X2Chat vs Signal
Both are end-to-end encrypted messengers. The differences are in what an account requires, what is encrypted and what you can verify.
Written by the X2Chat team. Facts about other apps are taken from their public documentation as of September 2026; tell us at privacy@x2chat.com if something is outdated.
| X2Chat | Signal |
|---|
| Phone number required | No | Yes |
|---|
| E2E messages | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| E2E calls | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Forward secrecy | No | Yes |
|---|
| Open source | No | Yes |
|---|
| Independent audit | No | Yes |
|---|
| Bots / mini-apps | Yes | No |
|---|
| Group invite links | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Multi-device without phone | Yes | No |
|---|
Where X2Chat is ahead
- No phone number or email: the account is a key on your device.
- Bots and mini-apps inside the messenger.
- Group invite links that also work for people who have not installed the app yet.
Where X2Chat is behind
- Signal has the Double Ratchet (forward secrecy); X2Chat uses long-lived RSA-2048 device keys for now.
- Signal is open source and audited; X2Chat is not yet.
- Signal has a far larger user base.
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