The 6 Best WhatsApp Alternative Apps in 2025 (Secure & Feature-Rich)
For over a billion people, WhatsApp is the default messaging app. It's simple, reliable, and familiar. However, since its acquisition by Meta (formerly Facebook), a growing number of users are seeking a WhatsApp alternative. Concerns over data privacy, a desire for more powerful features, or simply wanting to escape the Meta ecosystem are all valid reasons to explore other options.
But choosing a new messaging app is a big decision. You need to consider security, features, and whether your friends and family will be willing to make the switch. To help you decide, we've analyzed the top contenders and compiled the definitive list of the 6 best WhatsApp alternative apps, each excelling in a specific area.
Part 1. What to Look For in a WhatsApp Alternative
Before we dive in, here are the key criteria we used to evaluate each app:
- Privacy & Security: Does it use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default? What is its data collection policy?
- Features: How does it stack up against WhatsApp in terms of calls, file sharing, and group chats?
- User Experience: Is it intuitive and easy to use?
- Ownership: Who runs the app, and how do they make money? This directly impacts trust.
Part 2. The 6 Best WhatsApp Alternatives
Here are our top picks for the best apps to replace WhatsApp, tailored to different user needs.
1. Signal: Best for Overall Privacy & Security
If your primary reason for leaving WhatsApp is privacy, your search should start and end with Signal. Backed by the non-profit Signal Foundation, its entire purpose is to provide private, secure communication. It's so trusted that its open-source encryption protocol is used by WhatsApp and others.
Key features:
- End-to-end encryption is always on by default for every chat and call.
- Collects the absolute minimum metadata required to function.
- Owned by a non-profit foundation, funded by grants and donations.
- Features include secure groups, high-quality voice/video calls, and disappearing messages.
Pros:- Unmatched, industry-leading privacy and security.
- Completely free with no ads or trackers.
- Simple, clean interface with no clutter.
Cons:- Fewer "fun" features (like animated stickers or quizzes) than some rivals.
- Smaller user base than Telegram or WhatsApp, which can be a barrier to adoption.
Signal is the best WhatsApp alternative for anyone who prioritizes privacy above all else. It's the responsible choice for secure, no-nonsense communication.
2. Telegram: Best for Features & Large Communities
Telegram is a powerhouse messenger packed with features that go far beyond what WhatsApp offers. It's known for its speed, massive file sharing capabilities, and its ability to support enormous group chats, making it feel like a hybrid of a messenger and a social media platform.
Key features:
- Cloud-based chats synced across all your devices instantly.
- "Channels" for broadcasting messages to unlimited subscribers.
- Support for groups of up to 200,000 members.
- Share files of any type up to 2GB in size.
- A vast ecosystem of bots, custom themes, and stickers.
Pros:- Incredibly feature-rich and versatile.
- Excellent desktop app and seamless multi-device sync.
- Large and growing user base.
Cons:- Crucial Security Note: End-to-end encryption is not enabled by default. It's only available in optional "Secret Chats." Standard chats are stored on Telegram's servers.
If you're a power user who needs large groups, massive file sharing, and cross-platform convenience—and are willing to trade default E2EE for it—Telegram is an unbeatable choice.
3. Threema: Best for Anonymity & Business Use
Threema is a Swiss-based messenger built on the principle that you shouldn't have to give up your personal information to communicate. It's a paid app, but that one-time fee buys you complete anonymity and peace of mind, as its business model isn't reliant on data.
Key features:
- Can be used without a phone number or email, generating a random Threema ID for true anonymity.
- E2EE is on by default for all communication.
- Based in Switzerland, a country with some of the world's strongest privacy laws.
- Includes unique features like polls and contact verification via QR code.
Pros:- Excellent privacy and anonymity features.
- Paid model means no ads and no incentive to collect user data.
- Popular in corporate environments due to its security and compliance.
Cons:- The upfront cost can be a barrier for some users.
- Smaller user base than free alternatives.
Threema is the ideal WhatsApp alternative for journalists, activists, business professionals, or anyone who wants to use a messenger without linking it to their real-world identity.
4. Discord: Best for Interest-Based Communities
While not a traditional 1-to-1 messenger, Discord has become a major WhatsApp alternative for group communication. Originally built for gamers, its "Server"-based structure is perfect for managing communities of any kind, from hobby groups and online classes to friend circles.
Key features:
- Organize conversations into servers with specific text and voice channels.
- High-quality, always-on voice channels that users can drop in and out of.
- Powerful role and permission management for group administrators.
- Excellent screen sharing and video streaming capabilities.
Pros:- Unmatched for organizing and managing large communities.
- Superior voice chat quality and features.
- Highly customizable with bots and integrations.
Cons:- Not designed for privacy; does not offer end-to-end encryption.
- Can be overly complex for simple one-on-one or family chats.
If you're looking to replace a large WhatsApp group with something more organized and powerful, Discord is the best tool for the job. It's less of a direct WhatsApp replacement and more of a community hub.
5. Viber: Best All-Round Mainstream Alternative
Viber is a well-established player that offers a user experience very similar to WhatsApp but with a few extra bells and whistles. It's a solid, mainstream choice with a large global user base, especially in parts of Europe and Asia. It strikes a good balance between features and security.
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Key features:
- End-to-end encryption is default on all personal and group chats.
- "Viber Out" feature allows you to make low-cost calls to non-Viber users and landlines.
- Supports large "Communities" with unlimited members and admin controls.
- Rich communication with a huge library of stickers and GIFs.
Pros:- Familiar and easy-to-use interface for WhatsApp migrants.
- Strong security with default E2EE.
- Feature-rich without being overwhelming.
Cons:- Owned by a large corporation (Rakuten), which may be a concern for those leaving the Meta ecosystem.
- The interface can feel a bit cluttered with stickers and promotional content.
For those who want a simple transition away from WhatsApp without sacrificing features or mainstream appeal, Viber is a reliable and secure all-around alternative.
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6. Session: Best for Ultimate Anonymity
Session takes the privacy principles of Signal and pushes them to the absolute limit. It's a decentralized messenger that requires no phone number to sign up. By routing your messages through a network of user-operated nodes, it leaves almost no metadata trail, making it nearly impossible for anyone to know who is talking to whom.
Key features:
- No phone number or email required for signup; uses an auto-generated identity key.
- Decentralized server network for maximum censorship resistance.
- Based on the Signal Protocol for strong E2EE.
- Fully open-source.
Pros:- The highest level of metadata protection and anonymity available.
- No central point of failure or data collection.
Cons:- The decentralized network can sometimes lead to slower message delivery compared to centralized apps.
- Still a niche app with a very small user base.
Session is for the user who demands not just privacy, but true anonymity. If you want to communicate without leaving a trace, Session is the ultimate WhatsApp alternative.
Quick Comparison Chart
To help you choose a more suitable WhatsApp alternative, we have a table to help you quickly select the product that best meets your needs from the six options.
| App | Best For | Default E2EE | Requires Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | Privacy & Security | Yes | Yes |
| Telegram | Features & Communities | No (Secret Chats only) | Yes |
| Threema | Anonymity & Business | Yes | No |
| Discord | Communities & Groups | No | No |
| Viber | All-Round Mainstream | Yes | Yes |
| Session | Ultimate Anonymity | Yes | No |
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Conclusion
The best WhatsApp alternative depends entirely on your priorities. Signal is the top choice for uncompromising privacy and security. Telegram offers a richer feature set and is ideal for large groups, while Threema provides excellent anonymity for a one-time fee. The right app is a personal choice. If you want to manage your WhatsApp or Viber messages in a simpler and more effective way, try using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer.
