WhatsApp AlternativesOnly Web apps categorised as Instant Messengers

There are many alternatives to WhatsApp as a web app if you are looking for a replacement. The best Online Instant Messenger alternative is Telegram, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to WhatsApp and many of them are Instant Messengers available as a web app so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Online Instant Messenger alternatives to WhatsApp are Element, Wire, Matrix and Threema.

filter to find the best alternatives

WhatsApp alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers, but if you're looking for Video Calling Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Apple Watch, EU, Open Source, Self-Hosted, Windows Phone, Blackberry and Android. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to WhatsApp.
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Alternatives list

  1. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2085 likes

    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.

    293 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
    |
    42
    Telegram vs WhatsApp Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    mrmbl
    21

    You can have a username that you can change any time, so you don't have to share your phone number with strangers in groups

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    12

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    s b
    Negative
    0

    Russian FSB operation, stay away.

    3 of 42 comments
    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Telegram is LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  2. Element icon

    Element

     791 likes

    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.

    313 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
    |
    11
    Element vs WhatsApp Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Vladimir Studinsky
    9

    Decentral (federation), sure. Open source - client, protocol and server

    Biep
    Positive
    0

    It gives access to the federated, open source, free Matrix network, and through bridges to lots of other social media.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 11 comments
    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Element is Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  4. Wire icon

    Wire

     319 likes

    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.

    284 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
     
    |
    7
    Wire vs WhatsApp Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    8

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    4

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 7 comments
    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  5. Ad
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    Google Chat icon
    Google Chat

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    Secure team messaging platform with organized topic-based conversations, real-time collaboration on Docs, Sheets, Slides, integrated calendar scheduling, one-click meetings, shared tasks and files, Google Workspace support, admin...

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  6. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     393 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    172 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • 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
    Main Page
     
    |
    3
    Matrix vs WhatsApp Comments
    Biep
    Positive
    0

    It is open source, e2ee, free, federated, well-maintained, open protocol (allowing bridges to other social media).

    Guest
    Positive
    1

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    WhatsApp without spyware of Facebook

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Matrix is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  7. Threema icon

    Threema

     139 likes

    Threema is a new mobile messaging app that puts security first. With true end-to-end encryption, you can rest assured that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages.

    125 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
     
    |
    5
    Threema vs WhatsApp Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    0

    Serves in Switzerland & above all it works perfectly.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    duco
    Positive
    1

    It's also end to end encryped but not run by a US company that could force the company to give out data. It has a better data protection then signal as no mobile phone number is required. The address book can be uploaded but doesn't has to. Also you can scan the IDs of others as QR-Code and three dots display very prominent for each contact how secure it is.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Its trustworthy and just works well.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    • Threema is Paid and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Threema is Privacy focused and Security-focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  8. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     289 likes

    Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free.

    153 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
     
    |
    2
    Jitsi Meet vs WhatsApp Comments
    EchtWahr
    Negative
    7

    Jitsi is a conferencing platform not a messenger

    vadim_the_brave
    Negative
    0

    Its videoconferencing platform, not a messenger

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Jitsi Meet is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Jitsi Meet is Security-focused, Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  10. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     268 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    229 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Zulip vs WhatsApp Comments
    hrishikeshpatil
    Positive
    0

    Messages seperated by streams and topics

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Zulip is Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  11. Fluxer icon

    Fluxer

     19 likes

    Free and open-source instant messaging and VoIP platform with private DMs, group chats, markdown, file sharing, video calls, screen sharing, moderation tools, quick search, custom emojis, CSS themes, AGPLv3 self-hosting, and multi-device access.

    9 Fluxer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Fluxer screenshot 1
     
  12. FluffyChat icon

    FluffyChat

     37 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    191 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
    FluffyChat screenshot 1
     
  13. Messenger icon

    Messenger

     231 likes

    Provides comprehensive communication features including group video calls, voice calls, fast messaging, photo sharing, and location mapping. Access through mobile and web platforms with real-time notifications, ensuring seamless interactions using multimedia tools.

    201 Messenger alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    Messenger screenshot 1
     
    |
    2
    Messenger vs WhatsApp Comments
    Gruak
    Negative
    2

    It's owned by facebook too

    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Encryption is not enabled by default. Everything is kept on Facebook's servers forever unless AES is used. The app is also very bloated so it's a horrible experience on older devices.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Messenger is Free and ProprietaryWhatsApp is also Free and Proprietary
  14. LINE icon

    LINE

     107 likes

    LINE is transforming the way people communicate, closing the distance between family, friends, and loved ones for free.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Google Chrome
    LINE screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    LINE vs WhatsApp Comments
    woma12321
    Positive
    -1

    great stickers! QR code available.

    • LINE is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
  15. Trillian icon

    Trillian

     280 likes

    Trillian is an instant messaging app that works on phones, tablets, and desktops while keeping your chats neatly synchronized between all of them! We think conversation should be easily shared between all of your devices, not trapped as text messages on your phone.

    149 Trillian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Trillian screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Trillian vs WhatsApp Comments
    yee42069
    Negative
    1

    just a messaging service consolidator

    • Trillian is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
12 of 41 WhatsApp alternatives