Signal

Speak freely

Signal is a messaging app that applies end-to-end encryption to everyday communication, covering text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, files, voice and video calls, stickers, and group chats. Encryption is handled by the open source Signal Protocol, and the app is operated by an independent nonprofit funded through grants and donations.

Features include group chats, encrypted stickers with user-created sticker packs, and voice and video calls that use the phone's data connection rather than SMS or MMS. The app is available for Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it states that it contains no ads, affiliate marketers, or tracking.

Signal is offered free of charge, with no paid editions, trials, or seat-based or usage-based plans described. It is operated by a 501c3 nonprofit, and development is supported by grants and donations.

12 alternatives to Signal

Ranked by how well each tool replaces Signal: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

Telegram
Fast. Secure. Powerful.
Covers 4 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen sourceVoice callsVideo callsFile sharingEnd to end encryption
70 out of 100 matchFree
AstraChat
A complete XMPP messaging solution. Enterprise alternative to WhatsApp and Slack for large
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
File sharingVoice callsEnd to end encryption
69 out of 100 match—
WhatsApp
Free private messaging and calling app for individuals and businesses.
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
Free planFile sharingVideo callsVoice calls
69 out of 100 matchFree
Jami
Share, freely and privately
Covers 3 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen sourceGroup chatsFile sharingEnd to end encryption
65 out of 100 matchFree
Zangi Private Messenger
Private messenger with end-to-end encrypted calls and messages.
Covers 4 of 15 key features.
Free planEnd to end encryptionVoice callsVideo callsFile sharing
64 out of 100 matchFree
Discord
Voice, video and text communities.
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
Free planVoice callsVideo callsFile sharing
63 out of 100 matchFree
Tox
A New Kind of Instant Messaging
Covers 6 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen sourceVoice callsVideo callsFile sharingGroup chats
62 out of 100 matchFree
Threema
Secure communication for individuals and companies
Covers 5 of 15 key features and is open source.
Open sourceEnd to end encryptionVoice callsVideo callsGroup chats
62 out of 100 match$3/mo
Gajim
Free and fully featured chat app for XMPP.
Covers 3 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen sourceEnd to end encryptionFile sharingVoice calls
61 out of 100 matchFree
Beeper
One inbox for all your chats
Covers 1 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen sourceEnd to end encryption
61 out of 100 match$9.99/mo
Arattai
Simple and secure, Indian-made messaging app
Covers 5 of 15 key features.
Free planVoice callsVideo callsFile sharingEnd to end encryption
61 out of 100 matchFree
ChatSecure
Free and open source encrypted chat for iOS.
Covers 0 of 15 key features and is open source.
Free planOpen source
60 out of 100 matchContact sales