Which is your preferred messaging app? I just want some insights about these two.
You may share other messaging apps too.
Signal is more like WhatsApp, Element/Matrix is aiming to be more like Telegram or Discord.
Signal is a centralized, US-based service which requires your phone number (thus your real identity, IE name and address), has social networking graphs of everyone you talk to, and must forward that information to the US government when asked, as well as (by law) not tell you that they’ve been asked to do so. During the Obama era, 60 NSLs were issued for this private information every single day.
People overlook its privacy concerns for the same reason they do with apple: it has a shiny interface and is easy to use, and makes people very attached to it. Behind all that, is a surveillance network that its creators have explicitly said they do not want it to be able to run in a decentralized, private manner.
It has a long history of privacy offenses below (such as refusing to publish its server’s source code for years, its reliance on other US tech services (amazon, google), US-government funding, and a US-defense-tank friendly administration) which get ignored or shouted down by many of those above. See the article below.
Pretty much any alternative is better, as long as its not hosted in a five-eyes country, and especially if it doesn’t require phone numbers or real identities like signal does.
I personally have been using SimpleX for friends and real life contacts, and Matrix for larger more anonymous group chats.
Signal. Requires little technical knowledge, other then knowing about end to end encryption and why its important
I would like to use matrix since if anything, I think its cool. But noone I know would be remotely interested.
well what are your criteria? Asking for advice without saying what you need isn’t tremendously useful and, as has happened, mostly just results in people recommending whatever they personally use for whatever reasons.
As said in the post, I just want some insights. So any type of comment is okay.
Signal requires your phone number, which is not only quite bad for privacy, but also easy to block 2FA for your government if it decides it doesn’t like private chats.
Both ! Use Matrix with tech savy friends and Signal with your family
I’ve been using XMPP the past two decades. I use it because I haven’t found something that’s better.
Currently using Signal. If Canada passes Bill C-22 Signal will leave so I’ll have to find another messenger app.
SimpleX seems like a good one. Doesn’t use Google notifications which is great for degoogled devices. Set it to check every 10 minutes instead of constantly and it’s very easy on the battery. Messages come in right away if the app is open, such as when having a conversation with a contact.
Edit: SimpleX is also very easy to use, as simple as Signal. This is important to get non-tech people on-board.
IRC is the best (jk)
Delta chat and session (RIP): they dont ask for accounts or ID to chat
delta absolutely needs an account though, it’s literally email
Have you checked out Arcane Chat?
Nope, Is in fdroid?
I’d go with Matrix. I use it as my main messenger and I’ve actually set up my own self-hosted instance. It works perfectly for both 1:1 conversations and managing my tabletop RPG groups. Voice chat through Element Call is fantastic – honestly, it’s a solid alternative to Discord.
What I really appreciate is the control I get from self-hosting: I have complete autonomy over the server and data for both my personal messaging and community spaces. For RPG campaigns, the room structure and customizable permission system are ideal. The voice quality is reliable enough for long gaming sessions, and everything feels more private and independent compared to relying on Discord.
Both. Signal for friends and family. Matrix for fedi friends.
Signal, all day every day. Nothing else comes close to mainstream accessibility with assurance of security/privacy
Im also dubious about the matrix product, team and their origins in amdocs
Signal. The app is miles better. I do use matrix too tho for some communities and for keeping an eye for the development
What really helps with such decisions is your use model and threat model. Then a nice matrix that compares them all. Haven’t come across a good updated comparison in a while. Would be good to see a shared link here.
