IRC client.
Developers and tech enthusiasts who value open-source software.
Users who need a customizable, multi-platform IRC solution.

Signal videos

+ Add

Why We Should All Be Using Signal Messenger

HexChat videos

+ Add

Opensource Spotlight: HexChat & IRC Chat - A Geek Underground

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Signal and HexChat)

Signal

HexChat

Communication

93 93%

Communication

7% 7

Group Chat & Notifications

90 90%

Group Chat & Notifications

10% 10

Messaging

89 89%

Messaging

11% 11

Instant Messaging

100 100%

Instant Messaging

0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Signal and HexChat. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Reviews

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

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.

Source: www.mightynetworks.com

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.

Source: www.geeksforgeeks.org

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...

Source: www.clapmessenger.com

HexChat Reviews

We have no reviews of HexChat yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Signal seems to be a lot more popular than HexChat. While we know about 184 links to Signal, we've tracked only 7 mentions of HexChat. 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.

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

HexChat mentions (7)

getting started with IRC. I have some questions.
Start off using HexChat for a client. You can find channels here: https://netsplit.de/channels/. Source: almost 2 years ago
DPReview.com is shutting down
First off, grab yourself an IRC client. On their connection info page Hackint has information for both WeeChat and Hexchat, but you could use any IRC client. Source: about 2 years ago
IRC Chat?
Gajim is for XMPP. For IRC you need Hexchat or Weechat or something like that. Source: over 2 years ago
TIFU by showing my dad the possibilities of the Internet.
Hexchat is one of the more popular ones. Source: over 2 years ago
Online in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.
IRC - Also still around and in some cases, the same as it ever was, albeit with a smaller user base. A list of networks can be found here, and while there are many actively developed IRC clients out there, if you don't know where to start, most people recommend HexChat. Reddit's affiliated network is called Snoonet. mIRC is still actively developed by Khaled Mardam-Bey, so by all means, feel free to give that a... Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

mIRC - mIRC: Internet Relay Chat client

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.

irssi - Irssi is a terminal based IRC client for UNIX systems.

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.

Pidgin - Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once.

Element.io vs HexChat