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Signal
signal.org
What it is
Signal is a private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Users can send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats provide administrators, permissions and @mentions. Signal says 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 may connect through a unique username without sharing their phone number with contacts, although registration still requires a phone number. Desktop use requires Signal to be installed on a phone first, and an account can have up to five linked devices. The free plan includes messaging and calling. Signal identifies itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations. Its terms require users to be at least 13, with potentially higher local minimums. The Support Center covers getting started, features, security, troubleshooting and general topics. Signal also supports disappearing messages and encrypted backups.
Spec sheet
- Product
- Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Platforms
- Signal lists Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Integrations
- Signal's privacy policy names YouTube, Spotify, and Giphy as third-party services users may interact with in connection with Signal.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Privacy
- Signal says it does not sell, rent, or monetize personal data or content.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Support
- Signal provides a Support Center with Getting Started, Features, Security, Troubleshooting, and General categories.Read 29 Sep 2026 · support.signal.org
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, California, United StatesRead 23 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- 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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Calls
- Signal offers voice and video calls, including group calls.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Desktop requirement
- Signal must first be installed on a phone to use the desktop app.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Encryption
- Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Signal.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Funding
- Signal says it is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Groups
- Group chats support admins, permissions, and @mentions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Linked device limit
- An account can have up to five linked devices.Read 29 Sep 2026 · support.signal.org
- Messaging
- Users can share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
- Phone number privacy
- Users can connect with a unique username without sharing their phone number, though a phone number is still required to register.Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
Plans and prices
Signal Free Free messaging and calling · mobile account required for desktop Read 29 Sep 2026 · signal.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- End-to-end encryption is always enabled
- Supports messages, files and group calls
- Username option can hide phone number
- Available across major desktop and mobile platforms
- Free messaging and calling
Limits
- Phone number required for registration
- Desktop requires initial phone installation
- Maximum five linked devices
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
Signal suits people seeking encrypted messaging and calls across mobile and desktop platforms. Desktop users must maintain a phone-based account.
Verdict
Signal combines free messaging and calling with default end-to-end encryption and broad platform support. A phone number remains necessary for registration, and desktop use depends on a mobile account.
Where Specifiction places it
- Encrypted Messaging Apps#21 of 437.8
- Instant Messaging Software#16 of 307.9
- Secure Messaging Apps#22 of 367.8
- Iphone Apps#11 of 177.8
- Free Tools#27 of 317.7
