Messaging
Signal
Private messaging for everyday users who want strong without complexity
Signal is a free messaging app that keeps your conversations private with . Your messages are protected so only you and the person you're talking to can read them.
Recommended alternatives
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You want easy-to-use encrypted messaging for daily conversations
- • You need to communicate securely with friends and family
- • You want an app that works like WhatsApp but respects your privacy
- • You need group messaging with
- • You want disappearing messages for sensitive conversations
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You need complete anonymity (Signal requires a phone number)
- • You want to avoid all collection (Signal collects minimal )
- • You need messaging (Signal uses central servers)
- • You want to message people who only use mainstream apps
- • You need advanced anonymity features like onion routing
Overview
Signal is like WhatsApp or iMessage, but with much better privacy. It lets you send messages, make voice calls, and video calls, all with end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the person you're talking to can read your messages - not even Signal can see them. Signal doesn't collect your data, doesn't track you, and doesn't show you ads. You need a phone number to sign up, but Signal supports usernames so you don't have to share your phone number with everyone. Signal includes features like disappearing messages that delete themselves after a set time, group chats with encryption, and file sharing. The app is free, open source (meaning anyone can check the code to make sure it's secure), and is made by a non-profit organization. It's perfect for people who want to text and call securely without worrying about their messages being read by the company or government.
Privacy highlight
End-to-end encrypted messaging with Signal Protocol. No , no , . Strong with forward secrecy.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
- Technical:
- Beginner
- :
- Yes
- :
- Minimal telemetry
- :
- No
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Voice and video calls with
- Group messaging with
- File sharing with
- Disappearing messages
- Username support (phone number privacy)
Security & encryption Click to expand
- Yes
- Encryption protocols
- Signal Protocol (Double Ratchet)
- keys are stored on the user's device. Signal uses the Signal Protocol which provides forward secrecy and post-compromise security. Keys are managed locally and never transmitted to servers in plaintext.
- Offline support
- No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- Minimal telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Signal does not collect data. The service does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor message activity. Signal does not log IP addresses and does not use or tools. The application is designed for maximum privacy with no . Signal routes all communication through its own servers but does not log or store message content.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Signal is operated by the Signal Foundation, which is based in the United States. The service operates servers in the United States and other countries. Signal does not retain message content on servers, so there is minimal data residency concern. The service operates under US privacy laws and complies with GDPR for European users.
- Signal does not retain message content on servers. Messages are delivered and then deleted from servers. The service retains minimal (phone numbers for account management) but does not retain message content, timestamps, or contact lists. Signal does not log IP addresses. Users can delete their accounts and all associated data at any time. The service operates under US privacy laws.
- Legal frameworks
- GDPR, CCPA
- Revenue sources
- Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 85
- Trust score
- 90
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 90, Open source: 90, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 70, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 90, Performance: 85, Family friendly: 90
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- phone_number
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 1
- Accessibility features
- Support for modern accessibility features depends on the platform version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- May offer import or export tools; see official docs.
- PIN-based account recovery
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