Skype vs Signal

There's a good chance that whoever you're trying to reach has Skype already set up and familiar with it, avoiding the hassle of installing and getting to know new software.

You can show your whole desktop, a select part of the screen or a specific window over Skype.

There's software for Windows, Mac & Linux and apps are available on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone.

You can hold video calls with up to 10 people.

A stripped down, minimalist version of Skype is available for Linux.

Skype allows you to send any files (MP3s, images, text, etc.) by simply dragging and dropping then in the chat window making it simple to share things with colleagues.

Starting at $5/mo you can get a Skype number.

With Skype Credit bought or a subscription, you can send SMS and make direct calls.

Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.

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.

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.

Signal supports: emoji, pictures, videos, audio, contacts, any location and GIF.

Allows you to "send: messages to yourself and sync to desktop so you can use Signal as a kind of encrypted Pushbullet alternative

You can easily view all media shared in the chat without scrolling back to when it was shared.

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.

Unlike most messenger apps, Signal works reliably in all countries by securely circumventing internet censorship.

Edward Snowden uses this messenger and recommends it to everyone who is concerned about his privacy.