Great Alternatives To WhatsApp
The first month of the year is getting close to its end, and we are witnessing the Largest ever digital migration. Due to the privacy policy update, WhatsApp caused controversy among its users. The controversy has caused users to migrate away from WhatsApp and to other more private messaging apps. So we decided to research and publish a list of apps so that you can consider one of them for your next private messaging application.
The factors to consider in this list are the app’s unique features, security, privacy policy, and overall popularity. All these apps are available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. So let’s get into our list of Top 10 Great Alternatives to WhatsApp.
Skype
Skype is the original free communication and video call software. It started as desktop software. As the technology progressed, they released their Android and iOS applications plus applications for other platforms.
Like WhatsApp, you can send and receive calls and messages for free on skype. You can create groups to communicate with multiple people. But Skype is not end-to-encrypted like WhatsApp and is also owned by another tech giant, Microsoft. Microsoft probably collects some of its user’s data from skype, but Microsoft is not as controversial as Facebook. As a classic, skype may be an excellent alternative to WhatsApp.
Telegram
Telegram is currently the app that has benefited the most due to this digital mass migration. People mistakenly consider Telegram to be end-to-end encrypted by default, but it’s not. However, Telegram does offer a secret message feature that is end-to-end encrypted. This secret message is so secure that just because of this feature, some governments have banned Telegram.
Other than the secret message, Telegram offers everything that WhatsApp offers, plus it provides channel features where people can subscribe like youtube. If you are aware of the write features, Telegram can be a great alternative to WhatsApp.
Line
Line is a popular app in Asia. This app is a typical private messaging app that allows you to send funny stickers as your reaction or expression. This feature enables your receiver to get a good idea of your understanding or reaction to the topic in conversation.
The Line app’s interface is tabs-based. The tabs have news and deals, and offers from popular brands. These features indicate that the Line app does collect our data to show us interest-based ads, But the Line app has never caused such a controversy as WhatsApp/Facebook. Line may be an excellent alternative to WhatsApp, but there are some drawbacks.
WeChat is the most popular communications application in china. WeChat has a fantastic array of features that Chinese people use in their daily life. With WeChat, you can book a cab, transfer funds, schedule appointments, and much more. Due to the fact you can transfer funds via WeChat, the app is end-to-end encrypted, and this app is secure to use.
But the WeChat app is not that popular outside of China since it is from china. WeChat has very few features outside of China, but as the app is getting more popular in other continents, WeChat is releasing more and more features. It is up to you to try WeChat as an alternative to WhatsApp.
IMO
IMO is an app like TikTok. It is a simple private messenger and free voice and video call application, but it offers a little extra by giving you a chance to upload stores and short video clips like TikTok. Even though Imo predates TikTok, the idea clicked with the arrival of TikTok.
Imo is not end-to-end encrypted, but it has a great unique feature. We know that in Middle Eastern Countries like Saudi-Arabia and UAE, you can not use WhatsApp for free calls and messages. Still, if you have an internet connection or a data package, you can use IMO as an alternative to WhatsApp.
Discord
Discord is a community-based application for desktop, web, and mobile. This app targets the gaming community. Casual and Professional Gamers use this app to communicate with their audience or each other. They also use it to coordinate with team members during missions.
The Discord servers are for casual conversation; it is free and secure but may show you gaming based ads due to the nature of its community aspect. It is an alternative to WhatsApp but not for everyone.
Threema
Threema is a new popular app that has all the known features of any private messaging application. You chat with it, do a voice and video call, create group lists, and share files and documents. But the best part about it is that you don’t have to link an email or contact number to use it. Threema creates your unique user ID, which other users use to communicate with you.
Now here is a twist. Threema doesn’t collect any of your data and show you any ads, but this is the first paid app on our list for just $2.99 a month. You will get all of the features mentioned above with end-to-end encryption. $2.99 is a small price to pay for your security and privacy.
Element.io
Element.io is an app based on open-source software, which means that developers can make edits to its code and customize it as per their requirements. It offers all the standard features of private messaging apps, and it’s free of cost.
We have learned from our experiences that if something is free, you are the product. The same is also true for Element.io. The end-to-end encryption is not on by default, and you need to turn it on manually. Please keep this point in mind if you decide to use Element.io as your alternative to WhatsApp.
Wire
Wire is an excellent alternative to WhatsApp because it was founded in Europe and follows the strict European Data retention law. Wire offers a free personal and paid business plan. The Business plan offers additional features, and Both are end-to-end encrypted.
The paid plans offer file optimization for easy sharing, Audio filtering, 1.1, and group screen sharing. Wire is available for Android, iOS, Web, and desktop. You can connect your Wire account with eight sync devices in the paid plan. All Wire features are secure and private without any data collection.
Signal
Signal is currently the most recommended application. This is an open-source application with customization ability with end-to-end encryption turned on by default. It offers all the features of WhatsApp, and it’s all free and secure, and open source. The Signal app is made by “Brian Acton” the former co-founder of WhatsApp, who left WhatsApp right after Facebook bought the company. He left because he did not agree with Mark Zuckerberg’s (Founder of Facebook) views.
On Jan 7th, 2021, Elon Musk (Founder Tesla) recommended using Signal App as an alternative to WhatsApp. Musk’s announcement led to a massive number of downloads of the application. Edward Snowden (The America Whistleblower and Privacy Activist) also regularly uses Signal App. All the features and endorsement has made Signal App the most favored to be used as an alternative to WhatsApp.
Final Conclusion
We have listed all of our researched apps with their pros and cons. The final decision is always yours, no matter which new app you decide to migrate to as an alternative to WhatsApp. Be sure to follow whateverison for the latest technology news. Thanks a lot for reading all the way, and please be sure to read more of our blog posts.
