When you're managing a relationship across state lines or international borders, the last thing you should worry about is whether your intimate conversations are being harvested for advertising data. Yet that's exactly what happens with most popular messaging apps.
WhatsApp used to be the go-to for long-distance couples, but after Meta's acquisition, many users grew concerned about privacy. Signal is the messaging app that treats your relationship like it's actually yours. If you're looking for more ways to enhance your digital life, check out our monthly roundup of the best new apps.
Signal's no cost and security features are why we love it:
- Free from Apple and Google.
- End-to-end encryption on all messages, calls, and media.
- Operated by the Signal Foundation, so there are no ads or data mining.
Signal actually keeps your conversations private
Signal has built its reputation as the messaging platform trusted by journalists, activists, and anyone who takes digital privacy seriously. But here's what makes it perfect for couples: It combines top-notch security with features that feel natural and easy to use. You get all the functionality you'd expect from a modern messaging app (like text, voice calls, video chats, group messaging, and even a Stories feature similar to Instagram) without sacrificing your privacy.
Image: Kevin Kearney | WhistleOut
The encryption is what makes Signal different. Every message, photo, and video call is protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and your partner can access your conversations. When you delete a message, it's actually gone...not sitting on some server waiting to be mined for marketing insights. For couples sharing vulnerable moments across the miles, that peace of mind is priceless.
More than just basic messaging
What surprised me most about Signal is how it doesn't sacrifice usability for security. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to switch from iMessage or WhatsApp. You can send voice messages when you're too tired to type, start a video call with a single tap, and even set messages to disappear after a certain time period. The Stories feature lets you share casual updates throughout your day without cluttering your main conversation thread.
Signal also handles group chats better than Apple's iMessage, supporting up to 1,000 members (though hopefully your relationship doesn't require quite that many people). This comes in handy when you want to coordinate with two or more sets of families or maintain a shared friend group across distance.
International texting eating your wallet?
If you're constantly messaging someone overseas, those international text charges add up fast—even with apps like Signal using data. The solution? Find a phone plan with free international texting or affordable data rates for staying connected across borders.
Check out these plans with international features that won't break the bank:
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#1
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Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
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#2
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Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
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#3
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XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
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The app works seamlessly across devices, so you can start a conversation on your phone during your commute and continue it on your computer when you get home. Plus, Signal's desktop app is fully functional too.
What you should know before switching
Both you and your partner need to download Signal and create accounts. You can't send Signal messages to someone using WhatsApp or iMessage. But honestly, convincing your partner to switch is easier than you'd think, especially when you frame it as protecting your private moments together.
The app is completely free with no premium tiers, no advertisements, and no hidden costs. In a world where most free apps are actually selling your information, Signal's business model is refreshingly honest.
Download Signal now
Signal is available for free on both iPhone and Android.
For long-distance couples who communicate primarily through text and calls, Signal covers all your bases. It's reliable and secure, and it respects your privacy in ways that mainstream apps simply don't. Whether you're sending good morning texts or having difficult conversations about your future, Signal ensures those moments stay between you and your partner.
Signal: FAQs
How WhistleOut reviews apps
Our mobile experts scour the app stores, looking for the best new apps for Android and iPhone. Before recommending an app, we use the app for at least one full workday, testing its basic functionality and evaluating whether or not it delivers on its promises.
- Easy to use
Great apps simplify your phone. We selected the tools that don't require a complicated instructional manual. - Affordability
The internet is filled with expensive price tags, but we're not buying what they're selling. We leaned into inexpensive, quality apps. Extra points if they're free! - Hands-on testing
We played around with these before recommending them, ensuring they're worth your download.
From there, we weigh the app's pros and cons and then determine whether or not it's a worthwhile download for the wider population of cell phone users.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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