Comparison
Element vs Signal
Element and Signal are both encrypted messengers, but they answer different questions. Element is a client for the open, federated Matrix network — decentralised, self-hostable, built for communities. Signal is a centralised, phone-number-based app run by a nonprofit, prized as the simplest, most-trusted end-to-end encrypted messenger. Here's the honest split.
Choose Element if
Choose Element if you want decentralised, self-hostable chat on the open Matrix network — with communities, spaces and bridges to other platforms, and an identity that isn't tied to your phone number.
Element Trust Report ›Choose Signal if
Choose Signal if you want the simplest, most widely-trusted end-to-end encrypted messenger — phone-number based, centrally run by a nonprofit, with minimal metadata and almost no setup.
Signal Trust Report ›| Foundation | ||
| Network | Matrix Open, federated | Signal Centralised |
| License | Open source AGPL-3.0 | Open source AGPL-3.0 |
| Maker | Element / community | Signal Foundation Nonprofit |
| Privacy & identity | ||
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | Yes Signal Protocol |
| Metadata | More exposed Depends on homeserver | Minimal Sealed sender |
| Identity | Matrix ID Username, not phone | Phone number |
| Self-hostable server | Yes Run your own homeserver | — Server open, no federation |
| Experience | ||
| Communities & spaces | Yes | Groups only |
| Bridges to other chats | Yes Matrix bridges | — |
| Setup simplicity | More involved | Very simple |
The bottom line
Choose Element if
Choose Element if you want decentralised, self-hostable chat on the open Matrix network — with communities, spaces and bridges to other platforms, and an identity that isn't tied to your phone number.
Choose Signal if
Choose Signal if you want the simplest, most widely-trusted end-to-end encrypted messenger — phone-number based, centrally run by a nonprofit, with minimal metadata and almost no setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Element and Signal?
Element and Signal are both encrypted messengers, but they answer different questions. Element is a client for the open, federated Matrix network — decentralised, self-hostable, built for communities. Signal is a centralised, phone-number-based app run by a nonprofit, prized as the simplest, most-trusted end-to-end encrypted messenger. Here's the honest split. In short: choose Element if choose Element if you want decentralised, self-hostable chat on the open Matrix network — with communities, spaces and bridges to other platforms, and an identity that isn't tied to your phone number. Choose Signal if choose Signal if you want the simplest, most widely-trusted end-to-end encrypted messenger — phone-number based, centrally run by a nonprofit, with minimal metadata and almost no setup.
Is Element or Signal cheaper?
At our last review, Element is listed at “Free · open source” and Signal at “Free”. Pricing is recorded as published by each developer and re-checked when the report is refreshed.
Which of Element and Signal supports more platforms?
Element runs on Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS · Android · web. Signal runs on macOS 12+ · Windows 10/11 · Linux (64-bit) · iOS 15+ · Android.
Are Element and Signal both safe to use?
Both carry an independent Altapp Trust Report. Element: 8/9 of nine checks verified, last full review Jul 19, 2026. Signal: 9/9 of nine checks verified, last full review Jul 17, 2026. Each covers source verification, data and permissions, and known risks. Altapp publishes no score of its own — the count is a tally of what could be independently confirmed.