Signal Private Messenger vs Telegram
Published · Updated
Signal and Telegram are often mentioned together as WhatsApp alternatives, but they work very differently. Signal puts encryption first. Telegram puts cloud sync and large communities first.
Key differences
| Topic | Signal Private Messenger | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Every chat and call by default | Only in one-to-one Secret Chats |
| Group size | Up to 1,000 members | Up to 200,000 members |
| Public channels | No | Yes, unlimited subscribers |
| Chat history on new devices | Requires transfer from your old device | Full cloud history on any device |
| Bots | No | Yes |
| Ads | None | Sponsored messages in some public channels |
App details side by side
| Signal Private Messenger | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Signal Messenger LLC | Telegram FZ-LLC |
| Price | Free | Free, with paid options |
| License | Free, open source (AGPL-3.0) | Free, optional Premium subscription; client open source (GPL-2.0) |
| Ads | No ads | Sponsored messages in some large public channels |
| Offline use | Needs a data connection to send messages | Needs a data connection to send messages |
| User rating here | ||
| Current version | 7.15.2 | 10.14.5 |
| File size | 42.4 MB | 74.3 MB |
| Requires Android | 5.0+ | 6.0+ |
| Permissions recorded | Yes | Yes |
| Official source | Website | Website |
| APK availability | Hosted here (authorised) | Hosted here (authorised) |
| Version updated | 25 September 2026 | 2 August 2026 |
"Not available" means we haven't confirmed that detail yet. We don't guess version numbers or sizes.
Main features
Signal Private Messenger
- End-to-end encryption for all chats and calls by default
- Usernames so you can avoid sharing your phone number
- Disappearing messages with adjustable timers
- Group voice and video calls
- Linked desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux
Telegram
- Cloud chats synced across all your devices
- Groups of up to 200,000 members
- Public channels with unlimited subscribers
- Bots and mini apps
- Secret Chats with end-to-end encryption for one-to-one conversations
Which one fits you
These two suit different needs. Pick based on whether you mainly need private conversations or access to large groups and channels.
Read more
- Signal Private Messenger for Android and Signal Private Messenger alternatives
- Telegram for Android and Telegram alternatives
- More communication apps
- How to Download & Install Signal Private Messenger APK on Android (Complete Setup & Strategy Guide)
- How to Download & Install OGWhatsApp APK on Android (Complete Setup & Strategy Guide)
- How to Download & Install Telegram APK on Android (Complete Setup & Strategy Guide)