E
ESignal vs Threema
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
S
Choose Signal if…
- you want a lower entry price ($0.00 vs $6.99)
- you need free to use
- you need phone number required
- you want more max group size (1,000 vs 256)
- you're in its core audience: privacy-conscious individuals, families and friend groups
T
Choose Threema if…
- you need self-hosting / federation
- you're in its core audience: privacy-conscious individuals, enterprises
Side by side
Feature Signal Threema
Encryption protocolSignal Protocol (PQXDH/X3DH + Double Ratchet)Threema's own protocol (Ibex, NaCl-based: Curve25519, XSalsa20)
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, LinuxWeb, Self-hosted
CompanySignal Technology FoundationThreema AG · since 2012
Full feature lists
S Signal
- End-to-end encryption on by default for all messages and calls
- Open source Signal Protocol
- Encrypted voice and video calls
- Group chats
- Sharing of text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files
- Encrypted stickers and custom sticker packs
- No ads or trackers
T Threema
- End-to-end encrypted chats, voice and video calls, and files
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Anonymous use via Threema ID, no phone number needed
- Messages deleted from servers after delivery
- Central management cockpit for business users
- Threema Broadcast for one-to-many messaging
- Self-hosted OnPrem with air-gapped operation
- Open source code with reproducible builds
Their home pages
What each vendor shows first: the pitch, the plans and the sign-up.
Signal · signal.org
Threema · threema.comWhat you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
| Team size | Signal | Threema |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | no published plan | $3 Work Core |
| 5 people | no published plan | $15 Work Core |
| 20 people | no published plan | $60 Work Core |
All plans and prices
Signal
FreeFree
Threema
Private$6.00 one-time
Work Core$3.00/user/mo billed annually
Work Professional$5.00/user/mo billed annually
OnPremCustom
Strengths and limitations
Signal
- Completely free, with no ads or tracking
- Encryption is always on, not opt-in
- Run by a nonprofit that cannot be acquired
- Apps for mobile and all major desktop systems
- Depends on donations rather than paid plans, so there is no paid support tier
Threema
- No phone number or email required to sign up
- Open source code with external audits and reproducible builds
- 30-day Work trial for 30 users without payment details
- Servers and development based in Switzerland
- Private app is a paid one-time purchase, with no free tier
- Work Core plan is limited to 200 users
- API access and Broadcast require the Professional plan
More comparisons
Other options to consider
EE
Freemium
E
Encrypted Matrix-based messaging and collaboration for teams and governments
Encrypted messengersFree planOpen source
Facts from each vendor's public pages, prices checked Nov 8, 2026. Editorial policy