Sure, here is the revised article:
Signal vs. WhatsApp: A Comprehensive Comparison
WhatsApp has more features, while Signal is all about security
WhatsApp and Signal are two of the most popular messaging and phone call apps on smartphones and computers. We tested both to see which one you should use if you had to choose just one.
Findings:
- WhatsApp is the reigning champion with a user base of more than 2 billion people each month.
- Signal, the challenger, has a smaller number of monthly users (40 million), but it’s gaining popularity due to its focus on privacy and security.
Device Support:
- Both Signal and WhatsApp are available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop.
Popularity:
- WhatsApp has been the go-to instant messaging app for many years, with people using it to exchange messages with colleagues, friends, and families.
- Signal has surged in popularity dramatically over the past year or so.
Security:
- Both apps use end-to-end encryption.
- Signal doesn’t use or share your user or device data, unlike Facebook-owned WhatsApp.
- Signal has developed a technology for protecting metadata called Sealed Sender.
- WhatsApp does know the IP address and technical information showing that the request comes from the WhatsApp app.
Features:
- Both apps allow users to chat using text, emojis, GIFs, stickers, as well as voice and video calling.
- Signal offers additional security measures such as safety numbers to confirm the authenticity of your chat contact, screen locking at the app level, message notification shielding, call relay option to hide your IP address during calls made within the app, and disappearing messages.
End-to-end Encryption:
- Both WhatsApp and Signal use end-to-end encryption which ensures that only you and the recipient can view the information exchanged.
- WhatsApp uses the same E2E protocol as Signal, developed by Open Whisper Systems.
- However, WhatsApp does not encrypt your local and cloud backups. Nor does it encrypt the metadata that is used to carry communication between two endpoints.
User Experience:
- Both WhatsApp and Signal follow a clean User Interface to navigate users.
- On WhatsApp, you will notice a nicely laid out bottom bar featuring Chat, Calls, Stories, and Settings tab. The implementation makes it easy for users to navigate through them without stretching hand.
- Signal has all the options at the top.
Conclusion:
While WhatsApp continues to dominate in terms of user base, Signal is making waves with its robust privacy features. The choice between Signal vs. WhatsApp ultimately depends on what you value more - popularity or privacy. So, are you team WhatsApp or team Signal? The choice is yours!
