Messaging apps have proven to be more important than ever during the pandemic, so giving up on them is out of the question anymore. Whether you want a security-focused chat application of Whatsapp Whether you’re looking for unique features that it doesn’t have, this list has many options to choose from. At work WhatsApp messaging apps you can use instead…
WhatsApp-Like Apps List
- Signal
- viber
- Google Messages
- Telegram
- threema
- wire
- Facebook Messenger
- Skiff
- Element
- spike
- ginlo
- LINE
- Skype
- Discord
- iMessage
- slack
- Wickr Me
- KakaoTalk Messenger
- Google Hangouts
WhatsApp Equivalent Apps
Signal
Signal is one of the obvious choices for the more privacy and security conscious. The messaging service has endorsements from the likes of Elon Musk and Edward Snowden. While Signal is completely free, it supports text messaging and voice, video and group calling. Messages can be set to self-delete, and you can use a Chrome browser plugin if you prefer to send your messages from a desktop machine instead. Signal’s open-source end-to-end encryption protocol is also used by WhatsApp, so you get the same security as WhatsApp without Facebook’s interference. The Signal application also regularly performs security checks on its software and manages to combine this security with a user-friendly interface.
viber
Viber is a service that started life as a VoIP app and gradually grew to include text messaging, voice calling, group messaging, fully synchronized desktop and mobile apps, and more. It all happens depending on your phone number. It’s end-to-end encrypted like the other services on this list, but has unique features like AR-powered selfie lenses (in partnership with Snapchat), group video calls, and ‘Communities’ features, which is basically a social network.
Google Messages
Google Messages is usually available out-of-the-box on modern Android phones. Designed to replace your existing SMS app and integrate with all Google services, Google Messages is for Android only. End-to-end encryption is automatic when messaging with someone else with Google Messages, and you can send all your pictures and files, just like with WhatsApp.
Telegram
If you prefer to have something similar to WhatsApp and tied to your phone number, Telegram is a good option for you. However, experts pointed out that Telegram’s services are not that secure and its end-to-end encryption is not installed by default. However, Telegram offers the option to share files, set messages to self-delete, and chat in groups of up to 200,000 users. You can also sync messages across all your devices and the app costs nothing to use.
threema
Threema is an app dedicated to complete privacy with the option to use the app completely anonymously. If you want people to find you, you can link the app to your email or phone number. Naturally, it also allows you to send text, audio, picture and video messages, all of which are encrypted. Likewise, you can create group chats, send files, and even create polls to more easily gather feedback from all your contacts. What’s more, it has a built-in secure browser and everything is stored on your phone instead of a random server that anyone can access, like WhatsApp.
wire
Wire is another encrypted messenger with the usual array of messaging options. It lets you chat via audio, text, and video, while also supporting GIFs, file sharing, and all the other things you love from WhatsApp. Unlike WhatsApp, it can sync across devices and supports multiple accounts for when you need to keep your communications separate. Wire uses its own open source encryption protocol called Proteous, but is based on the Signal protocol used by both Signal and WhatsApp and undergoes regular security audits to ensure its safety.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is an incredibly popular messaging app thanks to its Facebook connectivity and is available for free for both iPhone and Android. It includes stickers and GIFs along with all the basics like audio, video and text messaging if you’re into that sort of thing. That said, if you’re concerned about privacy and security, we have to say that this feature is coming slowly, while Facebook introduces end-to-end encryption to Messenger.
Skiff
Kik is little more than a messaging app; If you’re looking for more than a way to stay in touch with friends and family, it has a social component to chat with that makes it easy to meet new people. Sort of like TikTok, you can join live streams and watch and chat with lots of other users. When it comes to getting your friends and family online, you can let people scan a QR code on your profile to instantly join the conversation. It is free for iPhone and Android, although there are lots of ads. If you still value your privacy, you can sign up with an email address without providing your phone number.
Element
Element is an application designed to facilitate team communication. It comes from the Matrix ecosystem and is quite safe. This app features end-to-end encryption. The best thing about Element is cross-signature device verification to protect your data from unauthorized access. It can also be used for file sharing, video calls, etc. It meets all your messaging needs like and provides secure backup.
WeChat is a very popular messaging app and a good alternative to WhatsApp. WeChat, voice messages, calls, video calls, etc. It offers many ways of communication, including, but you need a stable internet connection for these. The difference from Whatsapp is that WeChat does not issue E2EE or read receipts and you cannot delete a message a few minutes after sending it.
spike
Spike is a dialog-based email app designed primarily as a collaboration tool, but also works well as a high-quality WhatsApp alternative thanks to its group-focused chat feature. Developed by an Israeli software company, the classic email inbox has been transformed into a modern communication platform that doesn’t require complex mail elements like subject lines or signatures. Signing up for Spike doesn’t require you to provide a personal phone number, unlike many other apps like WhatsApp, as it’s email-centric.
ginlo
The messenger service Ginlo is operated by the ginlo.net company of the same name, headquartered in Germany. Like most apps similar to WhatsApp, Ginlo allows its users to send encrypted messages and files. Users can increase the protection of their data by scanning a QR code when meeting face-to-face with a person and thus verifying their identity. Self-deleting messages is a special feature. Pictures, videos and chats can be automatically removed as soon as the recipient sees them. It is also possible to send a message at a predefined time. To do this, simply set your desired posting time in advance. Another feature of the application is that users can learn the latest news through content channels.
LINE
LINE is another WhatsApp messaging alternative and has attracted 300 million users worldwide. After registering, you can connect all LINE users in your phone book and send messages, audio and video. You can talk to your friends with a wireless internet connection. Also, the app has a timeline where you can see all the status updates and photo changes from your friends.
Skype
Skype has long been a popular messaging app for businesses and families. It’s a Microsoft classic when it comes to video calls and voice chats, and it’s perfect for making overseas calls. You can also record your Skype calls. If you have a large family or a large group of friends, this app can keep you all well connected. However, Skype has one downside, which is security. Overall, an app with reliable encryption but no eavesdropping protection whatsoever.
Discord
Discord first started as a chat platform for gamers. It now hosts a variety of servers that will allow you to interact with people who share your interests. This mobile and desktop messaging platform also has a DM function for sending personal messages. Discord lets you share files with your contact list, but be aware that the free version has an 8MB upload limit. When you initiate a video or audio call via Discord, you will also have the option to share your screen.
iMessage
iMessage is a good alternative to WhatsApp, but this app is only available on iPhone, iPad and Mac. You can use it to send SMS to all phone numbers regardless of the app the recipients are using. Like many other apps, iMessage supports text, video, and audio messages, as well as group calls, GIFs, and pictures. In some countries, Apple Pay is available through this app. When it comes to security, Apple sticks to its policy of not allowing governments backdoor access to iMessage. As long as others don’t have access to your iCloud backups, your messages will be safe.
slack
Slack is a messaging platform designed specifically for work environments. It’s great for groups and teams to communicate without using a phone number or email. The older generation will recognize many IRC-like features such as private groups, chat rooms or channels and direct messaging that this app has. The platform has been redesigned recently which makes it very simple and user friendly. Through Slack, you can share emojis and GIFs to spice up your files and conversations.
Wickr Me
With Wickr Me you can synchronize your messages across all your devices. But the most attractive feature of this messaging app is that you can set the expiration time for all your messages, whether they are text, images or videos. And that’s not the only security feature it has. It also provides localized encryption and a different key for each new message. Along with its great security features, Wickr Me promises its users complete anonymity and removes all metadata from any content sent through the app. With the release of the desktop version in 2014, Wickr Me became available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux.
KakaoTalk Messenger
KakaoTalk Messenger uses your mobile phone number to send you a 4-digit verification code when you create an account. It then syncs your contacts to find other KakaoTalk users, just as WhatsApp does. There is also the ability to start group chats, send pictures or voice notes, and share calendar and contact information.
Google Hangouts
You can think of Google Hangouts as a video calling service, but it also offers a lot when it comes to instant messaging. Hangouts allows you to send texts, photos and videos as well as make audio and video calls. Hangouts’ group messaging not only provides read receipts, but also tells you who read them; so it’s easy to keep track of what information people see. It works in any web browser on iPhone, iPad, and Android, as well as Mac or Windows, so friends and family can use it no matter what.