Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) vs Signal
“Which one wastes more of your one finite, irreplaceable life? We ran the numbers. We made the numbers up. The result is somehow still accurate.”
Conversations (Jabber / XMPP)
“Open for a reason. Stay for no reason at all.”
Signal
“Total privacy that nobody you know will actually download.”
| Feature | Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| 🕳️ Hours Wasted / Day | 9.4 hrs More hours = clear winner of nothing. | 6.4 hrs |
| 🔥 Lifetime Damage | 215K hrs | 3.3M hrs |
| Our Rating | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| App Store | ||
| Google Play | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Price | $3.49 | Free |
| Downloads | 100K+ | 100M+ |
| Size | ||
| In-App Purchases 💸 | ||
| Requires Internet | ||
| Age Rating | Everyone | Everyone |
| Developer | Daniel Gultsch | Signal Foundation |
By our entirely fabricated metrics, Signal wins the race to the bottom of your free time. Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) is the “responsible” choice, in the way that a slightly smaller slice of cake is responsible. There are no winners here. Only documented hours.
Pick Your Poison
Choose Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) if...
Conversations (Jabber/XMPP) is a solid choice for security-conscious users who value open-source software and the flexibility of the XMPP protocol. If you're comfortable managing your own XMPP server or finding a reliable provider, and don't require OTR, this app is well worth the price. However, be prepared to troubleshoot occasional technical glitches and verify that push notifications function correctly on your device.
Choose Signal if...
Signal is a highly recommended messaging app for users prioritizing privacy and security above all else. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of its competitors and occasionally suffer from technical issues, its core mission of providing secure communication is well-executed and essential for those concerned about data protection.
Get Conversations (Jabber / XMPP)
Get Signal
Every stat above is affectionately invented. The apps are real, the regret is real, the numbers are vibes. “Requires: stable Wi-Fi, poor impulse control, and a willingness to question your life choices at 2 AM.”