Guess what. You decided to visit this page because you’re fed up with WhatsApp spying on your online life, aren’t you? You are not the only one. Others are on the quest to find a better WhatsApp alternatives that has stronger privacy, more features, or simply a better interface.
Ever since Meta took over WhatsApp, there’s been growing concern about data sharing, especially with Facebook. Users now want something more secure, something that doesn’t require them to trade privacy for convenience. That’s where this guide comes in.
In this post, I’ll walk you through messaging apps that I’ve personally tried and tested. Some offer stronger encryption, others give you control over your metadata, and a few even let you chat without using your phone number.
Let’s explore what features matter most and which apps stand out.
Features That Matter in WhatsApp Alternatives
There are some features that I want to see when you are trying to find an alternative to WhatsApp.
End-to-End Encryption
This is the gold standard. If your messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, someone else could read them. Apps like Signal and Threema offer industry-leading encryption based on the Signal protocol.
Data Privacy and No Metadata Collection
Some messaging apps collect metadata like your contacts, when you message, and even how often. Good alternatives avoid that.
No Need for a Phone Number
One underrated feature is using a username instead of a phone number. Telegram, Threema, and Discord offer this flexibility, which adds a layer of anonymity.
Cross-Platform Support
If you’re like me and use both desktop and mobile, you need an app that works well on all your devices.
Extra Features
Group chats, file sharing, video calling, and self-destructing messages are just icing on the cake.
Tip: Always read the app’s privacy policy and check where the servers are located. Countries like Switzerland often have better privacy laws.
Telegram: Feature-Rich and Flexible Messaging
Telegram is a widely popular WhatsApp Alternatives. I use it every day and adore it because it’s extremely quick.
Secret Chats for True Privacy
Telegram does not enable end-to-end encryption in its service out of the box, though it has an alternative called Secret Chats that allows it. It makes your chats end-to-end encrypted as well as device-specific.
File Sharing and Cloud-Based Messages
Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram stores your messages in the cloud. This means you can access them from any device. It also supports massive file sizes, perfect for sending videos or large documents.
It also lets you set usernames, so you don’t have to give out your number. Handy, right?
Customisation and Bots
The app is hugely customizable, and it has awesome bots. Whether it is translation or reminders, there is something for every user.
Signal: The Gold Standard in Privacy
Signal is my personal favourite when it comes to privacy-focused messaging. It’s fast, clean, and doesn’t collect your data.
Signal Protocol and Zero Metadata
It employs its custom Signal Protocol, which is among the most secure ones across the globe. People, even those like Edward Snowden, swear by it. Unlike WhatsApp, Signal does not store your metadata or contact details.
No Ads, No Tracking
Donations fund the Signal Foundation, so there’s no shady ad business here.
Bonus Points: It’s Open Source
Anyone can audit Signal’s code. That kind of transparency builds trust.
Viber: Simple and Secure Calling
Viber doesn’t get talked about enough, but it deserves more love.
Strong Encryption by Default
All messages and calls are encrypted end-to-end. You don’t even need to toggle a setting. It just works.
Communities and Public Chats
Viber lets you create communities and engage in public chats. It’s great if you want to build a group around interests.
Extra Tools
You can use stickers, video messages, and disappearing chats. The UI is easy enough for anyone to understand.
Discord: More Than a Gamer Hub
People usually think of Discord as a gamer’s platform, but it’s so much more now.
Great for Group Messaging
Servers and channels are implemented in Discord and are efficient in well-structured conversations. I play with it on the job, in study groups, and even in family conversations.
Username System
No phone number required! You can stay anonymous if you want to.
Voice and Video Quality
Discord’s voice and video quality are top-notch, especially for group calls.
Skype: Trusted Video Calling Platform
Skype may feel old-school, but it still has some strong features.
Good for International Calls
Skype shines in international voice and video calls. It even lets you call real phone numbers.
Integration with Microsoft
If you use Office apps or Outlook, Skype feels like a natural fit.
Secure But Not the Most Private
Skype uses strong encryption, but it’s not end-to-end. Still, it’s a reliable tool for business chats.
Threema: Swiss Precision in Messaging
Threema is based in Switzerland, where privacy laws are strong.
Anonymous Use and Swiss Servers
You can use Threema without a phone number or email. Just generate a Threema ID. Plus, it stores data on Swiss servers.
No Ads, No Data Collection
Threema doesn’t track you or serve ads. It’s a paid app, but it’s worth it if privacy is your top concern.
Google Chat & Messages: Built-In Simplicity
If you use an Android phone, Google Chat and Google Messages are already there.
Easy To Use
They integrate perfectly with Android and support SMS, RCS, and group texting.
Basic Privacy Features
End-to-end encryption is available in some situations, especially with RCS, but it’s not consistent.
Great for Everyday Use
They’re great for people who just want simple messaging with a clean interface.
Facebook Messenger: Still a Top Contender
Despite its privacy concerns, Facebook Messenger still has a massive user base.
End-to-End Encryption (Optional)
You can enable Secret Conversations to activate end-to-end encryption. Otherwise, Facebook can see your messages.
Fun Features
It’s loaded with games, stickers, stories, and even payments. Great for casual chats.
Data Sharing Is Real
If you’re worried about Meta’s data practices, this might not be the app for you.
Step-By-Step Tech Guide: How to Switch from WhatsApp
Making the switch to a WhatsApp alternatives doesn’t have to be scary. I’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: Choose Your New App
Think about what matters to you. Do you want privacy? Go with Signal or Threema. Want fun features? Telegram or Discord might be better.
Make a list of your top 2-3 apps. Try each one out. All the apps I mentioned are free to download, except Threema.
Step 2: Backup Your WhatsApp Data
Before you leave WhatsApp, back up your chats. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Please save it to Google Drive or iCloud.
Remember, you can’t move chats directly to another app, but you can export important conversations.
Step 3: Install and Set Up Your New App
Download the app from your app store. During setup, you may or may not need to verify your phone number (Signal does, Threema doesn’t).
Add your contacts manually or let the app scan your address book. Adjust privacy settings like read receipts, backups, and two-factor authentication.
Step 4: Let Your Contacts Know
Send a message on WhatsApp or post a status update telling people how to reach you. Most apps also offer invite features.
Trust me, your friends will thank you once they experience the new app.
Step 5: Delete WhatsApp (Optional)
Once you’re fully switched and confident, you can uninstall WhatsApp. But you don’t have to. Some people keep it around for a few contacts who haven’t changed yet.
FAQs About WhatsApp Alternatives
1. What is the most secure WhatsApp alternatives?
Signal is widely considered the most secure because it uses open-source encryption and doesn’t log metadata.
2. Can I use a messaging app without sharing my phone number?
Yes, Telegram, Discord, and Threema allow you to use usernames instead of phone numbers.
3. Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?
In some ways, yes. Telegram offers Secret Chats with end-to-end encryption and doesn’t belong to Meta.
4. Do WhatsApp alternatives support group chats and video calls?
Absolutely! Apps like Signal, Telegram, and Viber offer support for group chats, including video calls.
5. Are WhatsApp alternatives free?
Most of them are free. Threema is a paid app, but it offers unmatched privacy in return.
Conclusion
It is now easier than before to move to a superior messaging app. No matter how much you appreciate privacy, cool features, or a better design, you can find numerous WhatsApp alternatives to explore. I switch between Signal (secure) and Telegram (groups). If you haven’t visited these, now’s your chance.
Attempt something, one or two, and afterwards inform your contacts. Your data should be guarded, and you should have superior tools.
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