Signal

Overview

Signal is widely regarded as the “gold standard” for private communication. While many know it as a texting app, it has evolved into a powerful alternative to Google Meet for those who require absolute privacy in their video conferencing. Operated by the Signal Technology Foundation, a non-profit, the platform is not driven by profit or data collection, making it the antithesis of Google’s data-hungry ecosystem.

Unlike Google Meet, which processes your data on its servers, Signal uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for every call. This means the encryption keys stay on your device and the devices of your participants. Whether you are hosting a one-on-one catch-up or a group business meeting, the content of your call remains invisible to everyone except the intended recipients.

Key Features

End-to-End Encrypted Group Calls

Signal supports encrypted video calls for up to 40 participants. While this is lower than the hundreds supported by Google Meet, it is more than sufficient for most small businesses, teams, and personal use cases. Every participant’s stream is protected by the Signal Protocol, ensuring total confidentiality.

Secure Screen Sharing

Whether you are on a laptop or a mobile device, Signal allows you to share your screen with other participants. This makes it a viable tool for presentations, technical support, or collaborative document review, all within the same encrypted environment.

Desktop Integration

Signal Desktop (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) allows you to take your meetings to the big screen. The desktop app links to your mobile account, providing a seamless transition between your phone and your workstation while maintaining the same level of security.

Privacy & Security

The cornerstone of Signal is its commitment to “Zero Knowledge.” Google Meet collects metadata about who you talked to, for how long, and from which IP address. Signal, conversely, uses “Sealed Sender” technology to hide the sender’s identity from its own servers.

Signal does not store your contact list on their servers in a readable format, and they do not track your call history. In the event of a government subpoena, Signal has historically been able to provide only the date the account was created and the date of the last connection—nothing else.

Getting Started

1. Download the App: Install Signal on your iOS or Android device from the official website or app store.
2. Register: Verify your account using your phone number.
3. Install Desktop Client (Optional): If you prefer video conferencing on your computer, download and link the Signal Desktop app to your phone.
4. Create a Group: Start a group chat with the people you want to meet with, then tap the video icon in the top right corner to start a secure meeting.

Who Is It Best For?

Signal is the ideal choice for journalists, activists, healthcare professionals, and privacy-conscious businesses. It is best for teams of up to 40 people who need to discuss sensitive information without the risk of corporate or government surveillance.

Final Verdict

If your priority is privacy above all else, Signal is the undisputed winner in the video-conferencing space. While it lacks some of the enterprise “fluff” of Google Meet—such as calendar integrations or 500-person rooms—it compensates with a level of security that Google simply cannot match. It is fast, free, and puts the user’s rights ahead of corporate profit.