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Signal
Mountain View, California, United States
What it is
Signal is a messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats support admins, permissions, and @mentions. Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal; it also says it does not sell, rent, or monetize personal data or content. Users can connect with a unique username without sharing their phone number with contacts, but a phone number is still required to register. Desktop use requires installing Signal on a phone first, and an account can link up to five devices. Signal describes itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations. Its terms require users to be at least 13, though local minimum ages may be higher. The free plan includes messaging and calling. Signal has no free trial listed.
For and against
For
- Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Supports group voice and video calls
- Users can connect with a unique username
- Available on mobile and desktop platforms
Against
- Desktop use requires installing Signal on a phone first
- Registration requires a phone number
- Accounts can link up to five devices
- Terms require users to be at least 13
The verdict
Signal offers free messaging and calls with group chat tools and end-to-end encryption. Desktop access depends on first setting up the app on a phone, and a phone number is required to register.
Who it suits
Signal suits people who want private messaging and internet calls across mobile and desktop platforms. Desktop users need a phone-based Signal account, and registration requires a phone number.
Plans and prices
Signal
Free messaging and calling · mobile account required for desktop
Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
On the record
- 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 · read 29 Sep 2026
- Calls
- Signal offers voice and video calls, including group calls.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Desktop requirement
- Signal must first be installed on a phone to use the desktop app.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Encryption
- Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Signal.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Funding
- Signal says it is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Groups
- Group chats support admins, permissions, and @mentions.signal.org · read 29 Sep 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 · read 29 Sep 2026
- Linked device limit
- An account can have up to five linked devices.support.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Messaging
- Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free.signal.org · read 29 Sep 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 · read 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- Signal says it does not sell, rent, or monetize personal data or content.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Product
- Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories.support.signal.org · read 29 Sep 2026
