Signal
Beginner RecommendedThe best WhatsApp alternative is Signal. Encrypted messages and calls. The app recommended by Snowden and virtually every security expert.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Signal is the global reference for encrypted messaging. Developed by a nonprofit foundation, it encrypts messages, voice calls and video end-to-end. No data is collected, no ads are shown. The Signal protocol is used by WhatsApp itself for encryption. The app is free and open source.
Key features
- Verified end-to-end encryption
- Disappearing messages
- Secure audio/video calls
- Open source
- No metadata collection
- Free without ads
Strengths
- + End-to-end encryption by default
- + Open source code, verifiable by anyone
- + Very easy to adopt as a WhatsApp replacement
Weaknesses
- − Requires a phone number to register
- − Smaller user base than WhatsApp or Telegram
Recommended for
- Replacing WhatsApp or Telegram with a truly private messenger
- Group chats, voice and video calls with encryption
Signal vs WhatsApp: the comparison
| Criterion | Signal | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, funded by donations. | Free |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (metadata used by Meta) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Moderate (3/5) | — |
Comparison
Signal is the encryption reference, recommended by the security community. SimpleX goes even further: no identifier at all, not even a phone number. Briar targets extreme situations, with no central server.
Want the complete guide?
“Vivre sans Google” (in French) covers the full journey, service by service, with step-by-step migration guides.
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Signal cost?
Free, funded by donations.
How do you switch from WhatsApp to Signal?
Estimated difficulty: Moderate (3/5). Requires convincing your contacts to migrate too. WhatsApp history is not transferable. Plan a transition period with both apps.
Who is Signal for?
WhatsApp users concerned about privacy. Recommended for sensitive communications (journalists, activists, healthcare professionals).
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