The Best WhatsApp AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like WhatsApp

WhatsApp is described as 'Free messaging without SMS fees, web sync, and multimedia sharing, supporting group and video chats, available on iPhone, Android, and desktop' and is a leading instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to WhatsApp for a variety of platforms, including Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows and iPad apps. The best WhatsApp alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like WhatsApp are Telegram, Element, Wire and Tox.

filter to find the best alternatives

WhatsApp 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 WhatsApp.
WhatsApp iconWhatsApp
  843
  • ...

Free messaging without SMS fees, web sync, and multimedia sharing, supporting group and video chats, available on iPhone, Android, and desktop.

More about WhatsApp
More about WhatsApp
WhatsApp alternatives page was last updated Jan 26, 2025
  Suggest Alternatives
  1. Signal icon
    Signal icon

    Signal

     1250 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.

    220 Signal alternatives
    Signal screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    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.  Mobile friendly
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Stickers
    Signal iconWhatsApp Icon

    Signal VS WhatsApp

    Is Signal a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
       
    Comment summary: Users overwhelmingly prefer Signal over WhatsApp for its strong privacy and security features. Signal is praised for being open-source, not owned by a major corporation like Facebook, and for its minimal data collection. It is run by a non-profit and provides excellent encryption, making it a top choice for security-conscious users. However, a few comments suggest that Signal may lack some features when compared to WhatsApp.
    zokris

    Inside: E2E encryption everywhere, P2P calls for better video/audio quality, state-of-the-art technologies. Outside: a beautiful modern interface, animations, responsiveness. I ?? it

    Top positive comment •May 17, 2021
    5
    Joseph Leskey

    Signal is an excellent open source WhatsApp alternative, offering simplicity, competitive features, simplicity, and privacy-focused design.

    Positive comment •Jan 26, 2025
    0
    Guest

    Does not track you! Very good security features Nice functionnalities

    Positive comment •Sep 15, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 57 comments
    WhatsApp Icon
    Signal icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great WhatsApp alternative.

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

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

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

    Telegram

     2041 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...

    293 Telegram alternatives
    Telegram Desktop

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    Telegram iOS #1
    Telegram iOS #2
    +9
    Telegram iOS #3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy 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 iconWhatsApp Icon

    Telegram VS WhatsApp

    Is Telegram a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
       
    Comment summary: Telegram is praised for its flexibility, additional features such as desktop functionality without a phone connection, and privacy measures. Many users describe it as more fluent and fun compared to WhatsApp. However, some critique its security, noting that chats are unencrypted by default and lack full end-to-end encryption, which WhatsApp provides. Telegram is appreciated for being open-source and offering features like cloud storage and multi-device support.
    LinuxDoge

    Better than whatsapp yes, but still bad.

    Chats are still only encrypted if you choose to, Groups are always unencrypted, the Desktop version doesnt support encrypted Chats for years, for no reason.

    Use Signal or Matrix

    Top positive comment •Jun 10, 2022
    6
    Guest

    If you are looking for a more secure and privacy friendly alternative to WhatsApp, then Telegram is NOT for you. Chats are unencrypted by default, group chats can't be encrypted at all and the business model is not transparent.

    Top negative comment •Jan 18, 2021
    12
    Jonas Braun

    Telegram is a fantastic alternative to WhatsApp, offering more features like larger group chats, enhanced privacy options, and seamless file sharing—all wrapped in a sleek and intuitive interface.

    Positive comment •Nov 22, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 41 comments
    WhatsApp Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great WhatsApp alternative.

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

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Telegram is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  4. Element icon
    Element icon

    Element

     704 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.

    299 Element alternatives
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Collaboration widgets
    Collaboration and screen sharing
    +1
    Connect with other apps

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    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.  Federation
    10.  Direct Messaging
    11.  Cloud Hosting
    12.  Simple installation
    Element iconWhatsApp Icon

    Element VS WhatsApp

    Is Element a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
       
    Guest

    Element is end-to-end encrypted (including groups unlike Telegram) and does not require a phone number (which is personally identifiable information. Signal requires it). Element is very simple to use for the average person yet very useful for the advanced one (a personal server can be deployed). It is also libre/free (as in freedom) and fully open-source, based on a libre/free protocol (matrix.org).

    Top positive comment •Jan 16, 2021
    12
    Guest

    It is floss (free/libre and open source) and the developers are friendly and open to the community.

    Positive comment •Apr 22, 2021
    1
    resu

    Federated, strong focus on privacy and security.

    Positive comment •Jan 31, 2021
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 10 comments
    WhatsApp Icon
    Element icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Element is a great WhatsApp alternative.

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

    • Element is Freemium and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Element is Decentralized and Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    CloudTalk.io icon

    CloudTalk.io

    Cloud-based phone centre solution with 50+ advanced call features, ready to use in a minute. CloudTalk helps more than 1000 smart companies as DHL, Electronic Star, Yves Rocher deliver exceptional customer support & boost the...

    https://www.cloudtalk.io
    Learn More
  6. Wire icon
    Wire icon

    Wire

     306 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.

    279 Wire alternatives
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    +2
    Wire screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    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 iconWhatsApp Icon

    Wire VS WhatsApp

    Is Wire a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Wire as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
       
    Guest

    Basically Signal on steroids. Also, open source and doesn't ask for your phone number, allows creation of throwaway accounts as well as basic group conversation functionality. Perfect.

    Top positive comment •Apr 2, 2019
    8
    Guest

    More Privacy oriented, more secure, but best of all OpenSource. Unfortunately it ain't free (as in money but free as in freedom).

    Positive comment •Mar 1, 2020
    0
    Guest

    Elegant UI, encrypted communication, on all relevant operating systems, has great VoIP and video call quality and so on.

    Positive comment •May 23, 2019
    4
    Show more comments
    3 of 7 comments
    WhatsApp Icon
    Wire icon

    • Most users think Wire is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to WhatsApp.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  7. Tox icon
    Tox icon

    Tox

     546 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.

    212 Tox alternatives
    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.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    qTox. A Tox client developed in C++ with the Qt framework
    uTox. A Tox client written in C using OS primitives to draw it's interface
    +5
    Ricin. A Tox client written in Vala using the GTK toolkit.

    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 iconWhatsApp Icon

    Tox VS WhatsApp

    Is Tox a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
    Guest

    Focused on security messages are encrypted and it is Open Source. Like whatsapp, you can send files, groups chats and video messaging. Skype is more popular with normies, but Tox has all the bells and whistles that whatsapp did.

    Positive comment •Aug 9, 2018
    4
    MetaPixel_

    Secure and high quality peer-to-peer communication, audio and video group calls, and unlimited file transfers. The only disadvantage compared to alternatives is that you can only successfully communicate if both peers are online, but that is part of the nature of the protocol and thus safety is prioritized.

    Positive comment •Aug 22, 2018
    3
    Guest

    Works well on desktop but not mobile like Whatsapp. Only mobile apps are experimental and not user friendly.

    Negative comment •Nov 26, 2021
    1
    WhatsApp Icon
    Tox icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Tox is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Tox is Decentralized, Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  8. Matrix icon
    Matrix icon

    Matrix

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

    Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.

    160 Matrix alternatives
    Main Page

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Federation
    4.  Team Collaboration
    5.  Distributed
    6.  Spaces
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Multiple Account support
    12.  Support for @mentions
    Matrix iconWhatsApp Icon

    Matrix VS WhatsApp

    Is Matrix a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Matrix as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
    Guest

    You can choose, which client you like the most and use it

    Positive comment •May 16, 2018
    1
    WhatsApp Icon
    Matrix icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Matrix is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Matrix is Decentralized, Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  10. Jami icon
    Jami icon

    Jami

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

    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    162 Jami alternatives
    Jami video conference OS X

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami conference call Linux
    Jami screensharing Linux
    +9
    Jami instant message on mobile device

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Video Conferencing
    4.  Peer-To-Peer
    5.  Video Calling
    6.  Encrypted Chat
    7.  Multi Platform
    8.  Distributed
    9.  End-to-End Encryption
    10.  SIP client
    11.  Screen Sharing
    12.  No Tracking
    Jami iconWhatsApp Icon

    Jami VS WhatsApp

    Is Jami a good alternative to WhatsApp?
     
    Comments about Jami as an Alternative to WhatsApp
     
    Oscar Sanderson

    Jami is a great alternative to Whatsapp since it is decentrailsed so no one can read your messages and it is open source so its privacy claims are verifyable unlike Whatsapp

    Positive comment •Jul 22, 2021
    1
    WhatsApp Icon
    Jami icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Jami is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Jami is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Jami is Decentralized and Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
7 of 251 WhatsApp alternatives