Now, these policies may not suit some of you, or you don’t like the features of WhatsApp, or maybe you just want to switch to a more personal and secure messaging app for your daily task. If you are one of them, do not hesitate to check out this compilation of WhatsApp alternatives.

iMessage

iMessage is an absolute choice for those in the Apple ecosystem. (Image credit: Apple)

This is an absolute no-brainer if you and your friends/family are on an Apple ecosystem. As a built-in messaging app, it’s regularly updated with new features, improved UI and optimization, and seamless syncing with other Apple devices you own. Users can create and use Memojis to convey certain emotions, add custom effects to messages with speech bubbles, and even react to texts. Not to mention that, just like WhatsApp, all conversations are end-to-end encrypted, which means that no external party can read your messages.

Discord

Discord offers excellent low latency voice and video calling functionality, even on poor connections. (Image credit: Discord)

There was a time when Discord was designed just for gamers, although now everyone uses it for their daily tasks. While you can explore a variety of servers depending on your interests, the DM (direct message) feature is often overlooked by many – which is understandable since most would just click on its robust voice call feature instead of typing a message. You can send GIFs, emotes, emojis and even documents as it allows sharing files up to 8MB per message. With Discord nitro (paid subscription), the limit goes up to 100 MB. In addition, one can connect and integrate it seamlessly with their Steam, Twitch, Spotify or YouTube accounts for easy access.

Telegram

You can share files up to 1.5 GB with groups of 100,000 people. (Image credit: file)

Yes, we know that most of you only use Telegram to share pirated movies with others, but its many features make it a great competitor to WhatsApp. You can create super groups with up to 100,000 people, public channels, and send self-destructing messages that disappear after a date set on the built-in calendar. It lacks a video call feature, though the included bots enhance your experience by providing important information and fun mini-games to pass the time. It is also encrypted through a three-layer configuration, which secures your conversations.

Google Chat

Google Chat is great for managing business accounts. (Image credit: Google)

Formerly known as Hangouts, Google Chat is perfect for business accounts because it sits right next to your inbox, making it easy to access and saving an extra tab. Naturally, most of you might not have your work emails connected to your phone, and therefore this app would be useful, allowing you to receive urgent and personalized messages – while avoiding the clutter. and spam you expect when logged into your email. The app works just like WhatsApp and lets you schedule meetings with one click, share files, and easily switch accounts.

Bridgefy

Bridgefy does not require an internet connection or mobile network to relay messages. (PhotoExpress)

Being stuck in the woods means a poor mobile network, let alone an internet connection. Offline messaging apps such as Bridgefy Count on a peer-to-peer Bluetooth mesh network that lets you message friends nearby (330 feet). Broadcast mode lets you message large groups, while Mesh mode takes advantage of any active Bluetooth connections in the area and uses them as nodes to relay messages. You don’t need an internet connection beyond the initial download process – which is great, but it also becomes useless if you don’t have other Bridgefy users around.

Signal

With Signal, you can prevent taking screenshots of a conversation. (Image credit: file)

Elon Musk’s tweet had a big part to play in the popularity of this private messenger. The application is completely open source and allows you to create self-destructing messages, offers high protection and adds a screen security feature that prevents screenshots from being taken. You won’t have to deal with ads or affiliate marketers either, and you’ll have secure video calls with up to 40 active participants. WhatsApp, on the other hand, only supports 8 members at a time.

Kik

Kik Messenger only needs your email to work – no need to enter your phone number. (Image credit: Kik)

This old fashioned instant messaging app doesn’t require a mobile number to activate – just enter an email id and boom – you’re set. The app is constantly updated and you get everything you expect from WhatsApp like voice calls, stickers, media sharing, group chats – works. You can also activate bots which occasionally bring quizzes, news and make the experience more active. If you are someone who does not enter their personal phone numbers somewhere on the Internet, do not hesitate to give it a try.