All comparisons
AChat and Signal
Last checked
A free messenger with no ads and end-to-end encryption, on phones and desktop.
Which to choose
Choose Signal if you want voice and video calls, and a nonprofit behind the app.
Choose AChat if you want to open it in a browser and restore your history with a recovery key after losing your phone. Signal says restoring isn't supported without your old device.
Side by side
| Feature | AChat | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up without a phone number | Yes | Not stated on the pages we checked |
| End-to-end encryption on personal chats | Yes | YesTheir page (opens in a new tab) |
| History comes back on a new device | Partly | PartlyTheir page (opens in a new tab) |
What AChat doesn't do
AChat has no voice or video calls. Your encrypted history comes back only with another linked device or your recovery key. Lose both, and nobody can restore it, including us.
What each costs
Signal
| Plan | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Signal | Free | Their page (opens in a new tab) |
Check it yourself
Prices change. Open their site before you decide.
Signal website (opens in a new tab)