FreeConference.com vs. Signal Open Source Messenger

FreeConference.com is best suited when the big-name video conferencing brands are simply not working. It offers an alternative when compatibility seems to be an issue when attempting to video conference. It is less appropriate for first invitations since most people are not familiar with the brand.

Incentivized

Signal is great for high-security applications where privacy is a concern, perhaps because of the sensitive nature of the materials being communicated. For instance, if you are sending sensitive information about a film that hasn't been released yet, and you want to make sure that paparazzi and fans don't get access to spoiler information, Signal is a great way to communicate.

Incentivized

• I love the ability to make long distance calls without charge.
• I was delighted when they added the ability to screen share and show my slides to my customers.
• I also love that FreeConference.com immediately provides replays of your meetings - in case somebody wasn't able to attend live.

Incentivized

• Encryption end to end
• Audio quality
• Ability to permanently delete messages and history

Incentivized

• Not being able to use 800 number (toll free).
• The website interface could be spruced up a bit.

Incentivized

• Update Hassle - While this is also a positive in added security, every time they release an update to the app, you have to update. Since I only use the app occasionally, I have to update probably 1-in-4 times I open the app. It feels laborious as I will sometimes want to send a friend or colleague a message, who only uses Signal, and I open the app to message them and suddenly have to wait 2-4 minutes to update and install the new version.
• Not Getting Messages - You also no longer send and receive messages until you update. So if you have an outdated version of the app, nobody can get ahold of you and they might not know why you aren't responding.
• Re-Sync Via QR Code After Update - Every time I update, I have to re-sync my mobile app to the desktop. So it adds another added step. The forced updates and forced resync steps are quite laborious.

Incentivized

You don't really need support as the app just works. In the two plus years I've been using Signal, I've never needed to even look at support documentation to learn how to do something or have the app work. It just does. The best support is not needing to use it, and Signal meets that standard.

Incentivized

Call quality is very similar to the above products. However, most of our community partners and collaborators are not aware of FreeConference and are thus less able to utilize it without prompting and sometimes assistance from us.

Incentivized

The closest competitor we've found for Signal is Telegram. We do use Telegram with some clients and individuals who prefer it. Unfortunately, in this climate where there is no clear winner and a lot of diversity in applications, if you work with a lot of clients you're going to have to install a whole suite of instant messaging apps. Still, given the choice, we prefer Signal over its competitors, specifically for applications where high security is a concern.

Incentivized

• BEST ROI ever! It's all free and has let me access people globally. Thanks!

Incentivized

• I reach people who I need to more quickly.
• It is a free service.
• It provides my clients confidence in keeping things confidential that need to be.

Incentivized