One of the most widely used messaging applications on the market is WhatsApp, but you’ll need to find another program if you ever feel the need to leave Meta, its parent company, permanently. The top WhatsApp alternatives address this by providing a new messaging app. Even with end-to-end encryption, privacy experts and security users are still concerned about the app’s privacy.
The greatest WhatsApp substitutes include almost the same features and privacy as WhatsApp itself, but they also provide end-to-end encryption, which makes them far safer than SMS texting. Below are the top alternatives for WhatsApp that you can download immediately.
Top 10 WhatsApp Alternatives (Free) – 2024
10 Best WhatsApp Alternatives (Free)
Here are the 10 best WhatsApp Alternatives to be used for free in 2024:
1. Signal
After WhatsApp’s terrible privacy policy controversy in January 2021, Signal saw a sharp increase in popularity and became one of the top WhatsApp alternatives. A lot of users have downloaded the chatting platform. Like Snapchat, Signal protects user privacy by preventing screenshots from being taken within the app. This stops users from recording conversations or other content, guaranteeing that no data is disclosed without permission. Tap the profile icon to activate this feature.
Features:
- Nonprofit Security Initiative.
- Keep calls and messages private.
- Provides media files to multiple recipients.
- Holds group calls and conversations.
- Prioritizes security and privacy.
- Allows message visibility scheduling.
Pros:
- User-friendly features.
- Provides end-to-end encryption for safe communication.
- Adaptable to multiple platforms for uninterrupted connectivity.
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow theme customization.
- Requires a phone number for registration.
- There is no cloud backup due to privacy promises.
Pricing:
- Free
2. Telegram
Telegram is an all-in-one editing application, top WhatsApp alternatives. The encrypted messaging software Telegram stores data on devices and then moves it from the local caches to Telegram’s servers via a hybrid data storage approach. As a component of a dispersed network, the servers are spread throughout the globe.
Features:
- Globally situated servers that are a part of a distributed network.
- Uses a hybrid data storage system for storing messages and deleting them.
- It requires downloading and registering a phone number.
- Provides channels, group chat, phone, picture, and video support.
- Shows conversation threads and a contact list.
Pros:
- High level of security.
- Protecting against cyberattacks.
- Facilitating professional communication.
Cons:
- Non-open source servers.
- Saves user data and IP addresses.
- Possible exchange of data with governmental organizations.
Pricing:
- Free Edition
3. iMessage
iMessage is another top WhatsApp alternative, equipped with a variety of tools for communicating with clients. Using Apple’s iMessage text messaging service is one of the most often used methods. Customers may easily communicate with businesses through iMessage, which enables them to reach a larger audience without the need to download extra apps. It provides end-to-end encryption to safeguard private client data and foster confidence.
Features:
- iMessage is available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices.
- Enables texting and receiving anytime.
- Uses end-to-end encryption for data protection.
- Integrates with Siri and Apple Pay for seamless payments.
Pros:
- Enhancing consumer satisfaction
- Has a built-in phone number capability; syncs with Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
- No login or username is required.
Cons:
- Only compatible with Apple products.
- There are few possibilities for customization.
- Potential points of weakness for cybercriminals.
Pricing:
- Free
4. Viber
Viber Messenger is one of those top WhatsApp alternatives that makes it easy for users to send and receive audio messages, share files, initiate voice and video conversations, and converse via end-to-end encrypted text messages.
Features:
- Every open chat is visible on the home screen.
- Tapping the purple “Compose” symbol initiates new talks.
- A contact list and options for group conversation are at the very top of the display.
- Settings and preferences can be found in the Meatball menu on the home screen.
- It has a sticker market where users can upload and download stickers.
Pros:
- It enables SMS and phone calls to every installed contact.
- Using the most recent version, group chat creation is permitted.
- Allows a caller to view their previous call.
Cons:
- Viber cannot be used on more than one device at once.
- Does not offer call blocking for irregular and unknown calls.
- It needs to be registered and reinstalled.
Pricing:
- Free Edition
5. Skype
Skype stands out as the top WhatsApp alternatives make it possible for people to communicate globally. Using Skype, millions of people and organizations may send instant messages, share files with others, and make free voice and video calls for one person or a group. Any device that suits you best can be used to utilize Skype: a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Downloading Skype is free, and it’s user-friendly.
Features:
- It is simple to install and use across several platforms.
- It provides a plenty of services, such as video conferences, chat, calls, meetings, interviews, and cellular-like functions.
- Free software that is reputable and owned by Microsoft.
- The cost of paid features increases with additional features, starting at a few dollars.
- It allows for a wide range of communication methods, such as screen sharing, file uploading, scheduling, recording meetings, SMS messages, free texting, etc.
- Accommodates background effects and real-time subtitles.
Pros:
- Clear and simple layout.
- Adaptable to user choices, including theme and adding or removing features.
- Clear audio,video calls, and videos with high resolution are provided.
Cons:
- Lacks call encryption features.
- Extended use may cause health issues.
- Limited emergency calling features impact users in specific regions.
Pricing:
- Free Edition
6. Discord
Discord, one of the top WhatsApp alternatives, is no longer only considered to be a Voice-over Internet Protocol application but also a social media platform. Discord is an app that provides its users with several features, including text messaging, voice conversations, video calls, and video streaming.
Features:
- Instantly expands sentences in multiple languages.
- VoIP to Social Media Conversion
- Made the switch from VoIP to social media.
- Provides voice calls, text messaging, video streaming, and video calling.
- Popular among internet users, with over 250 million registered and 100 million active users.
- Hosts different communities across fields.
Pros:
- An easy-to-use interface that doesn’t require technological expertise.
- A platform that may be customized with light and dark settings.
- Great control over users individually and server owners.
Cons:
- Serious problems with encryption and privacy.
- Privacy policies have come under fire from critics, yet little has changed.
- Call quality dips happen a lot with Discord.
Pricing:
- Free Edition
7. Threema
Threema is another app, among the top WhatsApp alternatives. The word “Threema” itself denotes security. The app’s name is a mix of the abbreviation “EEEMA,” which stands for “end-to-end encrypted messaging applications,” and the “three E’s” (end-to-end encryption).
Features:
- An easy-to-use instant messaging platform, including live chats.
- To message, you must scan your phone number or use your Threema ID.
- Is devoid of sophisticated communication tools like project management, secure file transfer, and screen sharing.
- Provides a web client for desktop use, agree/disagree polls for gathering group opinions, and polls for fast opinion expression.
Pros:
- By default, contacts are not synced.
- Provides data security and safety safeguards.
- Offers end-to-end encryption for every kind of communication.
Cons:
- There is no free trial.
- Limits file sharing to 100 MB.
- Unsuitable for high-resolution photos or videos.
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Premium Plan: $5.99
8. Google Messages
Google Messages is one of the top WhatsApp alternatives messaging programs designed for Wear OS and Android mobile operating systems, connecting SMS, RCS, and instant messaging. Pre-installed on most new Android phones, it serves as the default messaging app, providing backup message delivery.
Features:
- Offers voicemail transcription services.
- Messages can be scheduled for delivery at a later time.
- ‘Nudged’ reminders and voice message transcriptions are provided.
- Provides value addition by integrating with other Google apps.
- Provides functions including typing detection, emoji reactions, responding to particular messages, and “delivered” and “read” status.
Pros:
- Most Android phones can handle simple SMS messages.
- Provides a competitive substitute with planned features.
- Interfaces with Google services and applications.
Cons:
- Requires efficient daily management.
- Current popularity is crowded with Google Messages or other RCS-enabled apps, making it difficult to use on a daily basis.
Pricing:
- Free Edition
9. Wire
Wire is another top WhatsApp alternatives, with features including file sharing, group chat, secure messaging, and safe communication with other clients, Wire is a highly acclaimed corporate collaboration suite.
Features:
- Accessible on GitHub.
- Audited by X41 D-SEC GmbH.
- Provides email registration privacy.
- Complies with GDPR regulations.
- Works with popular browsers.
Pros:
- Messages that are open source.
- Offer end-to-end encryption.
- Available in a free version.
Cons:
- Keeps track of personal information.
- Isn’t 2FA compatible.
- A modest user base (around 500,000).
Pricing:
- Free
10. GroupMe
GroupMe is a convenient messaging app and one of the top WhatsApp alternatives that makes sharing files, photos, and links simple and promotes collaborative productivity through group creation. A free group messaging app is called GroupMe. It’s an easy method to keep in contact with loved ones. Anyone in the address book can be added, so even your friends without cellphones can join and start chatting with the group right away.
Features:
- Facilitates scheduling coordination and event planning.
- Offers instant messaging and real-time communication.
- Allows for continuous upgrades, particularly for mobile devices.
Pros:
- An easy-to-use interface even for non-techies.
- The ability to search through previous discussions.
- For increased privacy, phone numbers are not required.
Cons:
- There is no end-to-end encryption.
- Communication is occasionally interrupted by errors.
- The possibility of spam as a result of shared links.
Pricing:
- Free
Which Top WhatsApp Alternative is Best?
The top WhatsApp alternative is widely regarded as Telegram, which is founded by founder Pavel Durov, offers free use with plans for sustainability. Future plans include paid sticker packs, premium services for businesses and users, and ads on public channels.
Telegram is a great messaging software for privacy-conscious users due to its cloud-syncing and good privacy features. It’s easier to sell than Signal and offers entertaining instant messaging features like interactive stickers.
Conclusion
If you want to be free from Facebook’s terms and conditions, moving from WhatsApp to one of the other options, like the ones the top WhatsApp Alternatives mentioned above, is a wise decision.
End-to-end encryption, privacy, and other special features are provided by any of these platforms, which will make your move beneficial.
FAQs – Top 10 WhatsApp Alternatives
1. Which app is more secure than WhatsApp?
The best secure and private substitute for WhatsApp is Signal. User privacy and safety are the messaging app’s main priorities. It is more reliable than WhatsApp since it makes use of cutting-edge, open-source encryption.
2. Is there a more superior WhatsApp alternative?
Telegram is another WhatsApp substitute that functions similarly to Signal. Although the main focus is security, you’ll find yourself in a similar predicament to Signal when trying to get all of your friends to sign up.
3. Is it safe to use GB WhatsApp?
WhatsApp bans GBWhatsApp, making it unsafe due to potential malware leaks. Users can save files from reliable websites but must obtain files from trusted sources.