Signal vs Session: Which Private Messenger?
Compare Signal and Session messengers - pros, cons, and which one fits your privacy needs
Back to Blog
Want a private messenger? Look no further than two solid options: Signal and Session. While both encrypt your messages, they work differently. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Signal?
Signal is a free messenger that encrypts everything you send. Texts, voice calls, video calls — all private.
It’s run by the nonprofit organization Signal Foundation. The code is open-source, therefore accessible for anyone to peer into. Security experts trust the app. Journalists and activists all over the world use it.
The catch: You need a phone number to sign up. Signal knows your number, even if your contacts don’t see it.
What is Session?
Session is a privacy-focused messenger developed by the Session Technology Foundation. It originally started in 2018 as “Loki Messenger” and initially used Signal’s encryption protocol, but has since developed its own Session Protocol designed specifically for decentralized messaging.
No phone number required. You get a random Session ID instead. Messages route through a decentralized network of nodes, so no single company controls your data.
The tradeoff: It’s less polished than Signal, and fewer people use it.
Pros and Cons of Signal
The good:
- Rock-solid encryption, trusted by experts
- Great user experience, feels like any modern messenger
- Voice and video calls work well
- Large user base — many of your friends may already have it
- Disappearing messages, screen security features
The not-so-good:
- Requires your phone number
- Centralized servers — controlled by Signal Foundation
- If Signal goes down then you cannot message
- Your phone number is linked with your identity
Pros and Cons of Session
The good:
- No phone number or email required
- Truly anonymous registration with random ID
- Decentralized network — there is no single point of failure
- Censorship-resistant, harder to block
- Supports voice calls
The not-so-good:
- No video calls as yet
- Messages may be slower due to routing
- Smaller user base, more difficult to get friends on it
- Less polished interface compared to Signal
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Signal | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Phone number | Anonymous ID |
| Network | Centralized | Decentralized |
| Voice calls | Yes | Yes |
| Video calls | Yes | No |
| User base | Large | Smaller |
| Anonymity | Partial | Full |
Which One Should You Use?
Use Signal if:
- You want video calls
- Ease of use is important to you
- Your friends already use it
- You’re okay linking your phone number
Select Session if:
- Anonymity is your priority
- You don’t want to give out your phone number
- You are in a location where messaging apps get blocked
- You prefer distributed systems
Can You Use Both?
Yes. Many privacy-conscious people do. Signal for daily chats with friends and family. Session for situations where you need more anonymity.
Neither app costs a thing. Try them both and see what works for your life.
Get Started
See also: Our messenger recommendations