Signal is the preferred choice for users who prioritize privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection. Meta Workplace, while offering a familiar interface and integrations, is being phased out in 2026, making it a less sustainable option for long-term use.
| Attribute | Signal (Enhanced Privacy Version) | Meta Workplace |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Signal uses end-to-end encryption to ensure only the sender and recipient can read messages. This encryption extends to voice and video calls. The Signal Protocol is used for encryption. | Meta is enabling end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls on Messenger and Facebook. |
| Open-source code | Signal's client software for Android, iOS, and desktop is open-source. The code is available on GitHub. This allows examination of the code to verify its behavior. | iTribe and eXo Platform are open-source alternatives to Meta Workplace. Meta itself embraces open-source technology. |
| Self-destructing messages | Signal offers disappearing messages, where users can set a timer for messages to disappear after a specified time. | Not available |
| Voice and video call quality | Signal provides voice and video calls. | Meta Workplace has video calling features. |
| Group call capacity | Signal allows up to 40 participants in a group video call. | Meta Workplace group chats let you message up to 250 people at one time using Workplace Chat on desktop or mobile. You can connect with up to 50 people in a chat. |
| File sharing capabilities | Signal allows users to send documents, files, voice notes, pictures, stickers, GIFs, and video messages. | Meta Workplace has file sharing capabilities. Users can share files, messages, images, video messages, and voice notes. |
| Cross-platform availability | Signal is available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. | Meta Workplace is cross-platform. It has free mobile apps for Android and iOS. |
| Integration with other apps | Signal does not offer an API or integration with Zapier. | Workplace has over 50 integrations with tools like Box, OneDrive, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Tanda, Jira, and Zoom. It also integrates with Microsoft Teams. |
| User interface intuitiveness | Signal's interface is clean and intuitive. It includes familiar messaging features like emojis, stickers, and GIFs. | The user interface is similar to Facebook, making it easier for many employees to get started. |
| Data privacy policy | Signal is designed to not collect or store sensitive information. It does not sell, rent, or monetize user data. | Your organization is responsible for the collection and use of any data that you submit or provide through the Service and such use is governed by the terms your organization has in place with Meta. Meta has updated its privacy policy to be more clear about data practices. |
| Compliance certifications | Signal is GDPR compliant. | Workplace is GDPR compliant. It is certified to ISO 27001 and ISO 27018 security standards. It also has SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports. |
| Admin control features | Call hosts can remove participants and block users from rejoining calls. | Workplace admins have access to account controls and settings. Workplace offers the possibility to create custom roles by combining a set of permissions to assign to a specific administrator in the instance. |
| Price | Free and open-source | Essential: Free (up to 50 groups), Advanced: $4 per person per month, Enterprise: $8 per person per month |