Signal vs Wire: Which Ensures True Privacy in Messaging?
Explore how Signal (US) and Wire (CH) safeguard your conversations. Discover the differences in privacy features and choose the best for your secure communication needs.
Should You Switch to Wire?
Gain secure collaboration tools and self-hosting options.
May lose some advanced messaging features like disappearing messages.
Switch if you prioritize privacy and collaboration over advanced features.
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Signal
Contact
Wire
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Signal | Wire |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US | EU |
GDPR Compliance | Full | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | All plans | |
Data Portability | Limited | Partial |
CLOUD Act Notice
Signal is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. Wire is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Signal
🇺🇸Signal
Wire
🇨🇭Wire
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓Wire offers secure file sharing with end-to-end encryption.
- ✓Wire supports self-hosted deployment for enhanced data control.
- ✓Wire provides integrated video conferencing within the app.
- ✓Wire is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring strict data protection.
Things to Consider
- !Migration from Signal may involve data loss or compatibility issues.
- !Wire's user interface may require a learning curve for new users.
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create Wire account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from Signal
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Note: Wire provides a robust platform with end-to-end encryption and cross-platform collaboration, making it a strong alternative to Signal.
Other alternatives to Signal
Ready to make the switch?
Start using Wire today and take control of your data privacy.