Signal

Communication

Free open sourceEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is Signal?

Signal provides encrypted messages, group conversations, voice calls and video calls across phones and linked desktops. It is a nonprofit communication app with no advertising and free core messaging and calling.

Encrypted messages

Group chats

Voice and video calls

File sharing

Linked desktop

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

People and small groups seeking private everyday messaging.

Before you choose

Requires phone-number registration; mobile data charges and optional donations are separate.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

Signal offers Open-source messaging application at no license charge. Requires phone-number registration; mobile data charges and optional donations are separate.

Requires phone-number registration; mobile data charges and optional donations are separate.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Private messaging and calls share one app

Core communication is free of advertising

What to keep in mind

Phone-number registration is required

Contacts must use compatible Signal apps

How to use it well

Signal combines familiar chat and calling with privacy-focused defaults. Set up the mobile account and linked devices carefully, then review notification and disappearing-message choices for the context of each conversation rather than using one setting everywhere.

Set up the phone application first, then link a desktop if you want to type longer conversations on a computer. Review notification visibility and disappearing-message settings for each context. Verify important contacts through the available identity checks and keep device access protected.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is Signal free?

Signal offers Open-source messaging application at no license charge. Requires phone-number registration; mobile data charges and optional donations are separate.

Is Signal supported by advertisements?

No. Signal states that it has no ads and is funded through grants and donations.

Can the desktop app replace initial phone registration?

No. Set up Signal on a supported phone before linking its desktop app.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

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