Are you searching for a WhatsApp alternative that offers improved privacy, security, and advanced features in 2024? Well, look no further!
Whether you are looking for more customization options or simply a change of pace, we have got you sorted.
In this article, you will learn about top apps similar to WhatsApp, exploring their features, strengths, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision and find an ideal option for your needs.
Without further delays, let’s get started!
The 9 Best WhatsApp Alternatives In 2024
- Telegram
- Signal
- Viber
- Snapchat
- Line
- Skype
- Kik
- Threema
- Discord
Let’s take a closer look!
1. Telegram
Download Link: Android, iOS, Desktop
Telegram is one of the best apps like WhatsApp, renowned for its enhanced security and features including large groups and self-destructing media. As it is a cloud-based platform, you don’t need to worry about file size you can share.
Telegram ensures great privacy with its secret chat option with features like end-to-end encryption, no trace on servers, a self-destruct timer, and no forwarding of data.
Also, you can access it directly through the web without the need to download a dedicated app. You can send and receive messages, videos, and other media for free. But there are premium features including Telegram Stars to support your favorite channel, Paid Media, and Star subscriptions.
Key features of Telegram
- Document Viewer on iOS to easily open your documents during the chat.
- Self-Destructing Messages.
- Massive group capacity.
- Bots and API integration.
- Unlimited file sharing.
- Cloud storage which means you can access your sent media from any device.
- Customizable Interfaces like custom themes, stickers, etc.
Advantages
- Enhanced privacy and security.
- Large group chats and unlimited channels.
- No ads.
Comparison between Telegram and WhatsApp
- Telegram supports end-to-end encryption for secret chats by default whereas all the messages and calls in WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted.
- The group size and file-sharing capacity of Telegram is larger than that of WhatsApp.
- Telegram doesn’t have any business features while WhatsApp has WhatsApp Business with automated replies.
- Telegram has no built-in payment system whereas WhatsApp has its own built-in payment system.
Disadvantages
- No default end-to-end encryption.
- Dependency on phone number.
- No voice and video calls for the web version.
2. Signal
If you are looking for an app better than WhatsApp in terms of privacy and security, you can try Signal. Signal is one of the secured messaging apps that ensures that only the sender and reader can interpret the actual message.
You can share media, documents, and videos, and make calls with Signal for free. Not only for personal use but you can also use Signal for sensitive professional discussions.
Moreover, the app is available for multiple devices such as Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux.
Key features of Signal
- End-to-end encryption for messages, voice, and video calls.
- Ad-free.
- Private messaging.
- Screen security includes features like screenshot alerts, registration lock, etc.
- Minimal data collection.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
Advantages
- Highly secured platform: Signal uses a highly secured protocol and provides default end-to-end encryption to all media and calls, consequently making it a highly secured platform.
- Ephemeral chats which means that the messages will automatically disappear after a certain time.
- Screenshot alerts.
Comparison between Signal and WhatsApp
- Both messaging apps offer end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
- Signal collects minimal metadata like phone number and last connection date compared to WhatsApp.
- The signal is an open-source application. So, you can review its code which is not possible in the case of WhatsApp.
- You can set time limits for messages to disappear. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has no self-destructing message feature.
- While WhatsApp lacks a screen security option, Signal prevents others from taking screenshots of your chats.
- Signal has no built-in payment system like WhatsApp.
Disadvantages
- Smaller user base.
- Fewer customization options compared to other apps.
- Signal doesn’t offer cloud-based backup.
- Steep learning curve.
3. Viber
Download Link: Android, iOS
Viber is a free messaging app that allows you to communicate via messages and calls to anyone. And the extensive features like high-quality video calls, customized stickers, and secured communication make it a better alternative to WhatsApp.
Furthermore, if someone is not using Viber but you want to call them, it’s possible with Viber Out. Yes, you heard it right! You can call anybody, sitting in any corner of the world with the Viber Out, and that too at an affordable price.
Key features of Viber
- End-to-end encryption for calls, messages, and media.
- Viber Out to call non-Viber users.
- Supports group chats.
- Viber allows public account creation for businesses and creators.
- Wide range of stickers and emojis.
- Viber communities: You can join any Viber community to interact with others or create your own.
- Integrated wallet.
Advantages
- Rich media support.
- High-quality voice and video calls.
- Group chats and communities.
- Platform flexibility.
Comparison between Viber and WhatsApp
- Viber is an ad-enabled platform whereas there are no ads in WhatsApp.
- Viber collects minimal user data. On the other hand, WhatsApp collects more user data like usage patterns, device information, and others.
- Viber is owned by Rakuten whereas Facebook (Meta) owns WhatsApp.
- Both Viber and WhatsApp have business features and offer end-to-end encryption.
- There is no secret chat option on WhatsApp but you can communicate privately with Viber’s secret chat feature.
Disadvantages
- Smaller reach compared to other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram or Snapchat.
- In-App ads.
- No self-destructing messages.
- Requires contact details.
4. Snapchat
Download Link: Android, iOS
Snapchat is not your ordinary messaging app with which you can send messages and call others, but it is a dynamic, comprehensive, and interactive platform. You can share your moments from the day with your friends referred to as streaks.
You can send messages, voice and video calls with Snapchat. It also has a location option that lets you check the location of your friends. On top of that, you can discover and play stories from public accounts using its discover and play option.
Additionally, Snapchat Web makes it very easy to log in to your Snapchat account without downloading the app.
Key features of Snapchat
- Daily interactions by maintaining streaks with friends.
- Location Sharing.
- Discover stories from public accounts.
- Filters and lenses.
- Short-form videos like Insta Reels and TikTok known as Spotlight.
- Geofilters and personalized Bitmojis.
- Achievement badges to encourage interactions with Snapchat friends.
Advantages
- Ephemeral Messaging: All the media or messages you share on Snapchat disappear after they are viewed.
- Interactive Filters and Lenses.
- Memories option to revisit past snaps and stories.
- Snap Map for real-time location sharing with friends.
Comparison between Snapchat and WhatsApp
- Snapchat is centred around visual content like stories, photos, and videos whereas WhatsApp focuses on text-based messaging.
- Snapchat is better than WhatsApp if your messages are not needed to store for the future. On the other hand, you can use WhatsApp for personal and professional messaging where the content is stored in chat history unless manually deleted.
- Snapchat is known for its ephemeral nature and security features like screenshot alerts. In comparison, WhatsApp stores content on devices and is known for its end-to-end encryption.
- Snapchat mainly attracts the younger generation whereas WhatsApp has a broader user base like businesses, professionals, and older generations.
- Both of the apps have 24-hour content named stories and statuses respectively.
- While WhatsApp lacks AR lenses, Snapchat offers a diverse range of filters and lenses to create unique stories, photos, and videos. Also, there is an inbuilt music library on Snapchat.
- The location-sharing feature in which you can set the duration while sharing your location with others in WhatsApp is more secure compared to Snapchat’s real-time location sharing.
Disadvantages
- Limited Text Communication.
- Support ads.
- Not suitable for professionals.
- Privacy concerns due to real-time location sharing.
5. Line
Download Link: Android, iOS
Line is another secure and private messaging app among alternatives to WhatsApp that offers end-to-end encryption and unique stickers. From chatting with a single person to discussing your party plans in groups, you can do everything at ease with Line.
But wait, there is more! The line also has an in-built payment system called Line Pay to make secure payments using the app.
Key features of Line
- Line Pay for easy and secure payments.
- Line Camera with tools for photo editing, filters, stickers, and frames.
- Gaming integration.
- Device compatibility.
Advantages
- Comprehensive Features like messaging, in-app payment system, games, etc.
- Customized stickers and emojis.
- Unique features like Line VOOM to explore more content.
- Personalized themes.
Comparison between Line and WhatsApp
- Line doesn’t support the feature of self-destruction of messages similar to WhatsApp.
- Line has photo editing tools with filters and lenses whereas you cannot use any filter on WhatsApp.
- Line has an integrated platform line VOOM for short videos whereas you can only upload status in WhatsApp.
- The user fan base of WhatsApp is more broader than Line which is known mostly in Japan and Taiwan.
Disadvantages
- Limited global usage.
- In-app purchases.
- Cluttered interface.
- Connectivity issues.
6. Skype
Download Link: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Skype is another app like WhatsApp, developed by Microsoft, and allows you to communicate with others by sharing messages, media, audio calls, and video calls across the globe.
With features like high-quality video calling, low-cost international calling, built-in call recorder, and device compatibility, Skype offers a seamless communication experience to its users.
Key features of Skype
- Free voice and video calls with other Skype users.
- Instant messaging with exclusive Skype emojis, and GIFs.
- Affordable calling from Skype to phone.
- Virtual phone number.
- Call recording and Live translation options.
Advantages
- Widespread Availability.
- high-quality video and audio.
- Free and Low-Cost Options.
- Integration with Microsoft Office.
Comparison between Skype and WhatsApp
- Skype is owned by Microsoft whereas WhatsApp is owned by Facebook.
- Another key difference between Skype and WhatsApp is Encryption. Both apps provide end-to-end encryption. However, WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all chats, calls, and media by default, which is not the case with Skype.
- Skype has a built-in feature for call recordings while WhatsApp doesn’t own a similar feature.
- Skype offers affordable calls to international numbers but WhatsApp doesn’t offer direct international calling to their numbers.
Disadvantages
- Heavy Bandwidth Usage.
- Complexity for Basic Users who only need a messaging app.
- Takes time to set up a Skype account.
7. Kik
Download Link: Android, iOS
Want to ditch WhatsApp? Looking for some other similar apps that don’t require a phone number and still provide similar features? If your answer is yes, this alternative is the ultimate fix.
Explore Kik, a free messaging app that allows you to chat and find new friends. Due to its ease of creating an account without a phone number, it became popular among young adults who don’t want to reveal their identity.
Additionally, you can find your tribe by searching for people and public groups with hashtags. You can also go and watch the live video of others.
Key features of Kik
- Anonymity as Signup requires a username and email.
- Multimedia sharing.
- Public and private groups.
- Interactive chatbots.
Advantages
- Anonymity and Privacy.
- Interactive chat experience.
- Intuitive interface.
- Integrated web browser.
- No cost involved.
Comparison between Kik and WhatsApp
- Kik doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption for calls and chats whereas WhatsApp is known for the same.
- WhatsApp requires a phone number to sign up but there is no need for a phone number when signing up on Kik.
- Kik provides an in-app browser to browse content on the web directly from the app which is not possible with WhatsApp.
- Comparatively, Kik has a limited user base than WhatsApp.
Disadvantages
- Safety concerns.
- No end-to-end encryption.
- Lack of advanced features like disappearing messages, video conferencing, etc,
- Potential for misuse.
8. Threema
Download Link: Android, iOS
Threema is one of the top alternative messaging apps you can use in place of WhatsApp and is known for its emphasis on security and privacy standards. With threema, you can communicate with others without revealing your identity.
Now, you must be thinking that anonymous means no encryption or safety. Well, it’s different from Kik in this aspect, Threema allows you to share your content anonymously with end-to-end encryption.
Hence, Threema become a popular WhatsApp alternative for users who want to chat anonymously, without compromising on features and security.
Key features of Threema
- End-to-end encryption.
- No phone number or email is required.
- Support for group chats.
- Media sharing.
- No ads.
Advantages
- High security and anonymity.
- Platform flexibility.
- Open source.
- Doesn’t collect metadata.
Comparison between Threema and WhatsApp
- WhatsApp is a free-to-use messaging app whereas Threema requires a one-time payment.
- No don’t need a phone number to set up an account on Threema. On the other hand, WhatsApp is solely dependent on a phone number for account creation.
- Threema supports high anonymity compared to WhatsApp.
- You can set messages to self-destruct in Threema while there is no built-in feature for self-destructing messages in WhatsApp.
- Overall, Threem excels in privacy and anonymity whereas WhatsApp has a global user base and extensive features like broadcast lists, channels, etc.
Disadvantages
- Completely paid.
- Limited user base.
9. Discord
Download Link: Android, iOS
Lastly, yet important addition to our list of WhatsApp competitors is Discord. Discord is not only a great messaging app but also a powerful platform for finding and interacting with communities of all kinds such as gamers, creators, and others.
Like every other messaging app, you can chat, video call, and share media with others using Discord. Plus, you can play games like Fall Guys and Fortnite.
You cannot only join other communities but also create one for free where you can share daily updates with members. However, consider opting for a premium Nitro subscription for advanced features like HD streaming, custom profile, custom emojis, 500MB upload, and more.
Key features of Discord
- Enhanced interaction through video calling and screen sharing.
- Customizable community servers.
- Custom emojis and profiles.
- Easy file sharing.
- Security and privacy controls with the option to manage roles, permission, and server settings of communities.
Advantages
- Basic features are free to use.
- Real-time communication.
- Rich media support.
- No ads.
- Screen sharing and video conferencing.
Comparison between Discord and WhatsApp
- Discord is mainly designed for community building whereas the main focus of WhatsApp is easy and safe messaging for personal use.
- The file-sharing capacity of Discord is more than WhatsApp.
- Discord offers a premium plan named Discord Nitro subscription for advanced features. On the other hand, WhatsApp doesn’t have any premium subscription as of now.
Disadvantages
- Learning curve for new users.
- Limited End-to-End Encryption.
- Server management overhead.
Conclusion
That’s it for the article on the best WhatsApp alternatives. We have covered a range of options from private and secure messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and Viber to community-driven platforms like Discord.
However, if anonymity is your priority and you don’t want to reveal your identity, consider using messaging apps like Kik or Threema, which protect your identity.
Also, we have delved into the pros and cons of each app with a clear comparison to WhatsApp, to help you choose the best WhatsApp alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I consider using a WhatsApp alternative?
There could be various reasons why you might consider using a WhatsApp alternative including privacy concerns, enhanced features, regional restrictions, and security.
Also, you can check out this article to learn why people consider using a WhatsApp alternative.
Q. Who is WhatsApp’s biggest competitor?
Telegram is one of the top WhatsApp competitors due to its unique features and focus on security and privacy.
Q. Are these WhatsApp alternatives completely free?
Most WhatsApp alternatives are free to use including Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat.
Q. What is the best WhatsApp alternative for community-building?
Discord is the best WhatsApp alternative for community-building. However, you can also try using Telegram.
Q. Is Skype safer than WhatsApp?
No, Skype is not safer than WhatsApp if end-to-end encryption is a priority.
Related Readings
- Snapchat Alternatives
- 10 Best Skype Alternatives
- WhatsApp Channel Guide
- How to use WhatsApp Web
