Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source (Apache-2.0)
Application types
Platforms
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Docker




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, Windows, iPad and Web-based 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.




Pure instant messaging — simple, fast, secure, and synced across all your devices. One of the top 5 most downloaded apps in the world with over 1 billion active users.



ChatSecure is a free and open source messaging app that features OTR encryption over XMPP. You can connect to your existing accounts on Facebook or Google, create new accounts on public XMPP servers(including via Tor), or even connect to your own server for extra security.




A playful and interactive multimedia messaging app offering ephemeral photo and video sharing. Control view time, get alerts for screenshots, and engage with friends through gamified interactions and video calls.








Plus Messenger is an messaging app that uses Telegram 's API. Plus Messenger has all of Telegram's features plus themes. Plus Messenger is free for android devices.












The project seems no longer developed since 2019. Last version, 2.6.6, released in October 2019, can be still downloaded from F-Droid, it's no longer available on Google Play Store
Free communication protocol


Kik is way more than just messaging. It’s the easiest way to connect with your friends, stay in the loop, and explore – all through chat. No phone numbers, just pick a username.




Fully open source instant messaging server and clients. No proprietary components or non-free dependencies. Backend in pure Go (GPL 3.0), with a command-line administration tool in python + gRPC. Clients for Android, iPhone, and Web - ReactJS (all licensed under Apache 2.0).




Most feature-complete replacement.
Completely open source and free end-to-end. Download and run.



KakaoTalk is a phone number based messenger service that allows users anywhere in the world to chat one-to-one or in a group for free. (no SMS service)




It's a very good alternative to whatsapp because it's end-to-end encrypted, open-source, no backdoor, no ad. Olvid care about privacy and don't need any information to use it.