Almost every human on earth is a regular user of Meta-owned WhatsApp Messenger. Despite regular updates of new features, WhatsApp recently has faced a significant loss of users.
WhatsApp’s recently updated privacy policy clarifies how it handles users’ data within Facebook’s family of apps and products. It makes it clear that the company collects tons of telemetry data from your devices. This is why many users, including students, want to shift to a more personal and secure messaging app.
You surely have exchanged notes and sent your essays to help your friends. Messaging apps have become so convenient that WhatsApp became the medium of quickly exchanging data and media files as well.
But considering the data threats, it is time to move on and explore the other messaging apps. So, keep reading till the end!
Top 10 WhatsApp Alternative Apps You Can Use in 2022
1. Telegram Messenger
Telegram Messenger is the best-known WhatsApp competitor for a while now. It has features like the open-source messaging app, which is yet the best WhatsApp alternative. Other features include supergroups of up to 100,000 people, public channels, usernames.
You can share files of up to 1.5 GB. The app has security features like passcode lock, self-destructing messages & end-to-end encryption in secret chat among others.
However, a downside of Telegram is that the app does not have a video-calling feature.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (Free)
2. Signal Private Messenger
Signal Foundation powers the end-to-end encryption technology in WhatsApp Messenger and Facebook Messenger. It now offers its very own messaging app “Signal Private Messenger”.
Signal possesses a number of security benefits compared to WhatsApp. It has self-destructing messages with added screen security, which is one of the best features.
Plus, it brings encryption to backups, calls, group calls, and other data functions in the app. Even the files that you send are protected.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
3. Discord
Discord is not just a platform for chatting with gamers anymore. You can use Discord’s DM feature to send messages, emojis, GIFs, images, and even other media files. You can do voice calls, video calls, or even browse together by sharing your screen.
Another plus point is you can create group chats on Discord with a total of 10 members. For more capacity, you can create a server.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (Free)
4. Bridgefy
If you are out camping, sometimes even the normal text messaging apps do not work. That’s where offline messaging apps come into play.
Through Bridgefy, you can message a friend, broadcast them to the entire group, and even utilize users as nodes to send messages over long distances. It is quite helpful for outdoor activities like music festivals, sports events, natural disasters, and other situations where you cannot access a strong mobile network.
Availability: Android (free), iOS (free)
5. Kik
Users who do not prefer sharing their number can use Kik. It is a great service as you are only required to add your email ID. Once you sign up, Kik will provide a unique user name that you can share with other users to chat.
The best part is you will not lose any messaging features. You get to access all the important features which include text messages, emojis, stickers, Gifs, photo sharing, video sharing, and group chats, etc.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
6. Snapchat
Technically, Snapchat is not a messaging app but a social media app. But the messaging application has some unique features that no other messaging application offers.
For example, you can send messages that get self-destructed after a certain period. You get notified when someone takes a screenshot of your chats with them.
Finally, it also offers the best face mask collection, which makes this app fun and cheerful.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
7. Skype
Skype, without doubt, is one of the best business-based chat applications. It is one of the best chat-based applications on the market if you prefer to make a lot of video and voice calls.
To make overseas calls, the sound and video quality on Skype is far better than other apps.
Most apps don’t support group video calls or video calls with large participants. So, if you make frequent video calls to your friends and family, I recommend you use Skype over WhatsApp.
Availability: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web (Free)
8. Keybase
Keybase is an open-source chat application that is an excellent option for users who want secured communication. As it is an open-source app, no private company will check your data.
The data system is end-to-end encrypted, so there are zero chances the messages will get exposed. Even you can use it without any phone number or email ID!
You can remain in contact with users with who you don’t prefer to share your personal information. Also, Keybase is one of the few which offers a native application for the Linux operating system.
Availability: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows (Free)
9. Viber
Viber needs to stand out because of its features. First, the app offers end-to-end encryption in all the actions -calls, messages, and shared media.
Even messages stored in multiple devices are encrypted too, which makes the app multi-device support, something which WhatsApp lacks.
Viber offers other functionalities like sharing stickers, file sharing, last seen, voice & video messages, public accounts, backup to Google Drive, and many more. The sticker store and Viber games, are basically the games that you can play inside Viber.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows (Free, with rates for Viber Out)
10. Threema
Considered a “seriously secure” messaging app, Threema will be your choice for security. The app encrypts all the data, messages, shared files, and even your status updates. Though it lacks WhatsApp-like features – voice & video calls, nothing can beat its security features.
Comes in the usual messaging features, with a web client that functions similar to WhatsApp Web. Though it includes unique functions like the ability to conduct a poll in groups, password or fingerprint-protected chats, anonymous chat options (no number required), and the feature to agree/disagree a message.
Threema is also a paid app but if you need security and you need a simple messaging app, this app is worth the value.
Availability: Android, iOS, Web ($2.9)
Parting words,
If you consider recent issues raised against both Facebook and WhatsApp, it’s easy to understand why some users hesitate to agree to both WhatsApp and Facebook. For a while, at least your hesitancy will not force you to try the alternative applications suggested.
So, without delay, install any of these suggested applications, and resume your connectivity. remember nothing else matters when you feel safe to use what you believe is the best!
Author Bio – Clara Smith is a Manchester based professional visual editor and animator. She is also associated with the brand Myessayhelp.co.uk as a technical essay writer and creator. You can reach out to him for technical support for your academic posters or infographics.