Now that we live in a digital world, private messaging applications are an integral part of our everyday lives. More and more people are using private messaging services to talk freely without fear of prying eyes because of rising privacy and security concerns online. Popular examples include Telegram vs. Threema, vs. Signal, both of which have seen explosive growth in the past few years. While security and privacy are top priorities for both apps, there are notable distinctions that may make one better suited to your needs than the other.
What Is Threema?
The word “Threema” itself implies safety. The name of the app is an abbreviation for “end-to-end encrypted messaging applications” (which is what “EEEMA” stands for) and the letters “three E’s” (for “end-to-end”).
Yes, security is a top priority for Threema. Hundreds of thousands of new users have downloaded the app since the Snowden revelations. Similarly, Threema had a one-day increase of 50% in its user base after Facebook’s 2014 purchase of Whatsapp. The majority of these consumers were located in Germany, which remains one of Threema’s most fruitful markets.
As a result of Whatsapp’s botched implementation of its new privacy policy, Threema’s usage spiked once more in the second week of 2021.
The current user base is somewhere around 8 million, making it far smaller than both Telegram (500 million) and Signal (40 million). Switzerland is also home to Threema’s headquarters and development.
Key Features
As an advantage, Threema doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the feel and look of an IM client. Trying to improve upon a method that has worked for us for a long time and that we are already familiar with would be a waste of time.
When you first open the app, the conversations you have open will take up the majority of the screen. As with WhatsApp and similar apps, you may initiate a new chat at any time by selecting the “Compose” button. By default, Threema will not sync your contacts, so if you want to talk to people in your address book who also use the app, you’ll need to enable this setting.
You can only send a message to someone if you know their Threema ID or if you scan their number in person.
Changing your theme or otherwise personalizing your experience in Threema is limited, which is a minor criticism of the app.
#1. Safety
Threema’s many safeguards and the app’s design all work together to keep your data safe.
Because of this, your identity will never be revealed when using Threema. There is no obligation to provide personal information, such as a phone number or email address, or to sync your contacts.
To emphasize, Threema does not keep a lot of data on its servers. Metadata minimalism is a major tenet of their philosophy. In other words, if the program isn’t storing any of your information, then nobody has access to it to abuse it. Therefore, Threema does not save any records of your communications or contact information. If you choose to sync your contacts, the information is removed from the server as soon as the process finishes.
Threema provides end-to-end encryption for all forms of communication, including but not limited to text messaging, group chats, phone calls, file transfers, and more. Furthermore, the app’s source code is available for review by the IT community, which may lead to the identification of vulnerabilities and ineffective procedures.
In light of this, we can confidently claim that the Threema app is one of the most data-safe instant messaging services available today.
#2. Superior Features for Team Communication
When it comes to cutting-edge communication, though, Threema may fall short.
Threema lacks even the most fundamental aspects of project management software, such as screen sharing and secure file transfer. In comparison to other group chat apps, Threema doesn’t offer as many customization choices.
It’s not that there aren’t any fancy ways to talk in the app; there just aren’t a lot of them. Features such as:
- Polls: Polls are a quick and easy way to get a feel for the general consensus on a certain topic by soliciting responses to a single question. They’re not really cutting-edge, but they can come in handy in both social and professional settings.
- Agree/disagree: This version of polls is even easier and faster to use. A simple tap on a message allows you to quickly and easily respond to its contents. Another disadvantage of using Threema for team communication is that this function is not available in group conversations.
- The website user: Threema has a web client, much like many other messengers. The functionality (and aesthetics) of Threema Web are identical to those of the mobile app. However, being a web client requires a constant data connection from your mobile device.
Another significant shortcoming of Threema is that it can only be used to transfer files up to 50 MB in size. While this won’t be an issue for smartphone photos, high-resolution films, PowerPoint presentations, and even some high-resolution photos will exceed the restriction.
In the business world, where larger files are more common, this might be a problem for effective communication.
#3. Other Threema Variants: Work, Broadcast, Gateway, and Education
You can get around the problem of Threema’s limited features by switching to one of its other products, which gives it an edge in this market.
In the first place, there’s Threema Work. With the help of this collaboration tool, staff members can have secure, well-structured conversations with one another. The “management cockpit” is where administrators can set the parameters for how their staff members can utilize the program. By using this product, Threema hopes to preserve sensitive company data within the company where it belongs.
In addition to Threema Work, here are a few other goods worth looking into:
- With Threema Broadcast, you may send out mass emails, newsletters, feeds, etc. to a predetermined audience. Similar functionality can be found in Telegram’s Channels.
- The Threema Gateway allows you to utilize your own applications to send and receive Threema messages, making it possible to automate a wide variety of activities.
- Threema Education is similar to Threema Work, however, it is offered at a discounted rate to schools. It makes it easier for educators, students, and parents to communicate while protecting their privacy. Also, read Best Secret Messaging Apps: Top 11+ Best in 2023.
How Does Threema Make Money?
This is a reasonable concern, given that advertising is many messengers’ primary source of revenue, and Threema doesn’t permit it.
After all, the software has to find a way to pay for its own expansion and improvement. Everyone here is committed to enhancing your experience.
Threema requires a $2.99 monthly subscription fee from each user to maintain its independence and ad-free service. The per-user monthly fee for Threema Work might range from $1.53 to $2.03, depending on the plan you select. This can be a major selling point for businesses with more than 100 workers.
What Is Signal?
Signal is an instant messaging service that operates online. The service, like other messaging apps, does not require a separate messaging plan, unlike standard SMS texting. Signal allows you to send and receive text messages regardless of whether your phone is connected to the internet through Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Signal’s core functionality is comparable to that of other free messaging apps. Single- or multi-party text chat is supported. In any conversation, you can include media such as photos, movies, and audio samples. Signal also allows you to make voice and video calls directly from within your conversations.
Signal’s supplementary features include the ability to share stickers, your location, and stories. To find out more about Signal, look at our compilation of its finest attributes.
What Makes Signal Different?
Signal’s privacy features are a big part of the reason why people talk about it so much online. The software employs a mechanism called the Signal Protocol, which encrypts all messages sent and received within the app, end-to-end.
For those unfamiliar, end-to-end encryption is a method of messaging in which no one but the intended recipients can decipher the content of the communications. Your communication would be indecipherable to anyone who managed to intercept it en route. Nobody, not even the app’s developer, can see what you submit on the service.
This is in contrast to the methods used by the vast majority of other chat programs. Example: Telegram’s built-in client-server encryption. Telegram uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages while they are being transmitted to and stored on their servers.
The convenience of being able to view your Telegram chats across many devices comes at the cost of your communications not being encrypted from start to finish. Telegram has a feature called Secret Chat that accomplishes this, although it operates independently from the app’s regular messaging features. Signal automatically encrypts all of your conversations end-to-end, so you never have to worry about privacy.
Although the Signal Foundation developed both the Signal app and the Signal Protocol, they are both widely used. WhatsApp began encrypting its messages with the Signal Protocol in 2016. However, many individuals have lost faith in WhatsApp as a result of Meta’s increasing influence in the app (such as its disputed privacy policy amendment in early 2021).
Many notable individuals who are concerned about their privacy have endorsed Signal. Edward Snowden, for one, claims to use it frequently. That’s a lot to say about someone who has evaded the United States authorities for so long.
Which Country Uses Signal Most?
Here are some of the top countries that use signal the most:
- Germany: 19.899%
- United States: 17.35%
- Ukraine: 5.63%
- Canada: 4.98%
- France: 3.94%
Among the top three instant messaging apps in 2021, Signal came out on top in nations including India, Singapore, and Brazil.
On January 11th, 2021, the app was downloaded a record-breaking 1.3 million times, marking a whopping 5001% rise over the previous year and a 4200% increase over the previous week’s downloads around the globe.
By 2021, Signal had 3.3 times as many downloads as WhatsApp, 2.1 times as many as Facebook, and 2.3 times as many as Instagram.
Threema vs Signal: Full Comparison
Given that the messengers are completely open-source and have a solid reputation, recommending them is a no-brainer. But how do you decide?
So that you can make an informed choice, allow us to highlight the distinctions.
#1. Threema vs Signal: Security Features
Security and encryption are top priorities for both Threema and Signal, although the two apps use very different approaches.
Both the communications and the keys are encrypted using symmetric encryption in Threema’s end-to-end system. Additionally, it employs a private key server for safe key trading. Two-factor authentication, messages that delete themselves, and the ability to block screenshots are all available in Threema.
The communications and the key exchange in Signal are both encrypted using the same strong cryptographic method. The keys are distributed by a central server. Signal’s other capabilities include the ability to send messages that vanish after being read, mask your face, and type anonymously.
Both apps have strong security and encryption capabilities, but Signal’s open-source approach to encryption and key sharing is more trustworthy. However, there may be benefits to using Threema’s proprietary key server and symmetric encryption for messages.
Overall, if you care about your privacy and the safety of your messaging app, you should use either one of these two options. Signal, on the other hand, maybe the best option if you value open-source encryption and transparency.
#2. Threema vs Signal: User Interface
When deciding on a messaging app, it’s crucial to take into account the app’s user interface and how simple it is to use. While both Threema Vs. Signal boast minimalistic and stylish user interfaces, but they do differ in key respects.
The user interface in Threema can be altered in terms of color and theme to better suit the user’s needs. Accessibility options such as text-to-speech and support for external keyboards are included. Some users may find the Threema interface confusing, particularly when engaging in large group conversations.
Signal’s interface is equally sleek and simple, with a focus on user-friendliness. You can change things like the background of your conversations and the size of the fonts. Group discussions on Signal also include a simplified layout for easier reading and participation.
The interfaces of both apps are effective, but individuals who value simplicity and convenience of usage may find that Signal is the better option.
Threema is a paid app that costs around $3.99 to download once from the App Store or Google Play.
Once you buy it, you’ll never have to pay for it again. There is no fee for the signal. Since there is no business or team edition, it is designed exclusively for individual usage.
Users are more likely to adopt a free messaging app if they know their friends and coworkers will also be able to download and use it. However, it may be difficult to persuade your social circle or workplace to shell out real money for a messaging service.
It all boils down to personal preference and whether or not your network prefers premium apps.
#4. Threema vs. Signal: Advanced Features
As an alternative to standard SMS texting, Signal can be set as your primary messaging app. While the content of these messages will not be encrypted, this functionality does eliminate the need to switch between apps, a problem shared by all secure messengers.
Signal’s vanishing messages are another useful feature that has been requested by Threema users for some time. When you send a message, the timer you specify will begin ticking down immediately. The timer will expire and the message will be erased when it reaches zero.
In order to get a feel for the collective mind in a group conversation, the polls tool is one of Threema’s most sought-after extras. Whether you’re working on a collaborative project or just trying to figure out where to go out with your pals, this might be a helpful tool.
#5. Threema vs. Signal: Group and Team Chat
Group chat is available in both apps, allowing you to communicate with other users in the group securely (or in an unencrypted fashion, in the case of Signal, with a user who doesn’t have the app). All participants can be added or removed at will, and anyone can mute or leave a conversation at any time.
To improve teamwork even further, though, you may use Threema’s enterprise messenger app, Threema Work, for internal company chats. Safety is a top priority in both the ordinary app and the enterprise version, Threema Work, which is why you may revoke an employee’s ID if necessary, create your own restrictions, and even prevent them from accessing future chats if you know they are leaving the company.
Since Signal and regular Threema aren’t adequate for high-level collaboration, your best bet is to switch to Threema Work.
#6. Threema vs Signal: Privacy and Data Protection
Both Threema Vs. Signal are secure messaging apps that respect their users’ right to privacy. However, their data handling procedures and policies vary slightly.
Switzerland, home of Threema, has some of the world’s most stringent privacy regulations. No personal information, such as phone numbers, emails, or IP addresses, is stored by Threema. In addition, it does not save any information about the messages themselves. The decryption key for a user’s messages is only held locally on their device.
Some users may be wary of using Signal because it is based in the United States and is therefore subject to US regulations. Signal, on the other hand, has a clear and open policy on user privacy. Signal encrypts and stores user information (phone numbers and IP addresses) on its servers for a brief time before erasing it. Signal’s users have the option of remaining anonymous by never having to reveal their phone number.
Overall, both apps are quite secure and careful with your data. Users concerned with privacy will find Threema to be the superior alternative due to its stringent data protection regulations and data-free approach. Signal, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for individuals who want some data-collecting features while still retaining a high level of privacy and security thanks to its open privacy policy and optional phone number feature.
#7. Threema vs Signal: Availability and Compatibility
Both Threema and Signal may be downloaded for free on iOS and Android. It’s worth noting that Threema has a desktop app for all three major operating systems. Signal is available as a web app and desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Security and encryption: Secure and private communication is guaranteed by the end-to-end encryption provided by both Threema and Signal.
- Security and privacy: While Signal’s open-source nature allows for greater visibility, Threema enables greater anonymity.
- Checking in on a contact: Threema uses QR codes while Signal uses security numbers to verify contacts, although both applications offer this feature.
- Collaborative texting and file-sharing: Group chat and file sharing are supported in both apps, but vanishing messages are unique to Signal.
- Calls through audio and video: Both systems support encrypted voice and video calls.
- Compatibility and availability across platforms: You can get either software on your Android or iOS device. As for point G, Threema costs money, but Signal doesn’t.
In sum, both apps may be easily downloaded from multiple sources and are compatible with various mobile platforms.
What Is Telegram?
Telegram, created by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, is a cross-platform messaging application with no official ties to any country or corporation. It debuted in late 2013 on iOS and Android and is expected to have 700 million monthly users at this time. When a privacy crisis affects a larger competition, Telegram usually gains users.
Telegram stands itself from the competition because of its emphasis on privacy, encryption, and an open-source API. Not only are there official apps and a web interface for Telegram, but there are also innumerable unofficial clients. The same account (confirmed through SMS) can be used across many devices, and the same device can have multiple accounts.
How Does Telegram Work?
You may send messages to other Telegram users, form group discussions, call contacts, make video calls, and transfer files and stickers, just like with any other messaging software. However, it does operate a little bit differently than other messaging apps due to a few unique characteristics.
The primary selling point of Telegram is its end-to-end encryption, which protects users’ privacy. A firm, government, hackers, or anybody else on the outside of a communication wouldn’t be able to read the messages because of this.
However, this encryption is only used in calls and the “secret chats” feature of Telegram, and not in the standard chat function. There is no server-to-client encryption on those. Despite its reputation as a less secure platform, WhatsApp has been encrypting all chats, phone calls, and even some video conversations since 2016.
This is due to Telegram’s improved cloud integration. Essentially, it acts as a safe online repository for all of your communications and media. This makes Telegram far more cross-platform friendly than competing chat programs like WhatsApp because you can access them from any connected device.
Usernames are another layer of usability-enhancing security. If you don’t want to give out your own phone number, just give them your username instead. You can now regulate who has access to your data and how they can get in touch with you in the future. For added discretion, you can make a temporary QR code that allows contacts to add you without needing your contact info.
In 2023, Telegram added support for Stories, a feature previously only available on Snapchat and Instagram. However, only Premium users can publish Stories, and doing so will set you back $5 per month. However, if a member makes their Story public, it will be viewable by all other members.
Is Telegram Free?
Telegram’s CEO and creator, Pavel Durov, has pledged to keep the service free forever. In 2021, the firm started using new ways to make money, like as a Telegram Premium membership service, although the fundamental business of chatting will still be free for everyone.
Ads on public one-to-many channels (similar to Twitter feeds), premium services for corporate teams and power users, and paid sticker packs are just a few of the various ways that platforms are making money off of their users. Payments to the designers of special sticker packs and increased exposure for popular channels are two ways in which this money will be redistributed back to the people who helped generate it.
Premium users of Telegram, who pay about $5 per month, have access to features like Stories, larger file uploads, premium stickers, and more. As an added bonus, it gets rid of commercials.
Can Signal Be Tracked by the Government?
No, similarly to Apple’s iMessage, Signal employs end-to-end encryption using keys shared only between the transmitting and receiving devices. No one but the intended recipient can read the communications without having access to one of the encryption devices.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Telegram, Threema, and Signal all provide excellent options for keeping your messages and data safe and private. Signal may be more appropriate for individuals who require video calling capabilities and a transparent privacy policy, while Threema may be preferable for those who prioritize a data-free approach and strong data protection policies. In the end, it’s up to you to decide which option is better for you.
Threema vs. Signal FAQs
Can the police track Threema?
Yes, the police can track Threema. They can utilize a number of techniques, including subpoenaing the company’s servers and mining the app’s metadata. If law enforcement agencies know the user’s IP address, they may be able to gain access to the device and read the user’s chat history.
Is Threema actually safe?
Yes, Threema is a secure messaging app. It uses end-to-end encryption to guarantee that your messages and data are safe from prying eyes during transmission and storage. Threema also eliminates the need for phone numbers by replacing them with anonymous IDs, and read messages are removed forever.
Does anyone still use Signal?
Yes, people still use Signal.
Can you make calls with Threema?
Yes, the video and audio quality of Threema calls are excellent. End-to-end encryption makes them immune to eavesdropping. The Threema ID is the equivalent of a phone number in this context. During a call, you have the option to switch on the video feature of Threema.
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