# Signal: Free Open Source Alternative to Session, Threema

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/signal
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Signal (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Session, Threema. Secure messaging app with state-of-the-art encryption, voice/video calls, group chats, and file sharing. No ads, trackers, or data collection.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Signal
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://signal.org/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 29.6k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Signal saves up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Session](https://caniforkit.com/session) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Session vs Signal](https://caniforkit.com/vs/session-vs-signal) |
| [Threema](https://caniforkit.com/threema) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Threema vs Signal](https://caniforkit.com/vs/threema-vs-signal) |

## Frequently Asked 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 is the trade-off or limitation of using Signal?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)