Whatsapp is a very popular communication app that allows users to interact with each other. It offers services globally and has over 3 billion users worldwide. You can send text messages, audios, videos, documents, location and other media and also make voice calls and video calls.
The main feature of whatsapp is its end-to-end encryption and user friendly interface. It is a free application and is available on androids, iOS, Windows and Mac. Whatsapp provides convenience in both personal and business communication. There are many apps like whatsapp which provide similar services and are next in line in becoming popular messaging apps. The list below consists of such 5 apps :
1. Signal
Signal is a popular messaging app whose main focus is providing security and ensuring privacy of users. There are about 40-70 million users of this app. It has a very similar interface like whatsapp and allows users to share media files, voice notes, make video calls and much more. All your conversations are secure in this app. It is one of the best alternatives to whatsapp with even better security. This app is recommended by many security experts and even Elon Musk.
Some of its key features are:
- It provides end-to-end encryption
- It has a feature of self destructing messages where messages are removed automatically after a certain period of time.
- This app doesn’t involve Meta unlike other apps and so the privacy of data of users is maintained.
- It is available on android, iOS and desktop.
2. Telegram
Telegram is another very popular messaging app. It has around 800 million users. This app also offers very similar features like whatsapp but with even more functionality. You can build a large community of users on one platform. It allows users to chat, make calls, create groups and share files.
Some of its key features are:
- You can create a large group chat with around 200,000 members.
- It offers end-to-end encryption
- This app also has a self-destructing messages feature.
- You can share large files up to 2GB.
- Users can create public channels on the platform.
3. Facebook Messenger
Facebook messenger is tied directly to facebook. However , this is a standalone messaging app which means that you don’t need a facebook account to use it. It allows people to connect to their facebook friends or phone contacts and send them personal messages, videos, voice notes, photos and much more.
Some of its key features are:
- Users can personalise their chats by adjusting the theme and colours to their own choice.
- It offers some cool animated effects , stickers and reactions that you can use to have a fun conversation.
- It also allows users to send and receive money through Facebook pay.
- You can also run your small business on facebook and get customer feedback and more.
4. Viber
Viber app is a very versatile app where people can send text messages, make video calls, voice calls and share files. It is a great platform for people who want to build big communities and increase their reach.
Some of its key features are:
- You can edit and delete messages.
- Your calls , chats and even group messages are encrypted for better privacy.
- It provides AR-powered filters.
- There is an option to customize your own stickers.
- You can create a group with about 250 members and build your community.
- Your data can be backed up in your google drive.
- It also has a feature called Viber out which allows you to make international calls to people who do not have a viber app. This requires you to take a subscription.
5. WeChat
WeChat is a popular Chinese messaging app which provides services to many different countries. It allows you to send text messages, share videos, photos, make voice calls and video calls. This is a complete app which offers some excellent features that most apps don’t.
Some of its key features are:
- WeChat has a mobile payment platform called WeChat where users can send and receive money, pay bills, create QR-codes and make online or store purchases.
- It offers end-to-end encryption.
- The app is available in multiple languages.
- You can access third party apps within WeChat and avail services like food delivery, health, hotels, flights and much more.
- You can play mini games on the app and even invite your friends and family.
- It allows businesses and public figures to create their channels and interact with their audiences and followers.
Our Recommendation:
Whatsapp might remain the most popular messaging app, however, there are many alternatives available for users who are looking for better security and privacy. The 5 apps that we have mentioned above have their own unique features and strengths. Each app has its own functionality. Users can choose which platform is much more suitable for them. These 5 apps are similar to Whatsapp and they can be a great alternative for users.
