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Security

Signal

The gold standard for private messaging – nonprofit and open source.

4.7
(29 reviews)
Visit Website
  • PriceFree
  • Founded2014
  • HQMountain View, US
  • Employees50 – 100

About Signal

Signal is the messenger security professionals actually recommend: open-source, nonprofit-run, with end-to-end encryption on everything and near-zero metadata retention. It has the essential features – groups, calls, disappearing messages – without ads, tracking, or a business model built on your data.

Key Features

  • E2E encrypted everything
  • Disappearing messages
  • Encrypted group calls
  • Usernames without phone reveal
  • No ads or trackers

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Best-in-class privacy architecture
  • Nonprofit – no data monetization
  • Open source and audited

Cons

  • Smaller network than mainstream apps
  • Fewer social features by design

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Signal over WhatsApp?
Same encryption, but a nonprofit that collects almost no metadata.
Is Signal really free?
Yes – donation-funded, no ads ever.
Can I hide my phone number?
Yes – usernames let you connect without revealing your number.

Reviews

4.7

29 reviews

Write a review


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Best For

Anyone who treats privacy as a requirement, not a preference.

Use Cases

Private one-to-one and group messaging with maximum security
Encrypted voice and video calls for sensitive conversations
Journalist–source and activist communication where metadata matters
Disappearing messages for conversations that should not persist
A privacy-first replacement for SMS and WhatsApp among close contacts

Pricing Details

Signal is completely free with no ads, no premium tiers, and no data monetization. It is run by the nonprofit Signal Foundation and funded by donations and grants. Optional in-app donations let users support development. Every feature — calls, groups, disappearing messages, stories — is included for everyone.

Security & Trust

Signal is the gold standard of messaging security: the open-source Signal Protocol end-to-end encrypts every message, call, and attachment, and the service stores almost no metadata — it cannot even see your contact graph. Registration lock, safety numbers, and sealed sender further harden accounts against takeover and surveillance.

Alternatives To Consider

WhatsApp uses the same encryption protocol with a vastly larger user base but collects metadata under Meta. Threema is a paid Swiss alternative that requires no phone number, and Session removes phone numbers entirely via decentralization. Telegram is more feature-rich but is not end-to-end encrypted by default.

Editorial Verdict

Signal is the best private messenger available — genuinely free, open source, nonprofit, and trusted by security professionals worldwide. Its only real weakness is network size: convincing your contacts to switch. Use it for everything sensitive, and as your default if your circle will follow.

Sources & Review Notes

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026