Signal
Secure messaging app with state-of-the-art encryption, voice/video calls, group chats, and file sharing. No ads, trackers, or data collection.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Local (on your machine)
- Platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in subscriptions
Signal FAQ
Common questions
Is Signal free and open source?+
Signal is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Secure messaging app with state-of-the-art encryption, voice/video calls, group chats, and file sharing. No ads, trackers, or data collection.
What paid software does Signal replace?+
Signal serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Session, Threema, saving up to $50/month ($600/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Signal?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
What is the catch or trade-off with Signal?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.