WhatsApp Alternatives

One of the most popular alternatives to WhatsApp is Signal, which is free and open source. Other popular alternatives are Telegram, Element, Matrix and Fluxer. You're spoiled for choice with Instant Messengers like WhatsApp: we list more than 100 alternatives for Android, iPhone, Windows, iPad and the web.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most WhatsApp alternatives are Instant Messengers, but you can also narrow the list to Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Other popular filters are Apple Watch, Open Source, Android, Windows and Windows Phone. You can also filter for EU-based alternatives if you prefer software from the European Union.
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Alternatives
WhatsApp alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. White Noise aims to be the most secure private chat app on Nostr, with a focus on privacy and security. Under the hood, it uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol to manage group communications in a highly secure way.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2025

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  2. VK Messenger icon
     3 likes

    VK Messenger is a fast app for chatting. Stay in touch with friends in chats and calls.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2019

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
  3. Tango icon
     30 likes

    Offers free global video and voice calling, group chat with up to 50 participants, in-app messaging that bypasses SMS plans, music clip sharing via Spotify, photo editing, gaming and gifts, animated messages, mini-games during calls, and centralized media gallery.

    86 Tango alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Brave Talk icon
     8 likes

    Unlimited, private video calls, right in your browser. No extra apps. No tracking. Just free connections, powered by Brave .

    37 Brave Talk alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2020

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Brave
    • Google Chrome
    • Google Calendar
    Good alternative?
     
  5. Safe, Fast And Decentralized Messenger.

    Zangi Private Messenger is a decentralized messaging app with a focus on security and low data usage.

    23 Zangi Private Messenger alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2018

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  6. XChat icon
     7 likes

    Chat with anyone on X in a private, focused space built for conversation. No ads. No tracking. Fully end-to-end encrypted.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2026

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Silence IM icon
     54 likes

    Protect your communication in transit and on your phone. Silence (formerly SMSSecure) is a full replacement for the default text messaging application: all messages are encrypted locally and messages to other Silence users are encrypted over the air.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Android
    Good alternative?
     
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  8. Kik icon
     56 likes

    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.

    109 Kik alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Kindle Fire
    • US flagUnited States
    Kik screenshot 1
    Stream and interact with your viewers in the live-chat or invite them in the guestbox.
    Kik screenshot 3
    Good alternative?
     
  9. Kaidan icon
     4 likes

    Kaidan is a simple, user-friendly Jabber/XMPP client providing a modern user interface using Kirigami and QtQuick. The back-end of Kaidan is written in C++ using the QXmpp XMPP client library and Qt 5.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2020

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • Plasma Mobile
    • Flathub
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Skred icon
     3 likes

    Skred is the first secure peer-to-peer instant messaging app - No need for an email address or phone number to use it.

    Skred is free, without subscription, without a provider, without a SIM card, and without leaving a trace.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2022

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  11. Anonymous chat service connecting users globally. No sign-up needed. Advanced filters for partner selection by location, age, and interests. Supports text, voice notes, video calls, and media sharing. Customizable chat rooms, contact save feature, and a secure environment.

    29 Stranger Space alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2025

    Platforms

    • Online
    Good alternative?
     
  12. SchildiChat icon
     14 likes

    SchildiChat is a Matrix client based on Element with a more traditional instant messaging experience.

    47 SchildiChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2021

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
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