Signal vs Telegram Comparison

Double Ratchet with PQXDH, a post-quantum key agreement (September 2023); a Sparse Post-Quantum Ratchet added on top was announced in October 2025

MTProto 2.0, Telegram's own protocol: cloud chats are encrypted between the app and Telegram's servers, and secret chats add a client-to-client layer on top.

Sealed sender hides who is sending a message from Signal's servers, which still see the recipient and the connection's IP address. A phone number is still needed to sign up; usernames only hide it from other users.

Telegram may keep the IP address, devices, apps used and username history for up to 12 months, and may disclose the IP address and phone number to authorities in response to a legal request.

Operated by Signal Messenger LLC; the trademarks belong to Signal Technology Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The service is provided by Telegram Messenger Inc.; its parent, Telegram Group Inc, is located in the British Virgin Islands. Data of users who signed up from the UK or the EEA is stored in data centers in the Netherlands.

Grants and donations, plus an initial loan from Brian Acton. Signal's own November 2023 estimate puts running costs at about $50 million a year by 2025.

Founder financing for most of the company's history, then Sponsored Messages in public channels (since 2021) and the Premium subscription (since 2022). Telegram states private messaging stays free.