Signal

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Score7.4

Rank#4 of 43

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls. Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats provide admin controls, permissions, and @mentions. Signal says its messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal, and that it does not sell, rent, or monetize personal data or content. Users can connect using a unique username instead of sharing their number with contacts, but a phone number is still needed to register. Signal is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Desktop use requires first installing the app on a phone, and each account can link up to five devices. Signal describes itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by grants and donations. Its terms set a minimum age of 13, though local requirements may be higher. The free plan includes messaging and calls. A Support Center covers getting started, features, security, troubleshooting, and general topics.

Who it is for

Signal suits people seeking encrypted messaging and internet calls across mobile and desktop platforms. Desktop users should be prepared to set up an account on a phone first.

What is good

Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted.
Supports voice and video group calls.
Group chats include admins and permissions.
Available on mobile and desktop platforms.
Free plan includes messaging and calls.

What to know first

Phone number is required to register.
Desktop use requires a phone installation first.
Accounts can link up to five devices.
Local minimum age requirements may exceed 13.

Verdict

Signal offers free messaging and calls with end-to-end encryption, plus group chat controls and several desktop options. Keep the phone-based registration and initial mobile setup requirement in mind.

Signal plans and pricing

All plans

Signal Free Free messaging and calling · mobile account required for desktop signal.org · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on encrypted messaging apps

Free plan: Yessignal.org
Paid from: $1.99/mosignal.org
Encryption coverage: defaultsignal.org
Maximum group size: 1,000 memberssignal.org
Linked device limit: 5 devicessignal.org
Desktop app: Yessignal.org
Voice and video calls: Yessignal.org
Disappearing messages: Yessignal.org
Encrypted backups: end_to_endsignal.org

Facts

Product: Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Messaging: Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Calls: Signal offers voice and video calls, including group calls.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Groups: Group chats support admins, permissions, and @mentions.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Phone number privacy: Users can connect with a unique username without sharing their phone number, though a phone number is still required to register.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Encryption: Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Signal.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Privacy: Signal says it does not sell, rent, or monetize personal data or content.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Integrations: Signal's privacy policy names YouTube, Spotify, and Giphy as third-party services users may interact with in connection with Signal.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Platforms: Signal lists Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Desktop requirement: Signal must first be installed on a phone to use the desktop app.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Support: Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories.support.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Funding: Signal says it is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026
Age and registration: Signal's terms require users to be at least 13 and to register using a phone number, with local minimum age possibly higher.signal.org · 29 Sept 2026