WhatsApp AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Video Calling Apps

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

filter to find the best alternatives

WhatsApp alternatives are mainly Video Calling Apps, but if you're looking for Instant Messengers or Group Chat Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Apple Watch, Self-Hosted, Open Source, Windows Phone, EU, 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. Signal icon

    Signal

     1353 likes
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    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.

    215 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Snapcraft
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    58
    475
    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.
    Top Positive Comment
    jamiegray
    22

    Secure. Open source. Not owned by Facebook

    JOPloume
    Positive
    0

    everyhing is end-to-end encryped, it is open-source, it is free, it is making profits via donation, it is just great!

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

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

    Show more comments
    3 of 58 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, Security-focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2075 likes
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    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.

    285 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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
     
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    42
    564
    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.
    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.

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    3 of 42 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, Privacy focused and Security-focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  4. Element icon

    Element

     767 likes
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    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.

    301 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    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
     
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    11
    101
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    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.
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    3 of 11 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 Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Element is Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Google Chat icon
    Google Chat

    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...

    https://workspace.google.com
    Learn More
  6. Wire icon

    Wire

     312 likes
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    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

    Cost / License

    • 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)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    Wire screenshot 3
     
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    7
    90
    Comments about Wire as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    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.
    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

     558 likes
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    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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    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.
     
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    3
    73
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    MetaPixel_
    Positive
    3

    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.

    Guest
    Negative
    1

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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 Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  8. Threema icon

    Threema

     136 likes
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    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.

    121 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
    Threema screenshot 2
    Threema screenshot 3
     
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    4
    46
    Comments about Threema as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Secure, non-US based and you're the Customer, not the product.

    They really take care of your privacy!

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

    Its trustworthy and just works well.

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

    Threema is a great whatapp alternative. Just as easy to use as whatsapp, but (hopefully) more secure and non US based. However, just like whatsapp, it is an app only and lacks a client for PC.... :(

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    WhatsApp Icon
    Threema icon

    • Most users think Threema is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Threema is the most popular commercial alternative to WhatsApp.

    • Threema is Paid and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Threema is Privacy focused and Security-focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  10. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     283 likes
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    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.

    148 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
     
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    2
    21
    Comments about Jitsi Meet as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    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.
    WhatsApp Icon
    Jitsi Meet icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Jitsi Meet is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • 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
  11. Jami icon

    Jami

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

    160 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
     
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    1
    30
    Comments about Jami as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    Oscar Sanderson
    Positive
    1

    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

    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 Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  12. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

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

    68 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3
     
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    2
    11
    Comments about SimpleX Chat as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    this is probably the best private and secure alternative to WhatsApp as of 2025, I can personally say it's even better than Session in some ways. More people should use it.

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

    The UI of this app need to be polished, but everything is done correctly. I am really happy that this app and the service exist in this age.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    WhatsApp Icon
    SimpleX Chat icon

    • Almost everyone thinks SimpleX Chat is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • SimpleX Chat is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • SimpleX Chat is Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  13. Rakuten Viber icon

    Rakuten Viber

     335 likes
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    Offers secure messaging with end-to-end encryption, unlimited free calls, group chats for up to 250 members, rich media sharing, emoji reactions, AR lenses, self-destruct messages, affordable international calls, community channels, and robust privacy across devices.

    160 Rakuten Viber alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 1
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 2
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 3
     
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    2
    46
    Comments about Rakuten Viber as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    s b
    Negative
    0

    Servers with all the users' data are in Russia.

    UnleavenedEagle
    Positive
    -1

    Best commercial solution!

    • Active userbase
    • End to end encryption
    • No conference calling
    • Requires phone number
    WhatsApp Icon
    Rakuten Viber icon

    • Most users think Rakuten Viber is a great WhatsApp alternative.

    • Rakuten Viber is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Rakuten Viber is Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  14. Element X icon

    Element X

     40 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3
     
  15. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     264 likes
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    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.

    221 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Zulip as an Alternative to WhatsApp
    hrishikeshpatil
    Positive
    0

    Messages seperated by streams and topics

    WhatsApp Icon
    Zulip icon
    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Zulip is Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
12 of 81 WhatsApp alternatives