WhatsApp Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to WhatsApp for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative 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 available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to WhatsApp are Telegram, Element, Wire and Tox.

WhatsApp alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Group Chat Apps or Video Calling Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of WhatsApp.

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Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.

More about WhatsApp

WhatsApp alternatives page was last updated

Signal
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
209 Signal alternatives
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
- - Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to WhatsApp.
- - Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to WhatsApp.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
Private messaging
Encrypted Connection
Mobile friendly
GPLv3
Secure Chat
Stickers
Desktop Application
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Comments about Signal as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great WhatsApp alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
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 •
4

Goldmaster
Not for profit, it's free, open source and secure. It's so easy, that anyones grandma could use it.
Top positive comment •
3

VenuReddy
signal is more secure than whatsapp , end to end encryption is turned on by default. Signal is very clean compared to whatsapp.
Positive comment •
0

swapnilgnu
Run by a non-profit org. Respects users' privacy. Doesn't sell users data (metadata). Both, the server and client, apps are opensource.
Positive comment •
1

Alexa Banker
It's so much better! And they're always improving. Nothing better for security
Positive comment •
3

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5 of 54 comments
Telegram
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
272 Telegram alternatives
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
- - Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to WhatsApp.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationTelegram supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Channels
Bots
Secret chats
Cloud based
Animated stickers
Integrated File Sharing
Persistent History
Comments about Telegram as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great WhatsApp alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
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 •
1

Otutodilichukwu Iheanacho
Telegram has many features that WhatsApp doesn't. The big limitation on WhatsApp is that you can not use it on PC unless it is also open in your mobile phone! Another point is the range of amazing and funny stickers that Telegram has!
Top positive comment •
17

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 •
10

valenfpolanco
I prefer Whatsapp :) love it.
Positive comment •
0

Marcio Wilford
I really prefer telegram!
Positive comment •
0

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5 of 38 comments
Element
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Flathub
F-Droid
Cloudron
275 Element alternatives
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
- - Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to WhatsApp.
Suggest and vote on features
Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Support for MarkDownElement supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
9. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Custom widgets
Simple installation
Clean design
Multiple languages
Per-room avatars
Comments about Element as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great WhatsApp alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
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 •
11

Guest
open source, many functionalities, multi-platform, multi-clients, sponsored by a fundation
Top positive comment •
4

Guest
It is floss (free/libre and open source) and the developers are friendly and open to the community.
Positive comment •
1

resu
Federated, strong focus on privacy and security.
Positive comment •
0

Guest
This service is an alternative to Slack & MS Teams, but too technical and not designed for individual use.
Negative comment •
-8

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5 of 10 comments
Wire
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
262 Wire alternatives
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.
- - Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to WhatsApp.
Suggest and vote on features
Wire Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWire has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. VoiP CallsWire allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. Screen SharingYou can use Wire to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Privacy focusedWire is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Multiple Account supportWire support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Comments about Wire as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Most users think Wire is a great WhatsApp alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
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 •
8

Guest
Elegant UI, encrypted communication, on all relevant operating systems, has great VoIP and video call quality and so on.
Top positive comment •
4

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 •
0

Guest
Crossplatform messaging with end-to-end encryption... Just like iMessage
Positive comment •
5

Guest
You don't need to give your phone number for use. Still safe, good and nice chat app. On phone and on pc, web too.
Positive comment •
4

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5 of 7 comments
Tox
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
193 Tox alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
6. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
7. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
8. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
Client side encryption
White-labeled
Point-to-point encryption
VoiP Calls
Comments about Tox as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great WhatsApp alternative.
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 •
4

Guest
Works well on desktop but not mobile like Whatsapp. Only mobile apps are experimental and not user friendly.
Negative comment •
0

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 •
3
Skype
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
311 Skype alternatives
Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Skype Features
1. Screen SharingYou can use Skype to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
2. VoiP CallsSkype allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Dark ModeSkype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
6. Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
Microsoft Office integration
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice messages
Team Messaging
Voice Chat
Messages
Comments about Skype as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Some users think Skype is a great WhatsApp alternative, some don't.
Guest
It’s not a good alternative for Skype, it is good for calls but not for messages
Negative comment •
0

EchtWahr
Skype is not a classic instant messenger like whatsapp
Negative comment •
0

Paul Blartney
great video chat services
Positive comment •
0
Matrix.org
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
138 Matrix.org alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Matrix.org Features
1. DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedMatrix.org is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
6. Ad-freeMatrix.org doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. No TrackingMatrix.org will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
Federation
Distributed
Security focused
Spaces
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Support for Multiple protocols
Server side history
WebRTC
Comments about Matrix.org as a Alternative to WhatsApp
Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great WhatsApp alternative.
Guest
You can choose, which client you like the most and use it
Positive comment •
0