
I prefer Signal but use WhatsApp for this simple reason
When WhatsApp changed its terms in 2021, I was one of the many users who looked for alternative messaging apps for Android. While I had heard about Signal before, the controversial move by WhatsApp prompted me to actually try the app out. I loved it then and I still love it now.
But over all these years, I barely use Signal even though I prefer it greatly over WhatsApp. And that's because of a major advantage WhatsApp has over the privacy-focused messaging app.
Which messaging app do you prefer?
0 votes
WhatsApp.
NaN %
Signal.
NaN %
Telegram.
NaN %
Google Messages.
NaN %
Another app (let us know in the comments).
NaN %
There's a lot to love about Signal
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
You don't have to be someone who lives off-grid in the woods to appreciate Signal. The messaging app balances great privacy features with a sleek UI and plenty of useful features. It includes end-to-end encryption for your messages and calls by default. Even your profile is end-to-end encrypted and data collection is minimized.
If you've tried other privacy-focused services, you'll know that there's usually a trade-off when it comes to features. But Signal has a great feature set, with certain tools even outpacing WhatsApp. In fact, Signal allows you to schedule messages — a feature that WhatsApp doesn't currently offer.
Signal has a great feature set, with certain tools even outpacing WhatsApp.
Signal also allows you to add contacts using a username, with the option to not share your number automatically when added. There's also the ability to set chat colors and wallpapers, meaning you can customize the appearance of the app.
Essentials, such as video and voice calls, are well covered, and the app can be used on a desktop. Signal even has a Stories feature, though I never touch it. Overall, Signal is a feature-rich messaging app, in addition to its privacy features. As a result, I greatly prefer the experience over WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has become a bloated nightmare
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
WhatsApp has added plenty of features over the years — but I don't use many of them. I miss the WhatsApp of yesteryear, when it was simpler. Statuses, Communities, and Channels all feel like they just add to the bloat and noise when using WhatsApp.
I've also tried my best to ignore Meta AI, since I don't bother with generative AI on my smartphone, but WhatsApp just keeps making it more prominent. Above the new chat icon, there's now a Meta AI button. Meanwhile, the search bar you use to filter through your chats is now also filled with recommended prompts for the chatbot. You can mute Meta AI, but you can't actually remove it from WhatsApp.
WhatsApp also has a spam and scam problem. While it's not as bad as you might find on social media platforms, I still receive far too many unsolicited messages from businesses and scammers.
I receive far too many unsolicited messages from businesses and scammers.
Finally, WhatsApp's plan to add adverts to the app has just soured my experience further. While I avoid the Updates tab as much as possible, and will likely not see any of these ads, it further highlights Meta's determination to monetize its apps as much as possible. It also incentivizes more data collection and sharing. Messages on the platform are end-to-end encrypted, but there's plenty that companies can determine from metadata.
There's also no guarantee that Meta won't push ads to other parts of the app, since being a profitable company has never stopped it from pushing even more ads on its apps before.
But WhatsApp has one major advantage
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
My distaste for WhatsApp is palpable, so why do I use it when I don't like the experience? It boils down to one simple consideration — most of my contacts use WhatsApp. In fact, I was surprised when I found out that WhatsApp is not as popular in the US as it is in other countries.
WhatsApp is home to most of my chats with contacts and all of my groups. It's how PR companies often reach out to me. It's also how I reach certain businesses, like when I order a repeat of my cat's medication from my vet. It's truly rare to find someone who doesn't use WhatsApp here.
While Signal also has group chats, the lack of contacts who use it means it's not a viable option for my community groups that include safety information and incident reports. I don't even have enough contacts who use Signal to create a casual group chat, since none of them know each other.
It's also a hard sell to tell someone to switch over to Signal, since they'll encounter the same problem when they move over. I'm a tech journalist, so I should arguably have more contacts that use niche, security-focused apps. But I have 20 total contacts on Signal, in contrast to the 200+ I have on WhatsApp.
It's a hard sell to get someone to switch over to Signal, since they'll encounter a lack of contacts too.
It's the same reason that my colleagues can't leave WhatsApp despite the ads. But the biggest problem with messaging apps is that they require other people to use them, by definition. The messaging app we use depends on what everyone else around us uses, so it's essentially chosen for us by others.
But that won't stop me from hoping that Signal emerges as a viable alternative to WhatsApp. The app has great features without the baggage of Meta-owned products. WhatsApp has been ordered by the European Union to allow interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps and progress is being made towards that goal. Hopefully more countries will add pressure to expand this feature to other regions.
After all, we deserve to be able to choose which messaging app we use, since it plays such an important role in our daily lives.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNET
28 minutes ago
- CNET
I Highly Recommend This Security Cam to Anyone on a Budget, and Now It's 50% Off for Prime Day
I've tested dozens of security cameras over the years from brands like Blink, Lorex, Ring, Arlo and more. And no matter which model I'm looking at, one thing always holds constant: A camera with premium features is typically going to come with a hefty price tag. Prices for just a single camera can easily run $200 or even more. So when you're trying to put together a system with multiple cameras, the total cost can get out of hand quickly. But the second-gen Arlo Essential 2K cam surprisingly manages to stand out from the pack, and I recommend it as an affordable security solution for those who are on a budget. Right now ahead of Prime Day, it's marked down by 50% on Amazon, dropping the price to just $50. That's a seriously good price for a camera that offers many of the same features of Arlo's highest-end models. If you're in the market for more than one security camera, the two-pack is currently discounted by 58%, bringing the price down to $80 from its usual $190 price tag. What I like about the Arlo security camera While testing the Arlo Essential 2K Cam, I found the indoor-outdoor wireless camera performs well. The 2K resolution helps gather plenty of details, it's highly weather resistant and Arlo's app excels at walkthroughs on how to set up and use the cam. Other common features include two-way audio, color night vision and a built-in siren. Arlo isn't done yet. The cam's integrated spotlight did a great job of lighting up my backyard -- and if you prefer other smart home platforms, it plays well with Alexa and Google Home, as well as IFTTT (no Apple HomeKit support at this time, but it's a possibility). For more, here are CNET's picks for the best home security systems. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Arlo wins at customization in the home security conversation I liked a lot of what the Arlo Essential does but it's not too different from what many other security cameras do -- just surprisingly affordable. I really like Arlo's UI and smart home integration too, with an app that's easy to understand and pop open for a quick look at your home when you're out on the town (and that doesn't even require a subscription). It's the deeper customization features that really impressed me. Those who like to tinker with their home security setup will love the beta-version custom detection options that come with higher-tier subscriptions, in addition to facial and vehicle recognition. I haven't seen custom setups like this on any other security camera before. In my tests, I was able to "teach" the cam AI to recognize when a pet toy appeared on camera or when certain objects were no longer present. I could also use this feature to tell me when the garage door opened or if something valuable (say, a piece of artwork) disappeared. Likewise, the vehicle detection options can tell if a specific vehicle is pulling up to your home. I've never seen anything else like this for those who really want to push their home security to the limits. Arlo's Essential cam is a great deal but keep in mind Arlo's subscription options. Arlo Best July Prime Day Deals 2025 CNET's team of shopping experts have explored thousands of deals on everything from TVs and outdoor furniture to phone accessories and everyday essentials so you can shop the best Prime Day deals in one place. See Now Arlo cams for yourself or others With Arlo's easy and informative setup process, the Essential camera is a great choice even if you or your family haven't tried a security camera before. As long as a user is comfortable trying out a new app and following the instructions, Arlo is an excellent experience. I rate the app and user-friendliness around Blink's level, another one of my favorite camera apps. With indoor/outdoor placement, the camera is also versatile so you don't have to worry about people not finding a place to use it. You could also spend a bit more to upgrade the camera with an extended battery and a solar panel, an effective combo if you want to avoid manually charging the battery as much as possible. It still needs a Wi-Fi connection but this combo is great for out-of-the-way spots like above my garage door or a high point on roof eaves. If you're thinking about getting this Arlo Essential camera as a gift, keep in mind Arlo locks quite a few important features behind its $8-plus monthly subscription, including smart alerts with object recognition and cloud video storage. So while the camera is usable without fees, there's a strong incentive to pay. Arlo does offer a free trial of its services but that could feel like a bait-and-switch to gift recipients who aren't expecting a security camera. If you want to give the cam as a gift, you may want to add some PayPal or Venmo cash to cover at least several months of a subscription. If you're on the hunt for other options, check out our full list of the best home security cameras of 2025.

Wall Street Journal
31 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
AI in Trucks Is Worth a Shot
Jordan McGillis's op-ed 'AI Can Keep Truck Drivers Awake' (June 30) inspires great hope. In the late 1950s, my grandparents survived a terrible crash with a truck whose driver had fallen asleep. As my grandfather was turning his car into a motel entrance, the truck rammed into the passenger side of the car severely injuring my grandmother, causing brain damage and other significant physical injuries. My grandfather was also injured but not as badly. My grandmother struggled to relearn to walk, write and speak normally. As a small child I cherished every moment I spent with her, but because we lived in Boston, miles away from their Ohio farm, they were never able to visit again.


CNET
31 minutes ago
- CNET
This High-Tech Baby Monitor Helps Me Sleep at Night and Now It's Discounted for Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day Sale: The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor with a wall mount is $200 -- which represents $100 or 33% in savings -- leading into Amazon's Prime Day sale event. This model was rated by CNET as the best Wi-Fi baby monitor for 2025, making this an excellent deal for the baby monitor our editors recommend most. I take good sleep seriously. But, as any new parent knows, sleep hygiene is one of the biggest challenges of parenthood. The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor has quickly become the most-used tech product in my home -- and it's a product I didn't hesitate to buy again when my family grew. The Nanit Pro features a user-friendly app, a two-way audio monitoring system, breathing activity monitoring and an advanced security system. Whether you're a sleep-deprived parent or looking for a gift for your sleep-deprived parent friends, the Nanit Pro is essential tech. Adequate sleep is critical for my children's development (PDF), but I also want my kids to sleep so I can sleep. The Nanit Pro allows me to do just that. I love it for its high-tech capabilities, superior sound and screen quality, and easy setup. That's why CNET named it the best Wi-Fi baby monitor for 2025. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. One of my Nanit Pro cameras is mounted to the wall overseeing my youngest child's crib. The wall mount comes with a safety cover for the wires. Katie Collins/CNET Why the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor is perfect for new parents One of the Nanit Pro's biggest appeals is its ability to display two camera views on one screen. I have two young children and need two baby monitors in two different rooms. The split-screen feature is incredibly convenient and makes this product different from other Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitors. You can monitor two cameras in two different rooms on any device that has Wi-Fi with peace of mind. Using the split-screen feature, the Nanit Pro app on my Lenovo tablet shows my two boys in their separate beds. Katie Collins/CNET Read more: Best Baby Monitors for 2025 In addition to the split screen, the Nanit Pro has several cool tech features and a subscription upgrade that includes tracking and video-saving capabilities. My favorite features are white noise, two-way audio, temperature alerts and the ability to tune in from anywhere. We also opted for the Nanit Pro's multistand and travel case ($70) for travel and overnights at Grandma's house. The multistand and travel case combo is a great companion gift for Nanit owners. If you're looking to score more bargains on top-rated tech, here are our favorite deals from Amazon's Prime Day sale -- a list that's chock-full of everything from smart home tech deals to discounted headphones.