WhatsApp vs. Signal - the ultimate comparison

The popular WhatsApp messenger is signaled by the Chat app Signal. We let the two apps compete against each other in a direct comparison.

Comparison of functions of WhatsApp and Signal

In terms of operation, the two apps are pretty similar. The functions for sending messages, pictures and videos as well as for making phone calls hardly differ.
However, WhatsApp currently offers some other functions. Locations, contacts and voice messages cannot be sent by signal.
It also looks rare in the settings for Signal. Functions such as changing background images, blocking contacts, changing the phone number and a backup function are still missing in Signal.
However, further functions can be expected with Signal. The app was recently translated into German.

Signal: All chats and calls are encrypted here. The encryption code can be viewed online by everyone. This guarantees transparent security. With the end-to-end encryption, the messages on your device are sent encrypted via the Signal servers and only decrypted at the recipient.
WhatsApp: WhatsApp does not currently encrypt any content, but encryption of the messages has already been announced. The app did poorly at Stiftung Warentest.
Signal is currently one of the safest messengers for iOS and Android. With end-to-end encryption, your data is very secure according to today's standards.

Signal is easy to use and, above all, extremely secure, but the chat app currently still offers too few functions and, above all, too few users. The application is still in its infancy and cannot yet keep up with the competition.
Anyone who can do without some security will probably stay with WhatsApp, even if the service costs 79 cents annually. Signal, on the other hand, is available completely free of charge.
The free Telegram app and the paid Threema app are considered safe and relatively widespread alternatives. Here your chats are encrypted like Signal, but the apps offer a lot more functions.

In the next practical tip we will show you how to use WhatsApp in the browser.