The battle for secure and private messaging has turned Signal and Telegram into two of the most discussed and recommended apps of the moment. In an environment where personal data protection and freedom of communication are increasingly valued, users are asking themselves: What is the best secure messaging app? In this in-depth analysis, you'll discover all the key differences between Signal and Telegram, focusing on what matters most: privacy, security, advanced features, and user experience.
Signal vs. Telegram: End-to-end encryption and real privacy
The main difference between both applications lies in the implementation of end-to-end encryption. In Signal, This encryption is active by default in all chats, calls and video calls, ensuring that No one, not even Signal, can read your messages or intercept your media. This encryption protocol is considered one of the most robust and publicly audited in the industry, and is completely open source.
En Telegram, on the other hand, end-to-end encryption is only available in the secret chats, which require manual activation for each conversation and only work in individual chats. By default, messages are encrypted between your device and the Telegram cloud., but they may be accessible to the company in exceptional cases. Group chats, channels, and most other core features are NOT protected by end-to-end encryption.
Signal's encryption protocol has been recommended by cybersecurity experts and has served as the basis for WhatsApp encryption. Telegram uses its own protocol, MTProto, which, while it has withstood scrutiny, is not entirely open to external audits, especially with regard to server infrastructure.
Personal Data and Metadata: What information does each app collect?
Transparency regarding the processing of your personal data is another differentiating factor. Thanks to the Apple App Store's privacy labels, you can see the level at which apps associate identifying data with you:
- Signal just associate your contact information (phone number), and does not link this information to your personal identity after registration. It also doesn't store your messages in the cloud, nor does it collect your contact list unless you specifically allow it, and it minimizes metadata retention to a minimum (for example, it only stores the last day you were online, not even the time).
- Telegram collects your phone number, username, contacts, and device identifiers. This data is linked to your identity within the platform, and the server storage policy involves retaining messages in the cloud subject to Telegram's retention policy.
This difference in data processing and linking is crucial for users seeking robust privacy and real control over their digital identity. To expand your knowledge of messaging privacy, we recommend reading our privacy apps and resources.
Registration and Identity: Is a phone number required?
Both applications require a phone number for registration, although Telegram allows you to hide it from other users and use aliases or usernames for greater convenience. However, Signal associates each account with a real phone number, essential for authentication and contact list management, which can limit absolute anonymity. For those seeking to maintain their anonymity, it may be useful to know the virtual number alternatives which provide greater privacy in the registry.
Telegram offers more flexibility, as you can create accounts using a virtual number and manage different devices and sessions from there, although the number is still used at the backend level.
Group and video calling features: Which is more comprehensive?
Signal has added end-to-end encrypted group video calling., which guarantees confidentiality and security even in large groups. Each participant can be assured that neither the platform nor third parties can access the information transmitted.
On Telegram, group video calls have arrived later and, although they allow for large gatherings and many advanced tools, They do not have end-to-end encryption by default beyond one-on-one conversations in secret chats.
Temporary messages and self-destruction
Signal allows you to configure ephemeral or self-destructing messages In all chats, whether individual or group, and for any type of file or content. The timer is flexible and can be set to different intervals, making it useful for sharing sensitive information that shouldn't be stored after reading.
Telegram also offers self-destructing messages, but only in the secret chatsThere are options for sending temporary messages in other contexts, but without the protection of end-to-end encryption, which reduces the actual privacy of these contents.
Managing notifications and blocking sensitive content
Signal includes the function of private notifications or without message previewThis way, when you receive a notification, you'll only see the contact's name, not the message content, preventing prying eyes from seeing your lock screen. All of this is complemented by the option to activate app lock using a PIN, password, or biometrics.
Telegram also allows you to configure the privacy level of your notifications, although by default it displays text and sender details unless you manually disable the preview in your settings. Telegram offers greater advanced control over app access, where you can set a PIN, password, or lock the app at any time.
Administration tools in groups and channels
Telegram shines especially in the management of mass groups and channels. It has advanced tools for administrators: moderation, message cleanup, user banning, roles with differentiated permissions, bot management, detailed statistics and real-time monitoring of activity within the group or channel. In addition, the Channels allow you to reach unlimited audiences, something unprecedented in other messaging apps.
Signal didn't have all of these features until recently, but it continues to improve group management, gradually incorporating additional controls and planning future updates to match Telegram's flexibility.
Voice notes, multimedia messages, and rich content
Telegram stands out for the possibility of send video notes, in addition to classic voice notes and multimedia messages. This feature allows you to record short video clips and share them instantly, an increasingly popular format for quickly communicating emotions or situations. If you want to learn how to better manage your media files in Signal, check out How to adjust notifications in Telegram.
Signal doesn't yet offer video notes as such, although future updates are expected, given the platform's pace of development. Both allow for the sending of files, images, documents, stickers, and multimedia content, although Telegram facilitates the sharing of large files and supports a personal cloud thanks to its cloud storage system.
Variety of features: bots, personalization, and ecosystem
Telegram has gone far beyond a traditional messaging app, incorporating automated bots, thematic channels, Clubhouse-style voice chats, animated stickers, visual themes, message scheduling, self-destruction of inactive accounts, and a powerful search system both in chats, files, and channels. If you want to explore these features, you can also learn how to schedule messages in Telegram.
Signal, for its part, is committed to simplicity and privacy by design, but it's not far behind in innovation. It integrates Stickers, ephemeral messages, secure group calls and video calls, as well as options to block message forwarding, hide typing status, enable incognito keyboard, and restrict screenshots.
Metadata, storage, and cloud management
In this section, the difference is significant: Signal does not store messages in the cloudAll chats and files remain on users' devices and can only be recovered via encrypted local backup, limiting exposure to attacks on central servers or massive data breaches. If you'd like to learn more about security in this area, please visit How to manage storage on your mobile.
Telegram, on the other hand, bases part of its value proposition on cloud storage. You can access your chats and files from multiple devices and retrieve your history at any time, but This involves storing your messages encrypted on Telegram's servers., which reduces absolute control over your personal data.
How does each app monetize? Transparency and business model
The philosophy behind each project is also decisive in its business models. Signal is a non-profit foundation, funded by donations and private contributions, is transparent about its core mission of protecting global privacy. This avoids the pressure to monetize personal data or introduce advertising. To understand how this affects your communications, review .
On the other hand, Telegram is a private company which has repeatedly explored monetization through premium services, an advertising platform, and future payment features. While it currently maintains a neutral, ad-free approach for most users, the sustainability of the model may influence long-term decisions regarding privacy and platform management.
Open source and technological transparency
A key section for users and experts who value independent auditing and technological trust is the degree of openness of the code. Signal is completely open source both in its clients and server infrastructures, enabling constant verification by the community and security experts. More information about these advantages can be found at What Signal is and how it works.
Telegram claims to be open source in its client applications (mobile and desktop), but the server code is proprietary and is not available for public audits. Furthermore, the specific location of its servers and the applicable data protection laws are not specifically disclosed, adding a layer of uncertainty for the most privacy-conscious.
Anonymity and decentralization assessment
For those seeking complete anonymity, Signal and Telegram are not equivalent. Signal requires a real phone number and contact management, but avoids sharing unnecessary additional information and periodically explores new forms of authentication based on identifiers not linked to real identity. For best practices, check out The best trading and cryptocurrency channels on Telegram.
Telegram, while allowing number hiding and the use of aliases, still relies on SMS validation and its own centralized infrastructure, which can pose a risk to regulators and other stakeholders. As of today, neither is completely decentralized, although Telegram has announced possible future developments in this regard.
Quick Comparison: Key Features Table
| Feature | Signal | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption by default | Yes, in all chats and calls | Only in individual secret chats |
| Cloud storage | No, everything is local and encrypted. | Yes, client-server encryption |
| self-destructing messages | In all chats | Only in secret chats |
| Secure group video calls | Yes, end-to-end encrypted | Yes, but not e2e encrypted by default |
| Advanced group/channel management | Basic, constantly improving | Very advanced |
| Personalization, bots and ecosystem | Limited Time | Very complete |
| Open Source | Yes, complete | Customers only |
Number of users and global adoption
At the community level, Telegram far surpasses Signal in terms of user numbers and penetration across different countries. You'll find more users already using Telegram, making it easier to migrate from WhatsApp and other more popular apps. However, Signal has experienced explosive growth, especially among privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, and professionals in sensitive sectors.
