Signal
Free end-to-end encrypted messenger for chats, calls and groups
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Pricing
Free
Open source
Yes
Company
Signal Technology Foundation
Platforms
What is Signal?
Signal is a messaging app that encrypts every message and call end to end using the open source Signal Protocol. The organization says it cannot read your messages or listen to your calls, and encryption is always on, not an optional mode.
You can send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files over your phone's data connection, which avoids SMS and MMS fees. It also offers voice and video calls with no long-distance charges, group chats, and encrypted stickers, including sticker packs you make yourself.
Signal is run by an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is funded by grants and donations. The app has no ads, affiliate marketers or tracking. Apps are available for Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux. It suits anyone who wants private conversations with family, friends or coworkers.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption on by default for all messages and calls
- Open source Signal Protocol
- Encrypted voice and video calls
- Group chats
- Sharing of text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files
- Encrypted stickers and custom sticker packs
- No ads or trackers
Use cases
Who it's for
Private personal chats
Message family and friends knowing the service operator cannot read the content.
International calling
Make voice and video calls abroad over a data connection with no long-distance charges.
Team or family groups
Keep coworkers or relatives connected in encrypted group chats.
Avoiding SMS fees
Send media and files over mobile data instead of paid SMS and MMS.
Signal pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Nov 8, 2026. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
Free
forever
$0
- All features free for everyone
- Funded by donations and grants
Get an email when Signal changes its prices
One mail per change, a stop link in each. Nothing else.
Signal in numbers
- Entry price
- $0.00
- Free to use
- Yes
- E2EE by default
- Yes
- Encryption protocol
- Signal Protocol (PQXDH/X3DH + Double Ratchet)
- Phone number required
- Yes
- Open source
- Clients and server
- Max group size
- 1,000
- Platforms
- Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
- Self-hosting / federation
- No
- Disappearing messages
- Yes
Signal is free and run by a nonprofit, and there is no web app: the desktop apps need Signal installed on a phone first. From Signal's own pages, checked Nov 8, 2026. Each figure links to the page it is from; fields the vendor doesn't state are left out.
How Signal compares
- Signal has the best entry price of the 3 services here: $0.00.
| Tool | E2EE by default | Phone number required | Entry price | Latest security audit | Open source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSignal | Yes | Yes | $0.00 | — | Clients and server | |
T Threema | Yes | No | $6.99 | Cure53, 2024 | Clients only | Signal vs Threema |
E Element | No | No | $0.00 | Least Authority, 2022 | Clients and server | Signal vs Element |
Figures from each vendor's own pages; — means the vendor doesn't state it. The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Completely free, with no ads or tracking
- Encryption is always on, not opt-in
- Run by a nonprofit that cannot be acquired
- Apps for mobile and all major desktop systems
Limitations
- Depends on donations rather than paid plans, so there is no paid support tier
Signal FAQ
Is Signal free?
Yes. Signal is free for everyone and is funded by grants and donations.
Can Signal read my messages?
No. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol, and Signal says it cannot read or listen to them.
Which platforms does Signal support?
Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.
Does Signal show ads?
No. Signal has no ads, affiliate marketers or tracking.
Who runs Signal?
Signal Technology Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Signal
Free