What is Signal used for?

Signal is a privacy-focused messenger offering end-to-end encrypted text, voice and video chats, group conversations and file sharing. It is a good fit for private personal and family messaging, and secure group coordination.

Is Signal open source?

No. Signal is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Signal include SimpleX Chat, FluffyChat and ChatSecure.

What are some alternatives to Signal?

Signal competes with WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Signal alternatives.

Signal: features, pricing and alternatives

About Signal

Signal is a messaging app that puts privacy first. Messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption based on the open-source Signal Protocol, so the service itself cannot read conversation content. Encryption is on for every conversation rather than being an optional mode.

Users can send text, voice notes, photos, videos, GIFs and documents, make voice and video calls, join group chats, and use encrypted stickers, including packs they design themselves. Signal sends data over the phone's internet connection, which avoids SMS and MMS charges and long-distance call fees.

Signal is a hosted service run by the Signal organization, and it is free to use. It suits individuals and groups who want a straightforward alternative to mainstream chat apps with a strong privacy stance.

Key features

End-to-end encrypted messages and calls
Group chats for families and friends
Voice and video calls
Voice messages, photos, videos and files
Encrypted stickers and custom sticker packs
Uses data connection instead of SMS or MMS

Good fit for

→Private personal and family messaging
→Secure group coordination

Tags: messaging; end-to-end-encryption; privacy; secure-chat; voice-calls; video-calls; group-chat

Signal: questions and answers

What is Signal used for?: Signal is a privacy-focused messenger offering end-to-end encrypted text, voice and video chats, group conversations and file sharing. It is a good fit for private personal and family messaging, and secure group coordination.
Is Signal free?: Yes. Signal is free to use.
Is Signal open source?: No. Signal is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Signal include SimpleX Chat, FluffyChat and ChatSecure.
What are some alternatives to Signal?: Signal competes with WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Signal alternatives.