Signal
A private messenger run by a nonprofit, with end-to-end encryption by default.
Instead of WhatsApp
Screenshot from signal.org, taken 2026-10-23, shown to help you recognise the tool. It belongs to its maker. Ask us to remove it.
Signal is run by an independent nonprofit that lives on grants and donations. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted with the open-source Signal Protocol, and the organisation says it cannot read or listen to them. It works on phones and on Windows, Mac and Linux desktops, and non-technical people manage it fine.
Signal scores a 5 on delivery, a 4 on self-direction and power and a 3 on footprint, lock-in and longevity.
It is a centralised service, so everything runs through Signal's own servers and you cannot move to another provider and keep your contacts. Signal has traditionally asked for a phone number to sign up, so check its current rules, and taking your chat history with you is hard.
- End-to-end encrypted messages and calls, on by default
- Run by an independent nonprofit funded by grants and donations
- Centralised, so you can't move to another provider with your contacts
What stands out
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Side by side. Signal vs WhatsApp
For comparison, we also reviewed WhatsApp (14/30) as a benchmark.
Other tools for “chat with people”
Delta ChatA chat app that runs on ordinary email, with no phone number needed.
ElementA messenger built on the open Matrix standard, which you can host yourself.
BriarA messenger that works with no internet, through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor.- SimpleX ChatA messenger with no user IDs, not even a phone number.