WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps with over 2 billion users worldwide. However, in recent years many users have become concerned about WhatsApp’s privacy policies, data collection practices, and ownership by Facebook. This has prompted many to look for alternative messaging apps that offer better security and privacy protections.
What are the top alternative messaging apps to WhatsApp?
Here are some of the top alternative messaging apps to WhatsApp:
- Signal – Offers end-to-end encryption and is highly focused on privacy and security. Open source and non-profit.
- Telegram – Provides end-to-end encrypted chats and groups. Allows large group chats up to 200,000 members.
- Threema – Encrypted app based in Switzerland. Does not require sharing phone number or email.
- Wickr – Provides end-to-end encryption and allows messages to self-destruct. Popular for business communication.
- Line – Popular in Asia. Offers group chats, voice/video calls, stickers.
- Viber – Similar features to WhatsApp with voice calls, group chats, stickers. More popular internationally.
What are the key factors to consider in a WhatsApp alternative?
Here are some of the main factors to evaluate when choosing a WhatsApp alternative:
- Security – Does it offer end-to-end encryption? Open source code? Encryption protocols? This is critical for privacy.
- User base – Need an app your contacts/family already use. No use if you’re the only one on it.
- Features – Voice/video calls, group chats, stickers, file sharing. Should offer features you need.
- Ease of use – Interface should be simple and intuitive for smooth user experience.
- Cross-platform availability – Apps available across iOS, Android, desktop for flexibility.
- Cost – Many apps are free or low cost. But some business-use apps have fees.
Detailed Comparison of WhatsApp Alternatives
Here is an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison of some of the top WhatsApp alternative choices:
| App | End-to-End Encryption | Group Size Limit | Platform Availability | Voice/Video Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | Yes | 1,000 members | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes |
| Telegram | Optional (secret chats) | 200,000 members | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes |
| Threema | Yes | 100 members | iOS, Android | Yes |
| Wickr | Yes | 10,000 members | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes |
| Line | No | 200 members | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes |
| Viber | No | 250 members | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes |
This comparison shows some key differences between the WhatsApp alternatives in areas like encryption, group sizes, platform availability, and voice/video calling. Apps like Signal and Threema prioritize security with end-to-end encryption, while Telegram and Line offer very large group sizes but lack default encryption.
Signal
Signal is widely considered one of the most secure messaging apps available. It was developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation with a focus on privacy and security. All chats and calls on Signal feature end-to-end encryption to keep conversations secure.
Some key features of Signal include:
- End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls
- Open source code that is constantly scrutinized by security experts
- Minimal data collection and metadata retention
- Group chats up to 1,000 members
- Voice and video calls
- Cross-platform – iOS, Android, desktop
Signal’s focus on privacy does mean it lacks some features common on WhatsApp like large group sizes, chat backups, and extensive personalization options. But for users prioritizing security, Signal is widely regarded as the best encrypted messaging option.
Signal Pros
- Gold standard for security and encryption
- Minimal metadata collection
- Non-profit backing
- Free to use
Signal Cons
- Smaller user base than WhatsApp or Telegram
- Fewer chat features and customization options
- Backups limited compared to other apps
Telegram
Telegram is a widely used messaging app known for its speed, group sizes, and cloud storage. It has over 500 million users globally. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram does not require sharing your phone number to connect with contacts.
Features of Telegram include:
- Secret chats offer end-to-end encryption
- Group chats up to 200,000 members
- Fast message delivery using cloud servers
- File sharing up to 2GB
- Cross-platform – iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Telegram has become popular with both casual users and businesses thanks to its diverse features and public groups/channels. However, its standard chats lack end-to-end encryption unlike Signal and WhatsApp.
Telegram Pros
- Fast message sending
- Large file sharing up to 2GB
- Massive group sizes up to 200,000 members
- Free unlimited cloud storage for chat history
Telegram Cons
- Lacks default end-to-end encryption
- Privacy concerns due to Russian origins
- Can be exploited by scammers and spammers
- Shared phone numbers in contacts by default
Threema
Threema distinguishes itself as a WhatsApp alternative by not requiring any personal data like phone numbers or email addresses to create an account. It is based in Switzerland and prides itself on security and anonymity.
Key features of Threema include:
- End-to-end encryption for all messages
- Anonymous signup using only Threema ID
- Group chats up to 100 members
- Media file sharing up to 20MB
- Video calls
Threema provides a high level of privacy by design. It does cost a small fee to download unlike many other messaging apps – currently $2.99 on iOS and Android.
Threema Pros
- True anonymity with no personal data required
- End-to-end encryption for all chats
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Updates constantly vetted by security researchers
Threema Cons
- Paid app with a purchase cost
- Smaller global user base
- Fewer features than Telegram or WhatsApp
- User discovery requires knowing Threema ID
Wickr
Wickr is an encrypted messaging app built for privacy that offers secure end-to-end encrypted messages and voice/video calls. It allows users to set messages to self-destruct after a set time. Popular for business and enterprise use.
Key features of Wickr include:
- Default end-to-end encryption
- Message self-destruct timer
- Screenshot protection
- Group messaging up to 10,000 members
- File attachments up to 100MB
- Voice and video calls
With its focus on security and privacy for business use cases, Wickr charges per user monthly fees for its enterprise tier. But it provides a free basic version as well.
Wickr Pros
- End-to-end encryption enabled by default
- Ephemeral messaging with self-destruct timers
- Secure voice and video calls
- Ideal for business and enterprise use
Wickr Cons
- Paid monthly fees for business use
- Smaller personal user base
- Limited message backups and cloud storage
- Fewer chat features than Telegram or WhatsApp
Line
Line is a popular messaging app in Asia that competes with WhatsApp. It has over 300 million users, predominately located in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and other Asian countries. Line takes a social media-focused approach allowing users to add friends, share posts, play games and more.
Some key features of Line include:
- Free voice and video calls
- Fun stickers and emoji
- Group chats up to 200 people
- Line social network timeline
- In-app games and applications
With its chat stories, posts, and abundant stickers, Line is positioned much more as a social network compared to a simple messaging app.
Line Pros
- Huge user base in Asia
- Fun stickers and chat features
- Integrated social media features
- LINE smartphone ecosystem in Asia
Line Cons
- Limited reach outside Asia
- No end-to-end encryption by default
- Heavy advertising and promotion within app
- Data and privacy concerns
Viber
Viber is a popular messenger app with over 1 billion users around the world. It offers many of the same core features as WhatsApp like texting, voice/video calls, and group chats.
Some key features of Viber include:
- Free high-quality voice and video calls
- Group chats up to 250 people
- Chat extras like stickers and GIFs
- Supports multiple platforms
- Photo and file sharing
While very similar to WhatsApp in functionality, Viber provides video calls for up to 20 participants simultaneously. But it lacks end-to-end encryption available in many WhatsApp alternatives.
Viber Pros
- Over 1 billion users globally
- High-quality video calls
- Group video calls for up to 20 people
- Fun chat extras and stickers
Viber Cons
- No end-to-end encryption by default
- Requires sharing phone number
- Less focus on privacy and security
- Heavy marketing within app
Key Comparison Criteria Summary
When evaluating the best alternative to WhatsApp, the key criteria to consider are:
- Security – End-to-end encryption is essential for privacy. Apps like Signal and Threema prioritize this.
- User base – Need a popular app like Telegram or Line with an established user base.
- Features – Require calling, group sizes, file sharing that fits your needs.
- Platform availability – WhatsApp works across iOS, Android, desktop – important to have flexibility.
- Cost – Most apps are free but some enterprise ones like Wickr have fees.
Ranking the security, reach, and features of the top alternatives can help identify the right messaging app after WhatsApp for your needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding an alternative to WhatsApp, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal app depends on your priorities and needs.
For maximum security, Signal is widely regarded as the most private and encrypted option. Telegram and Line provide large group chat sizes unavailable on WhatsApp. Viber and Threema offer alternative experiences and user bases.
Analyze your messaging requirements, including encryption needs, contacts on each app, desired features, and device types used. Weigh the pros and cons of the top WhatsApp alternatives covered here based on your priorities. This will steer you towards the best alternative messaging app for your situation.