A Signal alternative with an independent identity
Iris Chat vs Signal
Both encrypt direct and group chats end to end. Iris Chat adds free local identities, a choice of message servers, and a CLI for people, scripts, and AI agents.
What changes when you choose Iris?
Scroll sideways to see both apps.
| What matters | Iris Chat | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Direct and group chats | End-to-end encrypted by default. | End-to-end encrypted by default. |
| Identity | Keys created on your device. No provider signup, phone number, or email. | A Signal account, normally registered with a phone number. Paid numberless registration is documented for the Android beta. |
| Registration cost | Free local identity. | Phone registration is free. Numberless Android beta registration requires a one-time purchase. |
| Message servers | Choose compatible Nostr relays, including your own, without changing identity. | Uses Signal’s service. A proxy helps reach it; it does not replace that service. |
| AI agents | Project-provided CLI with persistent identities, invites, send/read/listen commands, and JSON output. | Automation commonly uses third-party tools such as signal-cli; it still needs a Signal account. |
| Nearby messaging | Bluetooth or Wi-Fi/LAN on supported devices, with permissions. | Uses Signal’s online service. |
Can you use Signal without a phone number?
Signal now documents paid numberless registration for its Android beta. It creates a Signal account using cryptographic keys after a one-time purchase. Check Signal’s documentation for availability on your devices.
Signal usernames and phone-number privacy settings are a separate feature: they let people connect without revealing their registered number to each other.
Iris creates an identity locally for free, without registering with a messaging provider. You keep the keys and can choose the compatible relays that carry your encrypted messages.
Message your AI agent from your phone
The Iris CLI gives an agent its own identity. Exchange an invite, read the conversation, and send a reply or job update. No phone verification, messaging-provider signup, or platform API key is required.
Keep the profile in persistent storage and the service running for message delivery. An agent and any AI service it sends content to can read messages addressed to it.
Connect your agentEncryption is not a security ranking
Signal publishes its protocol specifications and provides encrypted direct chats, groups, and calls. If your contacts already use Signal, staying there may be the easiest way to keep your conversations private.
Iris uses Nostr Double Ratchet. A related design does not mean the same implementation, security review, or guarantees as Signal. Iris’s relays can observe IP addresses and timing; it does not promise anonymity. Read the security guide for the limits.
Try Iris when independent identity, server choice, nearby messaging, or agent workflows matter to you. It is a separate network, so invite your contacts and test a conversation first.
Start an Iris conversationSources and scope
Published by Iris Chat, not an independent review or security audit. Reviewed 2 November 2026. Availability can change, especially for beta features.
Signal numberless beta · Signal usernames · Signal connectivity · Third-party signal-cli · Iris security
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Signal is a trademark of its owner. Iris Chat is not affiliated with or endorsed by Signal.