The most widely used messaging service worldwide is WhatsApp Messenger, which is owned by Facebook. In order to maintain its position at the top, the company regularly releases new features. WhatsApp does not, however, appear to be a hit with everyone. To better explain how it manages your data within the Facebook family of apps and products, WhatsApp recently updated its privacy policy. The company clearly states in the policy that it gathers a lot of telemetry data from your device. Additionally, since WhatsApp is now widely used, we won’t hold it against you if you find it to be a little irritating. Here are the top 10 WhatsApp alternatives you can use in 2022 if you want to switch to a more private or secure messaging app.
Best WhatsApp Alternative Apps You Can Use in 2022
We have discussed apps in this article that are both feature- and privacy-focused. Using the table of contents below, you can navigate to any app you want to see the full list of WhatsApp alternatives.
1. Telegram Messenger
The best WhatsApp rival, Telegram Messenger, has long been known, and nothing has changed. The greatest WhatsApp substitute is still the open-source chatting programme. The latter offers additional features like super groups of up to 100,000 people, public channels, usernames, the ability to share files up to 1.5 GB, pass code lock, self-destructing messages, and end-to-end encryption in secret chat in addition to the standard messaging features that both WhatsApp and Telegram pack.
Telegram Bots are another option that significantly improve the experience. There are various game bots that allow you to play games inside the messaging app in addition to the bots that deliver you essential information on the fly. Additionally, unlike WhatsApp, Telegram can be used simultaneously across different devices, allowing you to start a text conversation on your phone and finish it on your PC. I also like how well-functioning the voice call functionality is here.
Despite this, Telegram does not provide video calling. But it makes up for it by introducing genuinely distinctive features that are absent from WhatsApp. So, if you don’t care about video calls, Telegram Messenger is a solid option for your chatting app.
Accessibility: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Windows Phone, Android, and iOS (Free)
2. Signal Private Messenger
The end-to-end encryption technology in WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is powered by the Signal Foundation, which also provides its own messaging service called Signal Private Messenger. Signal offers more security advantages when compared to WhatsApp, as you may imagine. Self-destructing communications, screen security (which prohibits screenshots), and other features are available.
Additionally, Signal adds encryption to all of the app’s data, including calls, group calls, and backups. Signal protects everything you send, even the files. Furthermore, Signal doesn’t relate any data to your identify, as stated in Apple’s App Store listing.
Anyone who wants to safely communicate with other users should use this app. Because of this, journalists tend to like Signal quite a bit. A simple and secure messaging app is what Signal Private Messenger is for, and if you’re seeking for anything like that, it’s the finest WhatsApp replacement for you.
Available on Android and iOS (Free)
3. Discord
Discord is now more than just a place to chat with other gamers. The DM functionality of Discord is frequently disregarded by many users, despite the fact that you can explore a range of servers to connect with your interests. You can send messages, emojis, emotes (if you have Discord Nitro), GIFs, photos, and even documents using Discord’s personal communications function. After sharing your screen, you may also conduct voice calls, video calls, or simply just browse together.
With its handy integrations with Spotify, Twitch, YouTube, Battle.net, Steam, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox Live, and GitHub, Discord is arguably superior to WhatsApp in terms of meeting all of your chatting needs.
On Discord, group chats with up to 10 participants are also possible. Always construct a server if you need extra space. If I were you, I would suggest installing Discord instead of WhatsApp right away. You can download Discord from the link provided below, and I can guarantee that you won’t be sorry you did.
Accessibility: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and iOS (Free)
4. Bridgefy
The fact that internet connectivity is required for online messaging services like WhatsApp to function is one of their key drawbacks. Even the typical text messaging apps won’t operate if you are camping in the woods. Offline texting apps come into play in this situation. These applications can operate without a cell network or internet connection.
Instead, they enable you to send messages to your close pals by creating a peer-to-peer Bluetooth mesh network or Wifi Direct-based network on your phone. Use Bridgefy to find such an app if you’re seeking for one. Person-to-person, broadcast, and mesh messaging are the three major types of messaging services offered by Bridgefy.
You can broadcast messages to the entire group, send them to a friend directly, or even use users as nodes to relay messages over great distances. It is quite handy when you won’t have access to dependable mobile service, such as at music festivals, sporting events, natural disasters, and other similar scenarios.
In reality, because they enable users to circumvent internet bans imposed by their governments, Bridgefy and other similar apps have become a haven for demonstrators all across the world. The programme is the greatest offline WhatsApp replacement in my opinion and is free to download and use. You ought to look into it.
Install: iOS and Android for free (free)
5. Kik
For those who don’t want to provide their phone number to access a messaging app, Kik is a perfect option. I am aware of many customers who are uncomfortable giving their personal phone numbers with chat services like WhatsApp, despite the fact that they are required to use their number by services like WhatsApp.
As long as you have an email address, Kik is a terrific service for those users. When you register for the service using your email address, Kik will provide a special user name for you that you may use to talk with other users.
The best thing about utilising Kik is that you keep all of your existing messaging capabilities. You continue to have access to all the essential features, such as group conversations, photo sharing, video sharing, emojis, stickers, and GIFs.
The support for bots, which WhatsApp does not offer, is another distinctive aspect of Kik. You may play quizzes, get fashion advice, the most recent news, and more by using bots. That being said, Kik’s primary USP continues to be its lack of a phone number need, so if that’s something you desire, check it out.
Available on Android and iOS (Free)
6. Snapchat
Although Snapchat is officially a social networking app rather than merely a messaging app, I find myself using it more and more as a messaging app because of some special capabilities that no other messaging app can provide. I could, for instance, send messages that would expire after a certain amount of time. Additionally, it alerts me when someone screenshots one of my conversations with them. Finally, it has the largest selection of face masks of any app I’ve ever used, which adds to the excitement of using it.
In addition, group chats, voice calls, group voice calls, gifs, and other messaging tools are available.
Snapchat is one of the most cutting-edge messaging systems available, which is another reason why I adore it. Snapchat frequently steals the functionalities that users of WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger typically enjoy. Snpachat is the software to download if you want to enjoy these great features and be the first to know about new chat capabilities.
7. Skype
Available on Android and iOS (Free)
Without a question, Skype is among the greatest corporate chat programmes available. Skype has surpassed all other enterprise chat programmes thanks to the strength of Microsoft behind it. However, that development has hurt Skype when it comes to personal talks because its reputation as a company deters regular users. However, let me assure you that Skype is among the best talking programmes available, particularly if you make a lot of voice and video calls.
Due to Skype’s superior sound and video quality compared to its rivals, I particularly find it beneficial when I’m making international calls.
I adore Skype’s capability for group video calls as well.
8. Keybase
Group video conversations are not supported by the majority of other apps, and when you add more than three or four individuals, those that do frequently lag. I can without a doubt recommend Skype over WhatsApp or any other chat app if you frequently video call your friends and family. To find out how to utilise Skype to the maximum, read our article on Skype techniques.
Availability: Web, macOS, iOS, Android, and (Free)
For users that want to connect securely, Keybase is a superb open-source secure chat programme. Since this software is open-source, no private entity is looking at your entire data set. In any case, the data is end-to-end encrypted to ensure that malicious actors never get access to the message.
Even taking screenshots of the discussions is not an option in the app. The chat programme functions more like Slack than WhatsApp but is primarily geared at individuals who are concerned with their internet privacy.
9. Viber
My favourite aspect of Keybase is that you can connect with anyone without needing their phone number or email address. This allows you to remain in contact with users with whom you don t want to share your personal information with. Finally, this is one of the few messaging apps which offer a native application for Linux operating system. If you value your privacy, you should definitely check it out.
Availability:Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows (Free)
Viber is another popular messaging and VoIP app that really stands toe-to-toe with WhatsApp when it comes to features. Firstly, the app offers end-to-end encryption in calls, messages and the shared media. Moreover, the messages saved in multiple devices are also encrypted, which brings us to the fact that the messaging apps packs inmulti-device support, which WhatsApp lacks.
Like WhatsApp, Viber lets you make video and voice calls but the app goes one step ahead with itsViber Outfeature, which lets you make international calls to non-Viber users at nominal rates.
10. Threema
Talking about the messaging features, Viber includessupport for stickers, file sharing, last seen, voice & video messages, public accounts, backup to Google Drive and more. There is also a sticker store and Viber games, which are basically games you can play inside Viber. If you consider everything, you d notice that Viber is an app that is very similar to WhatsApp. It packs in most of the features from WhatsApp and then some more.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows (Free, with rates for Viber Out)
Threema is a seriously secure messaging app, which should interest you if you are concerned about your security on WhatsApp. The appencrypts all the data, including messages, shared files, and even status updates. While it lacks WhatsApp features like voice & video calling, its security features are certainly impressive.
Along with end-to-end encryption in the app, the app also does not collect metadata and offers variousencrypted backup options. Threema is open-source and has a very transparent privacy policy, so your security is in safe hands while you are using the app.
Bonus: LINE
It packs in the usual messaging features, along with a web client that works similar to WhatsApp Web but includes a few unique touches like the ability to create apoll in groups, password or fingerprint-protect chats, anonymous chatting (no number required), and the ability to agree/disagree to a message. Threema is a paid app but if security is important to you and you want a simple messaging app, it is worth the money.
Availability:Android, iOS, Web ($2.99)
Another WhatsApp alternative you can use is LINE, which is a highly popular cross-platform messaging app that packs in a ton of features. Like WhatsApp, the app features end-to-end encryption, support for voice and video calls & messages and more.
It also brings quite a few unique features when compared to WhatsApp likeLINE Out(lets you make international calls to non-LINE users), sticker store, a coolKeepfeature (lets you save your favorite messages, photos etc.), and more. It also features atimelinein the app, where you can see any status updates and photo changes from your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can I use instead of WhatsApp?
Other useful features of LINE includepasscode lock, filter messages, themes, LINE Pay for payments, and more. There s no doubt that LINE is a very capable and feature-rich messaging app, however, itdoes feel a little bloated. So, fans of WhatsApp s simplicity might not like LINE much but if you aren t bothered by that, you should give LINE a shot.
Q. Is there a better app than WhatsApp?
Availability: Android, iOS, iPad, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox (Free)
Q. Which is the best app for video calls other than WhatsApp?
You can check out apps like Telegram or Signal instead of using WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Q. Which is the most private messaging app?
Yes. If you want a feature-rich app that offers all the features you need, I d recommend going with Telegram or Discord.
Q. What messaging apps are associated with Facebook?
Discord s video calling is great if you often video call with friends. You can also check out Google Duo, a dedicated app from Google for video calling.
Best WhatsApp Alternative Apps to Use
If you value your privacy, you should install and use Signal.
