For a long time, Telegram was considered the safest messenger, but competition is growing, and many people are switching to the more secure Signal. Let’s look at the differences between the two applications: Signal vs. Telegram—what is better?
Features of Telegram
Telegram is a free messenger that is also suitable for companies and startups thanks to its wide range of features. Users can send data packets of up to 1.5 GB in size via cloud storage.
Functions: In addition to the standard chat function, users can record audio and video messages in the app. It also allows for voice and video calls, as well as sending large amounts of data in the form of documents, images, graphs, or videos.
Group Chats: Uniquely, Telegram users can chat with up to 1,000 other people in a single group.
Data Storage: Telegram stores all uploaded files in the cloud. This allows users to access information on any device with the app installed. However, this technology has a drawback: the service stores all content on its servers. While the data is automatically deleted after some time, this may still be a concern for some users.
Encryption: Telegram messages are encrypted. Regular cloud chats use client-server/server-client encryption. In contrast, "secret chats" employ end-to-end encryption, meaning Telegram cannot read the contacts stored on your smartphone. However, you must activate this secret mode first.
Requirements: You cannot register with Telegram without providing a phone number, whether mobile or landline.
Availability: Telegram can be used on smartphones as well as through a desktop version on laptops or computers (Windows, MacOS, Linux). The free app is available for both Android and iOS.
Why Signal Is Interesting
The free Signal messenger is based on open-source code. This means that the code used is publicly available and can be modified if necessary. The program has notable supporters, including Edward Snowden, who claims to use Signal daily. However, the app is not as popular among ordinary users; it is mainly utilized by programmers and those in the IT field.
Features: Signal offers all the popular messenger features, including text and voice messaging, as well as audio and video calling. Users can also send files, such as documents, photos, or videos. Unlike Telegram, Signal does not provide cloud storage.
Storage: Signal reads the contacts stored on your smartphone. However, these contacts are only used within the app and are not stored on the messenger’s servers.
Encryption: All communication over Signal is protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that only the parties involved in the chat can decrypt (i.e., read) the messages sent. Phone calls are also wiretap-proof, thanks to a unique security number assigned to each conversation, whether chat or call. Consequently, Signal is well-suited for discussions that should remain private.
Requirements: To use Signal, you need to provide the phone number of the device you can receive messages on—the registration is verified by SMS.
Availability: Signal is available as an app for Android smartphones (version 4.4 and higher) and iOS, as well as in desktop versions for laptops and computers.
Which Messenger to Choose?
Each messenger has its own advantages and disadvantages; there is no ideal choice that satisfies all needs simultaneously. It is essential to determine which one is right for you. Additionally, remember that none of the services can guarantee complete anonymity on the Internet. However, you can enhance your level of privacy by using a VPN and virtual numbers for accounts.
How to Increase Anonymity on the Internet Using Virtual Phone Numbers
Numerous SMS receiving services are available online. These services provide a number for receiving SMS; you pay a small fee and receive a number for one-time SMS verification, choosing the service for which you want to receive messages. This process is easy, convenient, anonymous, and inexpensive, allowing you to avoid using your primary phone number.
On reputable SMS services, once you receive an SMS for the selected service, the number becomes unavailable for that service for other users. This feature is designed to protect your account from being accessed by others using the same SMS service. You can rest assured that this will not happen. You can use our service to receive SMS if you need to register an account without using your main phone number.