Signal
FreeA free, nonprofit-backed messenger with end-to-end encryption on every message and call by default.
About Signal
Signal is a private messaging app that encrypts messages, voice calls and video calls end to end by default. It is run by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger, uses an open source protocol and publishes its client code under the AGPL, which lets outside experts examine how it works.
You can send text, voice notes, photos and files, make group calls, set disappearing messages and hide your phone number behind a username. Desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux link to your phone account. The app is free and funded by donations and grants, with no advertising or paid tier.
It suits anyone who wants strong privacy with minimal data collection, including journalists, activists and everyday users. The trade-offs are that registration needs a phone number, and your contacts have to install Signal as well. Google Play lists more than 100 million downloads, and the App Store shows a 4.7 average from over a million ratings.
Signal works best when your friends use it too. Set a PIN and consider turning on registration lock to protect your account.
Version history
2 releases tracked- iOS: Adds a custom mute option to choose an exact end date and time for notifications
- Windows: Bug fixes and performance improvements
Frequently asked
Is Signal free?
Yes. It has no ads or subscriptions and relies on donations.
Does it need an account?
You register with a phone number, and can then use a username to share instead.
Is it open source?
Yes. The client apps are published under the AGPL license.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to signal.org or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.