Signal
by Signal Foundation · Social Media · Messaging
Privacy-focused messaging app with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption.
Quick Answer: Signal has a verified Real Score of 4.3/5 based on 31,000 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.6/5. Highly recommended by verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 31,000 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Signal's App Store rating is 0.3 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Best-in-class encryption
- Open source
- No data collection
- Nonprofit organization
Common Complaints
- Smaller user base
- Fewer features than competitors
- Phone number required
- No cloud backup
Verified Reviews (20)
Gold standard for private messaging
Signal's protocol is the encryption standard that even WhatsApp uses. But Signal collects zero metadata, is open source, and run by a nonprofit. If privacy matters to you, there's no alternative.
Recommended by security experts for a reason
Every cybersecurity professional I know uses Signal. The app stores no metadata, the code is auditable, and the organization has no financial incentive to compromise your privacy.
Feature gap is closing
Signal has added stories, group calls, usernames (without phone numbers!), and customization. The feature gap with WhatsApp and Telegram is shrinking while maintaining privacy leadership.
Can't get friends to switch
Signal is technically superior for privacy but convincing friends and family to install yet another messaging app is nearly impossible. Network effects keep everyone on WhatsApp.
No ads, no tracking, no compromise
Signal doesn't mine your data, show ads, or sell your information. It runs on donations. In a world of surveillance capitalism, Signal is a breath of fresh air. Donate if you use it.
Usernames finally remove phone number requirement
Being able to communicate via username without sharing phone numbers is a huge privacy upgrade. You can now use Signal without giving out your personal number.
Group calls work well
Group voice and video calls on Signal work reliably with good quality. Encrypted group calls for up to 40 people. For private team communication, it's a secure alternative to Zoom.
Open source means trustworthy
Anyone can audit Signal's code. Independent security researchers regularly review it and confirm its encryption claims. This transparency is what makes it trustworthy, not just marketing promises.
Missing some convenience features
No cloud backup means switching phones can lose your history. No animated sticker packs. No bot platform. Signal prioritizes privacy over convenience, which is the right trade-off but still inconvenient.
Used by journalists and activists worldwide
Signal enables secure communication for journalists, activists, and dissidents in authoritarian regimes. When communication privacy is literally life or death, Signal is the tool people trust.
Disappearing messages are well-implemented
Setting messages to auto-delete after a chosen time period (5 seconds to 4 weeks) provides additional privacy. The implementation is clean and the timer is visible in the chat.
Desktop app is solid
The Signal desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux works well. Linked to your phone, messages sync, and you can make calls. The desktop experience is mature and reliable.
Encryption without thinking
You don't have to do anything special for encryption - it just works. Every message, every call, every file transfer is encrypted end-to-end automatically. Security by default, not by option.
Note to Self is useful
The "Note to Self" chat functions as an encrypted notepad. I use it for sensitive information - passwords, medical records, private thoughts. Encrypted by default, accessible on all devices.
Sealed sender hides metadata
Signal's sealed sender feature hides who is messaging whom from Signal's own servers. Even if compelled by law enforcement, Signal can't reveal your communication patterns. True privacy.
Sticker packs are limited
The sticker selection is much smaller than Telegram or WhatsApp. You can create custom sticker packs but the built-in options are sparse. Small thing but stickers matter for expression.
Donation-funded means aligned interests
Signal is funded by donations and the Signal Foundation. Their interests are aligned with users, not advertisers. This funding model is why they can afford to not collect data.
Call quality is surprisingly good
Voice calls on Signal are clear and reliable, even on poor connections. The call quality rivals or exceeds WhatsApp and regular phone calls. Encrypted AND good quality.
View once messages for sensitive content
Sending photos or videos that can only be viewed once and then disappear is perfect for sharing sensitive documents or private moments. The recipient can't screenshot (on supported devices).
Privacy is a human right
In an era of mass surveillance and data exploitation, Signal stands as proof that private communication technology can exist. Support Signal by using it and donating. Privacy matters.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026