Signal review 2024: features, security, support, pros and cons

a secure, free and open source messaging application

Signal is mostly a safe, open-source messaging app that replaces the SMS app on your Android phone or iPhone. Messages to and from other Signal users are sent over the internet and are protected by very strong end-to-end encryption. Messages to and from non-Signal contacts are sent using regular SMS text messaging, which is not secure. When you send an insecure text message, you get a message telling you that it is insecure and encouraging you to invite the other person to use Signal.

Signal: Description

This setup makes it easy to send text messages to both other Signal users and people who don’t use Signal. You need a working phone number to register for Signal because it is designed to replace your current SMS client. This subject will be covered in more detail a little later. Signal is practically undetectable when in use, so convincing friends, family, and coworkers to download the app should be simpler. Signal enables users to send text messages and SMS as well as secure voice (VoIP) and video calls.

Even though it is mostly a mobile app, there is also a desktop version. Open source software is software whose copyright holder has made its source code available to the public. This means it can be checked by a third party for mistakes and to make sure it isn’t doing something it shouldn’t. In 2016, Signal was checked by a third party and found to be cryptographically safe.

Signal: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Free, nonprofit owned
  • Group, voice, and video chats
  • Multiplatform support

Cons

  • Requires a telephone number to sign up
  • Occasional delays
  • Few fun features

Key Features Table

FeatureDescription
End-to-End EncryptionAll messages, calls, and shared media are encrypted from end to end, meaning that only the sender and recipient(s) can access the content.
Self-Destructing MessagesUsers can set a timer for messages to automatically delete after a certain period of time.
Voice and Video CallsSignal supports one-on-one and group voice and video calls, with end-to-end encryption.
Group MessagingUsers can create groups for messaging with multiple people, with end-to-end encryption.
Desktop AppSignal can be used on desktop computers with a standalone app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Mobile AppSignal is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
Open SourceThe Signal app is open source, meaning that the source code is publicly available for anyone to inspect and contribute to.
No AdsSignal is ad-free and does not collect user data for advertising purposes.
CostThe Signal app is free to use.
Official linkVisit Website

Signal: Signal Security

Signal review

Many people in the security field think that Signal is the most secure end-to-end (E2E) encryption system for voice, video, and instant messaging conversations that is currently available. This open source code has been checked a lot and is so good that WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger use it to send encrypted messages from one person to another.

If you want to know the technical details, the protocol is made up of the Double Ratchet algorithm, the triple Elliptic-curve Diffie–Hellman (3-DH) handshake, and prekeys. Its algorithms for encryption are Curve25519, AES-256, and HMAC-SHA256. Even though all secure messenger services encrypt your messages, most don’t do the same for the information about your messages. Signal encrypts and stores your metadata on your device.

Signal: Features

Even though it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the more popular (and less secure) messaging apps, Signal is now adding more fun and expressive features like customizable stickers, wallpapers, chat colors, and themes. The ability to make stories or reels, video chat backgrounds, and filters are all missing. It’s clear that the people who made Signal care more about making it simple and safe than adding extra features that might not appeal to its privacy-conscious users.

Signal can do more than just send text messages and share media. It can also make voice and video calls Signal has an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to set up group calls with friends, family, or coworkers. All you need is a mobile data plan or Wi-Fi to do this. Signal also lets you mark messages as read or unread by hand, which is a handy feature. By highlighting a message, you can mark it as read or unread, even if you’ve already seen it.

Signal’s use of a personal PIN is one of the main ways it is different from other popular messaging apps. In the Signal FAQ, it says, “The PIN can be used to recover your profile, settings, contacts, and who you’ve blocked if you ever lose or switch devices.” It also works because you are sometimes asked to enter your PIN to get into the app, which adds an extra layer of security.

You can not only send messages that disappear on their own, but you can also set a custom timer to control how long the recipient has access to the message. A countdown timer at the bottom of the message bubble makes it easy to spot messages that are about to disappear. The message is deleted when the time runs out. If the person receiving the message really wants to keep it, they can take a screenshot before it disappears. So, a message that disappears shouldn’t be used against an enemy.

Signal: Signal Support

Signal Support is an archive of nearly 100 articles that can be searched. These articles are split into 5 main categories. Together, these articles answer the most common questions and problems about Signal that you might need help with. Every Support page also has a link that says “Contact Us” at the top. Use this form to ask for help.

Chats and Groups on Signal

My testing was done on a Pixel 3a, and my coworkers helped me learn more about other platforms. The main page of the Signal app shows a list of all your conversations, with the most recent ones at the top. You can pin up to four conversations to the top of your screen to make them easy to find. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to look for words or people you have used in your conversations. From the Settings panel, you can change how the app looks, how it stores data, and other important things.

When you’re in a chat, you’ll be in a place you know well. If you’ve used a chat app in the last ten years, you’ll be familiar with the features and layout. You can attach files, add stickers that protect your privacy, take and edit selfies, and record up to 5 minutes of encrypted audio with the help of buttons on the text field. The Disappearing Messages option, which you can find in the menu with three dots, lets you decide how long your messages will stay around. That means that your messages are deleted automatically, even on the phone of the person you sent them to.

Which one should you consider?

Signal is clearly one of the best apps for sending secure messages right now. Some people don’t like having to sign up with a phone number, but the way the system is set up makes it hard to see this as a big problem. I have no problem recommending Signal to anyone who wants to use a private encrypted messaging service.

It is also a great alternative to WhatsApp, which more and more people are turning to in 2021 as concerns about privacy grow with WhatsApp and Facebook. But you don’t have to listen to what I say. Users are coming from everywhere to join the Signal camp. The European Union has told its staff to use Signal for all public instant messaging, according to an article in The Verge from February 2020.

FAQs

Is Signal better than WhatsApp?

This is one of the most reliable end-to-end encryption services because it is open source and has been reviewed by peers. But Signal is better than WhatsApp in some ways, even though they both use the same encryption service. In short, when you send a message or photo, data about the message or photo is also sent.

Is Signal app really safe?

Yes. Signal is one of the safest messaging apps because it is open source, uses end-to-end encryption, and promises to never collect user data.

James Hogan
James Hogan
James Hogan is a notable content writer recognized for his contributions to Bollyinside, where he excels in crafting informative comparison-based articles on topics like laptops, phones, and software. When he's not writing, James enjoys immersing himself in football matches and exploring the digital realm. His curiosity about the ever-evolving tech landscape drives his continuous quest for knowledge, ensuring his content remains fresh and relevant.

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Signal offers a secure messaging experience with a host of features that rival its competitors, while staying true to its core promise: uncompromising privacy and security. Based on the product's technical and user features alone, Signal is an ideal secure messaging app for everyone.Signal review 2024: features, security, support, pros and cons