Signal
Signal: A free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support. Ranked #1 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for most people wanting private messaging.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMost people wanting private messaging
- Free planYes
- Paid from$1.99/mo
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for messages and calls
- Supports messaging, calls, file sharing, groups, stickers, and disappearing messages
- Official apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month
- Free backups cover recent media, while older media needs Secure Backups
- Group chats support up to 1,000 members
Our verdict on Signal
Signal is a nonprofit messaging application for individuals, families, groups, and organizations. It provides end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, files, voice calls, video calls, group chats, stickers, and disappearing messages. Signal-to-Signal communications are encrypted by default over an internet connection. Official clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it suitable for people who want private communication across desktop and mobile devices.
The core service is free. The Free plan includes text messages, recent media backups, and end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month and adds an end-to-end encrypted backup archive, storage for up to 100 GB of media, and media history beyond 45 days. This keeps the main messaging experience free while making longer media history an optional paid feature. The app also supports one-to-one and group voice and video calls, group chats with up to 1,000 members, configurable disappearing-message timers, custom sticker packs, and file sharing.
Signal’s platform fit is a major strength: accounts can link desktop, tablet, and phone devices, with an official limit of five linked devices per account. Its open-source code and default encryption model suit people who want privacy to be part of the standard messaging experience rather than an extra setting. Choose Signal for private everyday messaging with broad device coverage and optional encrypted backups. It is less suited to users who need media history beyond 45 days without a subscription or groups larger than 1,000 members.
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Signal pricing
All 2 Signal plans and prices →
Signal fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $1.99/mo |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | 1000 members |
| Linked device limit | 5 devices |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Encrypted backups | End_to_end |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | signal.org |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Signal
- WhatsAppA free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.9.3
- ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1
- WireA broad encrypted workspace with free essentials and enterprise administration options.8.9
Signal vs the competition
- Signal vs WhatsApp
- Signal vs Element
- Signal vs Wire
- Signal vs Messenger
- Signal vs Delta Chat
- Signal vs SimpleX Chat
Compare Signal with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Signal is ranked in 7 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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