Signal
Private messenger with end-to-end encrypted chats and calls
- #1 of 10 in best messaging apps
- Free
- Free to use
- Open source
- AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinux
Ranked 1 of 10 in best messaging apps
Encrypts chats and calls by default, publishes its client apps under AGPL-3.0 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. Reaching a contact means they must install it, so its reach is smaller than WhatsApp's.
Best for Private one-to-one and group messaging
About Signal
Signal sends text messages, voice messages, photos, video, GIFs and files, and it makes voice and video calls. Its homepage says the messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, using the Signal Protocol, and that the company cannot read them. The app runs on the phone's data connection, so it avoids SMS and MMS fees.
The desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux need the Signal app to be installed on a phone first, as the download page explains. Signal is a nonprofit, so it has no ads and no business model built on user data, and it accepts donations. Its client apps are open source, which lets anyone read the code. Compared with WhatsApp, it has fewer built-in features for business and payments, which suits people who want a plain private messenger.
Key features
- End-to-end encrypted chats and calls
- Group chats with voice and video calls
- Desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux
- Open source client apps
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption is on by default for chats and calls
- Client apps are open source under AGPL-3.0
- Apps for Linux, Windows and Mac, not only phones
Limits
- Desktop apps only work after the phone app is set up
- Funded by donations, so the roadmap depends on the nonprofit
Where Signal ranks
How Signal compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | End-to-end encrypted by default |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Signal | 92.5 | Free | AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinux | Yes |
#2 WhatsApp | 90.0 | Free | AndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWeb | Yes |
#3 Telegram | 85.0 | Free | AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb | No |
#4 Messages | 84.0 | Free | iOS, iPadOSmacOS | Yes |
#5 Element | 82.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | AndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb | Yes |
The full comparison table for best messaging apps has all 10 products.
Questions about Signal
- Is Signal free?
- Signal can be used without paying: Free for everyone; the nonprofit is funded by donations. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Signal open source?
- Yes. Signal publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Signal support?
- Signal is available on: Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is Signal best for?
- Private one-to-one and group messaging. In our ranking of messaging apps it is number 1 of 10 with a score of 92.5.
Show this ranking on your site
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