Side by side
Discord vs Signal
Both stand on voip calling apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Discord combines community servers with voice, video, and text communication across desktop, mobile, and web. Its call encryption does not extend to messages.
Visit Discord
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Signal covers everyday messaging, file sharing and voice or video calls, with encryption and group controls. Keep the phone-registration and desktop setup requirements in mind.
Visit SignalThe facts
| Discord | Signal | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Nitro Basic: $29.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Discord | Not published |
| Website | discord.com | signal.org |
| On voip calling apps | #1 of 21 | #5 of 21 |
Discord: what it does well
- Create servers with channels for communities.
- Calls work in direct messages and voice channels.
- Supported consoles can stream gameplay directly.
- Apps can be added through the desktop and browser directory.
- Passkeys can use on-device biometrics.
What to know first
- Messages are not encrypted.
- Nitro Basic costs $2.99 a month.
- Nitro costs $9.99 a month.
Signal: what it does well
- Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default.
- Supports voice and video group calls.
- Group chats include admins, permissions and @mentions.
- Users can connect through a unique username.
- Available across mobile and desktop platforms.
What to know first
- Phone number registration is required.
- Desktop app requires prior phone installation.
- Accounts can link up to five devices.
- Minimum age is 13, subject to higher local requirements.
Alternatives to Discord Alternatives to Signal The whole list