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Alternatives · Team Chat

Signal alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Signal alternative is Telegram (3.2 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Signal compared with 6 alternatives: Telegram, Wire, Element, Threema Work, Matrix and 1 more.

Signal is free to use. 4 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
SignalThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
TelegramFree plan · from $4.99YesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
WireFree plan · from €7.45/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
ElementFree planYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Threema WorkFree trial · from $3.00/moTrial onlyWeb, iOS, Android
MatrixFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
TeamwireFree trial · from €79/moTrial onlyWeb, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

Signal has no paid plan and scores 2.7 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$1$2$5$10$20$50$100$200$500More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessSignalWireThreema WorkMatrixTeamwire

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of team communication apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Signal

  1. Telegram

    Cloud-based messenger with large groups, channels and bots

    • Telegram starts at $4.99 (Premium; billing period not shown in the listing).
    • Telegram also lists a web app.

    Suits: Large communities and broadcast channels

    Telegram vs SignalTelegram pricing and details

  2. Wire

    End-to-end encrypted messaging and calls for organizations

    • Wire starts at €7.45 per person / month, paid annually.
    • Wire also lists a web app.
    • Wire is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Wire also covers file sharing.

    Suits: Organizations that need end-to-end encryption for messages, calls and files

    Wire vs SignalWire pricing and details

  3. Element

    End-to-end encrypted chat and calls on the Matrix standard

    • Element also lists a web app.
    • Element is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Element also covers file sharing.

    Suits: Governments and regulated organizations that self-host encrypted chat

    Element vs SignalElement pricing and details

  4. Threema Work

    Encrypted business messenger from Switzerland

    • Threema Work starts at $3.00 per user / month, billed annually.
    • Threema Work has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Signal.
    • Threema Work also lists a web app.
    • Threema Work lists no Windows, macOS and Linux apps, which Signal has.
    • Threema Work also covers file sharing.

    Suits: Companies and public bodies that want messaging under European data protection rules

    Threema Work vs SignalThreema Work pricing and details

  5. Matrix

    Open, decentralized network for chat and calls

    • Matrix is free.
    • Matrix also lists a web app.
    • Matrix is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Matrix does not cover video calls, which Signal does.

    Suits: Organizations that want to own their chat data on their own domain

    Matrix vs SignalMatrix pricing and details

  6. Teamwire

    GDPR-focused business messenger hosted in Germany

    • Teamwire starts at €79 per month for up to 25 users, billed annually.
    • Teamwire has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Signal.
    • Teamwire also lists a web app.
    • Teamwire lists no Windows, macOS and Linux apps, which Signal has.
    • Teamwire is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: Public-sector and healthcare teams with data-sovereignty rules

    Teamwire vs SignalTeamwire pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Signal

  • Built as a personal messenger: the pages describe no admin console, roles, channels or workspace controls.
  • The desktop apps work only after Signal is installed and linked from a phone.
  • No paid plan or business support tier is listed; the app is funded by donations.
Signal pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Signal?

The alternatives to Signal in this directory are Telegram, Wire, Element, Threema Work, Matrix and Teamwire. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Signal.

Is there a free alternative to Signal?

Yes. Matrix is free to use. Telegram, Wire and Element have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Is there an open-source alternative to Signal?

Wire, Element and Matrix are described as open source on their own sites.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.