Private messaging with end-to-end encryption
Signal Desktop is the Windows app for Signal, the messaging service run by the non-profit Signal Foundation and widely recommended for privacy. Every message, call and file is end-to-end encrypted by default, so not even Signal can read your conversations.
After linking the desktop app to Signal on your phone, you can send messages, photos and files, join group chats, and make voice and video calls from your PC. Features include disappearing messages, reactions, stickers, and note-to-self for moving files between devices. Signal collects as little data about you as possible.
You need an active Signal account on a phone to use the desktop app, and fewer of your contacts may use Signal compared with WhatsApp. For anyone who values private communication, Signal is one of the best choices available.
Pros
- End-to-end encryption by default
- Run by a non-profit
- Minimal data collection
Cons
- Requires Signal on a phone
- Smaller user base than WhatsApp
