When it comes to encrypted messaging, there are lot of option you can go with. However, Signal app remains one of the best, yet one of the least used messaging app that prioritize security and privacy. So Here’s why I wish more people would take notice of the app and check this out.
1 — Easiest Way to Text & More Secure
The simplest and safest method for texting is Signal. It functions right out of the box; you don’t need to be an expert in cybersecurity or turn on any hidden toggles.
By default, all calls and messages are end-to-end encrypted, and the software doesn’t gather any user data. Compared to something like WhatsApp, Signal’s self-destruct messages are also far more user-friendly and provide more options.
Additionally, Signal’s call-relay feature automatically hides caller’s IP address, providing an additional layer of security. And that’s just the tip of security iceberg.
The app hides your phone number from anyone you’re talking with by default. You can choose to show your phone number and interact with people as you normally do on other apps, or you can create username with which people can find you on Signal. The app even goes as far as allowing you to control who can find you on this app using your phone number.
Last but not least, the Signal also asks you to enter locking code by default and keeps asking you to reenter this code from time to time to ensure you don’t forget it. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that ensures you remember the password to access your Signal app account, without forcing you to type it in every time you want to send a message.
All these features are available in Signal by default and work without you having to read online guides or fiddle around with settings where you might do more harm than good.
2 – Don’t Miss Out on Any Features
If you’re using Signal as your daily personal messenger app, you don’t miss out on any core features. Usually, more “secure” apps tend to not implement commonly used features under the guise of protecting the user. However, with Signal, that’s not the case.
Signal offers a full range of features, including messaging, audio and video calls, stickers, group creation, and even the option to upload stories—or opt out of that feature entirely. For everyday use, Signal provides everything you’d need, matching the core features of its major competitors, WhatsApp and Telegram. And when it comes to privacy, even the stickers you send on Signal are end-to-end encrypted.
Customization options are also plentiful, with the ability to change chat wallpapers, themes, and backgrounds. Signal’s calling features and interface are, in my view, among the best available on mobile apps. Additional tools include an incognito keyboard for enhanced privacy, proxy support, in-app payments, text formatting, and the ability to schedule messages.
Signal also has a desktop app for Windows, Linux, and macOS, allowing you to log in on up to five devices at once. All your data remains stored locally on your devices for added security. For group chats, Signal supports up to 1,000 members per group, with features like admin approval before someone joins, as well as the ability to invite people via links or QR codes.
One of Signal’s standout features is its privacy focus: the service doesn’t store any information about your group memberships, titles, avatars, or other group details. Additionally, you can host group video calls with up to 50 participants, and share links to the video call instead of having to call someone directly.
For extra security, Signal lets you verify your sessions to make sure no one is intercepting your conversations. It also offers granular control over your notifications, allowing you to hide message contents or the sender’s name when the app alerts you—ideal for keeping prying eyes away if someone else has access to your phone.
3 – Sharing Files Is Much Better
One of the best things about Signal is that it lets you share just about any file with your contact and you’re not limited to photos, videos, PDFs, and documents. The actual file size you can share varies though, based on what device you’re using.
| File type | iPhone and iPad | Android | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Images | 8 MB | 100 MB | 6 MB |
| Videos | 95 MB | 500 MB | 100 MB |
| GIFs | 25 MB | 25 MB | 25 MB |
| General files | 95 MB | 100 MB | 100 MB |
You may be able to send bigger files via Signal, specifically through the Android app, but those uploads will either be uploaded or rejected. For file sizes that lie within the aforementioned limits (which can change by the time you’re reading this), you can send uncompressed files with decent upload speeds.
4 – SMS Between Android and iPhone Is Still a Hassle
If you’re still relying on SMS, it’s definitely time to make the switch. Even though Apple has finally embraced the RCS protocol, texting between Android and iPhone remains a frustrating experience. For starters, the iPhone user you’re trying to message has to have RCS enabled on their device, and based on my experience, even messaging within Apple’s ecosystem doesn’t always go smoothly.
Switching to an internet-based messaging app solves almost all the common issues with SMS and puts an end to the confusing blue vs. green bubble debate. While there are other options out there, many of them fall short when it comes to security and privacy, making them less reliable for sensitive communications..
5 – The Alternatives Aren’t As Robust
When comparing Signal to its two biggest competitors—WhatsApp and Telegram—it’s clear that Signal stands out for its superior security. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is heavily reliant on data to support its ad-driven business model, which means your privacy is often compromised in favor of advertising revenue. While you can choose between WhatsApp and Signal, the latter offers stronger protection for your personal information.
Telegram, on the other hand, is a widely used messaging platform, but it comes with its own set of concerns. The app’s lack of strict content moderation has led to its use by scammers and cybercriminals, often as a platform for fraud or malicious activities. Although Telegram is feature-rich and customizable, it doesn’t provide end-to-end encryption by default, leaving your conversations vulnerable to potential interception.
Despite these concerns, Signal remains the most secure option for private messaging and calling. However, its user base is still smaller compared to WhatsApp and Telegram, which means that many people find it difficult to make the switch since most of their contacts are using the other apps.