There are millions of people on WhatsApp, and now that all of a sudden, everyone is getting worried about privacy, here are some of the best WhatsApp alternative free messaging apps. These apps follow the same trait of WhatsApp when it comes to security, some even better, and offer a lot of features that WhatsApp may take ages to rollout.
Free WhatsApp Alternative apps
We recommend you try each of these and see what fits you. Not only the features are important, but it also matters if your friends, relatives and peers are going to be there.
- Signal
- Telegram
- Viber
- Discord
- Line.
Remember, not every messaging app is built for you. They all have different ways to approach the same problem. Most of us might be stuck to the same WhatsApp because most of us contacts prefer that, and so even if people start switching, it will take a while time.
1] Signal
The Signal app was founded by one of the founders of WhatsApp, and at this date, it is one of the most secure and privacy-minded messengers. It offers features like disappearing messages, use of keyboard without text collection, supports video and audio calls, view-once media messages, and more.
Signal features:
- Screen Lock with two-factor authentication
- Disable Message, and contact preview
- Disappearing messages and images
- Incognito Keyboard
- Relay Calls to hide IP address
- Local Backup (Android) with passphrase protection
- Group has zie of limit to 1000 as of now
- Supports seamless switch between standard text and secure text
- Multiple Device support
- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
Download – Signal.
2] Telegram
While it may not be as secure as Signal, the Telegram app is extremely popular for its features. Since messages are always on the cloud, it allows you to access messages from any device, but it also makes it less secure. That said, it still offers a Secure Chat feature if that is your primary requirement. It can automatically delete files from both ends once the chat is cleared.
Telegram Features
- An excellent choice if you have a large size of group members as it can accommodate 200K members
- Support for hashtag which makes searching easy
- Schedule messages
- Send a message with vibration or in silence.
- Supports size of up to 1.5GB, which also makes it excellent for file sharing
- Supports voice and video call
- Supports bots for better platform integration
- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
Download – Telegram.
Read: Signal vs Telegram comparison.
3] Viber
Viber app is a cross-platform instant messaging and voice over IP service. It allows users to exchange messages without paying for SMS and charges for calls, texts, etc. It offers all types of features like any other messenger, including an end to end encryption for calls, messengers, and files.
- Supports multiple devices
- Easily transfer calls between devices.
- Group chats, calls, voice and video calls.
- Unlimited members
- Verify the identity of who you’re chatting with by exchanging secret keys.
Download – Viber.
4] Discord
If you are a gamer, this is one service you want to use. It has been specifically designed to build a community for gamers who want to text, voice chat, and video call during the gameplay. That said, the platform is also popular amount developers, influencers, and other types of community.
Discord Features:
- Supports Video Chat, Screen Sharing
- Multiple roles for groups
- Topic-based text channels
- Voice channels, private channels, and more
- Users can send private messages to other users as a direct message or make voice or video calls.
- Option to edit messages.
- Add reaction to messages.
- Subgroup support
Download – Discord.
5] Line
While not so popular, Line has its days as one of the most underrated cross-platform messaging apps, which packs in a lot of features and a great alternative to Telegram. This app is more about fun than anything serious. It offers tons of stickers, the latest news, coupons from artists and bands. It has a built-in store where you can buy themes, games, call credits to dial to standard telephones, and more.
Line Features:
- Free voice and video calls
- Send free one-on-one and group texts to your friends.
- Tons of Stickers
- Special Coupons from Popular Artists and Brands
- Keep allows you to save messages, videos, links, and images in one place.
- Face Filters and Effects
- Face Play allows you to play games with a friend from a video call or chat.
- Open Chat is an online space where you can meet strangers.
Download – Line.
I hope the post was able to give you clear insight into the features of various WhatsApp alternative free messaging apps and if you really need to switch. That said, I am sure there are tons of other messengers available, and if you are using one of them, do share in the comments section.
PS: Also take a look at Session messaging app. It offers stronger security – and no phone number required!
