OpenVidu
Focus: webrtc, self-hosted and livekit. Shares video calls with Signal. A framework, not a mobile app. Rated 4.4 (Signal: 4.7).
FrameworkFreeCross-Platform
4.4Visit
Mobile App
Signal
A free, end-to-end encrypted messaging app run by a nonprofit.
Rating
4.7 / 5
Pricing
Free
Difficulty
Beginner
Works on
Android, iOS, Windows
Built with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
What is Signal?
Signal is a private messaging app built on the open-source Signal Protocol, so messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted and Signal says it cannot read or listen to them. You can send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files, make voice and video calls, chat in groups and share stickers. It is free, has no ads, affiliate marketers or trackers, and is run by an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by grants and donations. Apps are available for Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.
Pros: what Signal does well
- End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
- No ads or trackers
- Free on phones and desktops
Cons: where it falls short
- The people you talk to need Signal too
- Fewer business features than workplace chat apps
Who Signal is for
Anyone who wants private chats and calls with friends, family or colleagues.
Who can skip it
Teams that need a full workplace chat with integrations.
Signal alternatives
Not sold on Signal? These do a similar job, and each card says what it has in common.
CleanShot X
Focus: screenshots, screen recording and annotation. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A Mac app, not a mobile app. Paid but Affordable (Signal: Free). Rated 4.8 (Signal: 4.7).
Mac AppPaid but AffordablemacOS
4.8Visit
Postiz
Focus: social media, scheduling and open source. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. An AI tool, not a mobile app. Freemium (Signal: Free). Adds Web. Same 4.7 rating.
AI ToolFree planWeb
4.7Visit
Screen Studio
Focus: screen recording, demos and tutorials. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A desktop app, not a mobile app. Paid but Affordable (Signal: Free). Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppPaid but AffordablemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Screenity
Focus: screen recorder, loom alternative and annotation. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A browser extension, not a mobile app. Adds Chrome. Same 4.7 rating.
Browser ExtensionFreeChrome
4.7Visit
Markup Hero
Focus: screenshots, annotation and pdf markup. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A web app, not a mobile app. Freemium (Signal: Free). Adds Web and Chrome. Rated 4.6 (Signal: 4.7).
Web AppFree planWeb, Chrome
4.6Visit
Free alternatives to Signal
Want to spend nothing? These free picks cover similar ground.
FilePizza
Focus: file transfer, peer to peer and webrtc. Also in Collaboration and Communication, like Signal. A web app, not a mobile app. Adds Web. Rated 4.5 (Signal: 4.7).
Web AppFreeWeb
4.5Visit
Annotely
Focus: annotation, screenshots and markup. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A web app, not a mobile app. Adds Web. Rated 4.4 (Signal: 4.7).
Web AppFreeWeb
4.4Visit
Mumble
Focus: voice chat, audio and self-hosted. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A desktop app, not a mobile app. Rated 4.4 (Signal: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.4Visit
Microsoft Teams (free)
Focus: chat, video meetings and microsoft. Also in Communication and Collaboration, like Signal. A web app, not a mobile app. Adds Web. Rated 4.0 (Signal: 4.7).
Web AppFreeWeb, Windows
4.0Visit
Jitsi Meet
Focus: open source, self-hosted and zoom alternative. Shares video calls with Signal. A web app, not a mobile app. Adds Web. Rated 4.3 (Signal: 4.7).
Web AppFreeWeb, Android
4.3Visit
CapCut
Focus: Video Editing, AI and Content Creation. Also in Collaboration, like Signal. Adds Web. Same 4.7 rating.
Mobile AppFreeiOS, Android
4.7Visit
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