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Comparison · Messaging apps

Element vs Signal: which is better in 2026?

Element82.0#5 in best messaging appsSignal92.5#1 in best messaging apps

Signal ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#1 against #5, score 92.5 against 82.0).

How we rank Share

  • 82.0
    Editorial score
    92.5
  • 6
    Platforms
    6
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Element if you want

Self-hosted or organization chat on Matrix.

Encrypted, open and self-hostable on the Matrix network, with apps for every major platform. Its personal app is less familiar than WhatsApp, and organization features sit behind paid plans.

Choose Signal if you want

Private one-to-one and group messaging.

Encrypts chats and calls by default, publishes its client apps under AGPL-3.0 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. Reaching a contact means they must install it, so its reach is smaller than WhatsApp's.

The main differences

  • Only Element runs on Web.
  • Element is free plan, paid upgrades; Signal is free.

Side by side

ElementSignal
Score82.092.5
Rank in list#5 of 10#1 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree app for personal use; paid plans for organizationsFreeFree for everyone; the nonprofit is funded by donations
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsAndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Made byNot statedNot stated
End-to-end encrypted by defaultYesYes
Best forSelf-hosted or organization chat on MatrixPrivate one-to-one and group messaging
Strengths
  • Free personal app with end-to-end encryption
  • Open Matrix standard lets servers talk to each other
  • Self-hosting and air-gapped installs for organizations
  • End-to-end encryption is on by default for chats and calls
  • Client apps are open source under AGPL-3.0
  • Apps for Linux, Windows and Mac, not only phones
Limits
  • Choosing a Matrix server adds setup choices for individuals
  • Advanced features are gated behind paid organization plans
  • Desktop apps only work after the phone app is set up
  • Funded by donations, so the roadmap depends on the nonprofit
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Element vs Signal

Is Signal better than Element?
Signal ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#1 against #5, score 92.5 against 82.0). Element is best for: self-hosted or organization chat on Matrix. Signal is best for: private one-to-one and group messaging.
Which is cheaper, Element or Signal?
Element: Free app for personal use; paid plans for organizations. Signal: Free for everyone; the nonprofit is funded by donations.
Do Element and Signal run on the same platforms?
Element supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web. Signal supports Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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