When comparing Signal vs Uber, the Slant community recommends Signal for most people. In the question“What are the most useful Android phone apps?” Signal is ranked 3rd while Uber is ranked 40th. The most important reason people chose Signal is:
Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Provides security and privacy
Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.
Pro Free and open source
Signal is free and open source software, enabling anyone to verify its security by auditing the code. It's the only private messenger that uses open source, peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep your messages safe.
Pro Supports encrypted group chats
Pro Has a desktop app
Signal Desktop can be used on multiple devices and has most features of the Android version, although it still requires you to register with your phone.
Pro Supports sharing of various different media types
Signal supports: emoji, pictures, videos, audio, contacts, any location and GIF.
Pro Note to Self feature
Allows you to "send: messages to yourself and sync to desktop so you can use Signal as a kind of encrypted Pushbullet alternative
Pro You can easily view all media exchanged
You can easily view all media shared in the chat without scrolling back to when it was shared.
Pro Annonymous Sender (Encrypted)
The sender credentials can be encrypted with the rest of the message, leaving only the recipient address readable by the Signal server. Even if Signal wanted they couldn't see who is talking with who by this mean.
Pro Works everywhere in every country
Unlike most messenger apps, Signal works reliably in all countries by securely circumventing internet censorship.
Pro Recommended by Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden uses this messenger and recommends it to everyone who is concerned about his privacy.
Pro Choice of 5 basic services
UberX and UberXL are the cheapest services where driver's use their own cars. Can seat 4 or 6 people respectively.
UberBlack and UberSUV are premium services with licensed drivers and cars. Can seat 4 or 6 people respectively.
UberTaxi is a service that requests a taxi via the app.
Pro Good user interface
First time starting the app requires creating an account, confirming phone number, and adding billing info.
Each time the app is started a map is presented that allows setting a pickup location. Choice of service at the bottom. Estimated pickup time. Once that's done the app asks to confirm billing information.
Pro Carpooling service can save up to 40%
Pro Drivers are vetted rigorously
Pro Can play music in any music-enabled Uber via Spotify
Pro Insured under required commercial livery/taxi license
Pro Generally professional drivers
Uber drivers have excellent street knowledge and well dressed (there's suggested attire for drivers).
Cons
Con Needs access to your phone number and contacts to work
Con Single device
Signal can only be registered to one mobile device at a time. But you can link Signal to Signal Desktop.
Con Servers hosted in the US
A security risk due to National Security letters, which require giving up data to the US state, and making it illegal to disclose that.
Con Unreliable notifications
Sometimes messages won't be received if the Signal app has been closed for a long time or hasn't been opened after booting the device.
Con Highly questionable business practices
Uber often takes part in ethically questionable business practices such as purposefully sabotaging competitors by ordering and canceling rides in bulk, pushing questionable auto loans to drivers, selectively spying on customers and ignoring regulations.
Con High surge pricing
During busy hours, Uber raises prices drastically. On holidays, it isn't uncommon for 10 minute rides to cost around $150 USD. An increase of up to 800%. Also, Uber doesn't pro-actively notify users of surge pricing.