WeChat AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Instant Messengers

The best Instant Messenger alternative to WeChat is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to WeChat and loads of them are Instant Messengers so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Instant Messenger alternatives to WeChat are Telegram, Element, Tox and WhatsApp.

filter to find the best alternatives

WeChat alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Group Chat Apps.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of WeChat.
WeChat iconWeChat
  106
  • ...

WeChat is a complete mobile communication and private social networking app. Free, cross-platform, and full-featured, WeChat is the best way to keep in touch with everyone you care about.

More about WeChat
More about WeChat
WeChat alternatives page was last updated Apr 18, 2024
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Alternatives
  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1265 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.

    222 Signal alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Mobile friendly
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Stickers

    Signal VS WeChat

     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to WeChat
    Sam Lander
    Positive •Jul 2, 2023
    0

    Signal is private and secure. Even Snowden endorsed it, and he has a threat model that is likely above any user on this site.

    It is clean, fast, and not bloated like WeChat.

    WeChat Icon
    Signal icon

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to WeChat.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to WeChat.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceWeChat is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Signal is Privacy focused and Security-focusedWeChat is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2045 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    298 Telegram alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    • Android Auto
    Telegram Desktop

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Video Calling
    8.  Multi Device Support
    9.  Channels
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Bots
    12.  Secret chats

    Telegram VS WeChat

     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to WeChat
    Sam Lander
    Positive •Jul 2, 2023
    -1

    Telegram is probably the best alternative for WeChat in terms of functionality.

    You get privacy and more security, and a better app that is more lightweight with a better UI.

    WeChat Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great WeChat alternative.

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to WeChat.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryWeChat is also Freemium and Proprietary
    • Telegram is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWeChat is not according to our users
  4. Element icon

    Element

     710 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Provides secure collaboration with end-to-end encryption, supporting chat, voice, and video calls. Available on all major platforms, it enables digital sovereignty with a decentralized design and interoperability through bridges to systems like Slack and Teams. Includes enterprise-grade SaaS.

    303 Element alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Clean design

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Federated
    4.  Team Collaboration
    5.  Encrypted Chat
    6.  Video Calling
    7.  Matrix Protocol
    8.  Voice Chat
    9.  Direct Messaging
    10.  Federation
    11.  Cloud Hosting
    12.  Cross-Platform

    Element VS WeChat

     

    • Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to WeChat.

    • Element is Freemium and Open SourceWeChat is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Element is Decentralized and Privacy focusedWeChat is not according to our users
  5. Tox icon

    Tox

     549 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    216 Tox alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Screen Sharing
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  AES-256 Encryption
    10.  P2P Network
    11.  Client side encryption
    12.  Dark Mode

    Tox VS WeChat

     
  6. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     843 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Exchange messages without SMS fees using this app for iPhone, Android and desktop, featuring group chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls. The app requires an internet connection and the latest version for optimal functionality.

    253 WhatsApp alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Wear
    • Android Auto
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Custom Backgrounds
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Picture in Picture
    7.  Two-factor Authentication
    8.  Screen Sharing
    9.  Multiple Account support
    10.  Support for @mentions
    11.  Expiring Stories
    12.  Passkey Support

    WhatsApp VS WeChat

     
  7. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     68 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    SimpleX - the most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption! Built on Haskell with Love and Coffee.

    59 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Decentralized
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Multiple Account support
    7.  Self Destructing Messages
    8.  Video Calling
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Voice messages
    11.  VoiP Calls
    12.  No Tracking

    SimpleX Chat VS WeChat

     
  9. Wire icon

    Wire

     307 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.

    281 Wire alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    Wire screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Security-focused
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Video Calling
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  VoiP Calls
    5.  Encrypted calls
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  WebRTC
    9.  Secure File Sharing
    10.  Voice Chat
    11.  Voice messages

    Wire VS WeChat

     

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to WeChat.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceWeChat is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedWeChat is not according to our users
  10. Viber icon

    Viber

     335 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Free and secure calls and messages to anyone, anywhere.

    168 Viber alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • JP flagJapan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Viber screenshot 1
    Viber screenshot 2
    Viber screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Desktop Sharing
    2.  Phone calls
    3.  VoiP Calls
    4.  Animated stickers
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Support for @mentions
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Voice Chat
    10.  Call Transfer
    11.  Secret chats
    12.  Hidden chat

    Viber VS WeChat

     
  11. Element X icon

    Element X

     25 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    It is the brand new, and fastest ever, Matrix client. It is for personal and community use, and will support enterprise functionality later this year.

    94 Element X alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  VoiP Calls
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Matrix Protocol
    4.  Decentralized
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Voice Chat

    Element X VS WeChat

     
  12. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     204 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    230 Zulip alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    Zulip screenshot 1

    Top Zulip Features

    1.  Threaded Conversations
    2.  Team Collaboration
    3.  Support for Hotkeys
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Support for MarkDown
    6.  Syntax Highlighting
    7.  Chat Bot
    8.  Secure Chat
    9.  Third party integrations
    10.  Integrated File Sharing
    11. GitHub icon  GitHub Integration
    12.  Integrated Search

    Zulip VS WeChat

     
  13. Molly icon

    Molly

     32 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Molly is an independent Signal fork for Android.

    190 Molly alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Secure Chat
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Text messaging
    6.  Monero exchange
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Cloud Sync
    10.  SOCKS proxy client and server

    Molly VS WeChat

     
  14. Conversations icon

    Conversations

     99 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Conversations is a privacy focused, open source XMPP Texting [Jabber] client for Android 4.0+ smart phones with wife-approved easy encryption [OTR, OMEMO, or GPG].

    160 Conversations alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    Conversations screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Intuitive Interface

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  Image Sharing
    5.  Supports XMPP
    6.  OMEMO
    7.  OpenPGP
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  GPG Encryption
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Self Destructing Messages
    12.  Dark Mode

    Conversations VS WeChat

     
12 of 74 WeChat alternatives