Free WhatsApp Alternatives Apps for 2021

20 Free Whatsapp Alternative: Virtual communication has never been more important, especially when you consider the precarious times of today. However, after Facebook acquired arguably one of the most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp, things have changed quite a bit. WhatsApp’s policies appear to be a little sketchy and it would seem that using the application would endanger our data. But there is no need to jeopardize your security for the sake of instant communication.

Here are top free picks for WhatsApp Alternatives:

Telegram

WhatsApp’s most prominent competitor and the best WhatsApp alternative is Telegram that is an open-sourced messaging application that delivers messages faster than any other application. The messages sent are heavily encrypted and have the ability to self-destruct. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram can host groups with up to 200,000 members and has no caps on the size of messages. Telegram is available cross-platform, on all kinds of operating systems and mobile devices.

1. Using Telegram means that hackers will be unable to access and misuse your messages.
2. Allows users to completely personalize the messenger and create secret chats.

Telegram Bots augment the messaging experience by providing important information as well as in-app gaming.

The only downside is that Telegram does not have a video-calling tool.

Website: https://telegram.org/

Signal

An independent non-profit tech company, Signal provides end to end encryption using cutting edge technology powered by the open-sourced Signal Protocol. Endorsed by American whistle-blower Edward Snowden and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Signal is an ideal choice for secure messaging. With WhatsApp, it shares features such as sharing files, making phone calls, hosting group chats, etc. But Signal is definitely more safeguarded. It is available for Android, iOS, and as a web browser.

1. Privacy is completely guaranteed; Signal can’t access your messages or listen to phone calls, and neither can malicious hackers.
2. Users can design and share their own sticker packs.

There are no ads, no affiliate links, and no trackers that can be seen on Signal.

System Support: iOS, Android, and Web Based
Website: https://signal.org/en/

Discord

Most popular within the gaming community, Discord is a text and voice chat wherein users can interact with their friends, colleagues, or people who just have the same interest as them. Discord servers can be accessed through invitation only and most of them are topic-based. Users can enjoy the organic conversational flow with low latency voice and video calls. Discord is compatible with iOS, Android and can be used as a browser extension.

1. Discord allows you to customize your own emoji as well as animate them.
2. There are 3 levels of security when using the application, wherein Discord will scan images sent by strangers and users can adjust for safety however they choose.

Spotify and Xbox are fully integrated.

System Support: iOS, Android, and Web Browser
Website: https://discord.com/

Threema

Based in Switzerland, Threema is another similar software to Whatsapp that designed to generate minimal data from servers. Messages are ephemeral and will be deleted right after sending, and chats can be password protected. With Threema, you can rest assured that your privacy/information will not fall into the hands of corporations, hackers, or governments. Everything is encrypted, including messages, voice calls, even status updates. Threema is available for all mobile devices.

1. No phone number required.
2. Only with a QR code can contacts be verified.

Can be used to maintain anonymity.

A notable con is that in order to use Threema, it must be purchased for $2.99.

System Support: iOS, Android, Windows & mac
Website: https://threema.ch/en

Element

The element uses open-source software which means that developers can add their own features, making the application more versatile and safer. Element has several public chat rooms, and users can enter private rooms with friends by using a link. The messaging service is available in 7 languages and the desktop interface is clean and decluttered. End-to-end encryption must be turned on manually for maximum security. Element is available on all operating systems as well as iOS, Android, and F-Droid.

1. Users sign in to Element with custom IDs, rather than phone numbers.
2. The element does not read chats or listen to voice calls.

Suitable for collaboration between public entities and has decentralized storage.

System Support: iOS, Android, and F-Droid
Website: https://element.io/

Tox

Tox is an intuitive messaging application that connects you with loved ones without digital surveillance. Chats, video, and voice call with the whole gang are heavily encrypted, and you can even screen share using the desktop client. Tox was developed by passionate, volunteer developers, and its configurations are completely transparent for the public to see.  It is available for all operating systems and mobile devices.

1. Using Tox ensures that your IP address is cloaked to strangers and that your identity impossible to steal.
2. No limits on file sharing.

Zero advertising on the application.

System Support: All major mobile devices
Website: https://tox.chat/

Viber

The mission statement of Viber is to keep privacy protected so that you never have to worry about the exploitation of your data. Viber has many varied public communities, which can be in collaboration with brands or influencers, but you can always just have a private chat with friends and families. Unlike WhatsApp, users can create and share personalized stickers and gifs. For additional privacy, users can set a time limit for self-destructing messages.

1. All messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, not even Viber has access to them.
2. Verify the identities of contacts using security keys.

Synced across all platforms.

System Support:  iOS, Android, Windows & mac
Website: https://www.viber.com/

Line

The line is available for PC and mobile devices such as Android, iPhone, Nokia, and Blackberry, and has features such as free voice and video calling. It has a collection of over 10,000 stickers for self-expression and like any other social network, you can follow your favorite influencers and brands. In 2016, Line expanded its end-to-end encryption to cover messaging, voice and video calling, so users information can stay private.

1. Users require a phone number to use Line so that the contacts who use Line can be added to the messaging interface.
2. Line OPEN CHAT is a way for users to reach out to relevant community group chats.

The line also has a LIVE feature with face filters.

System Support: Windows 10, mac, iPhone, Android
Website: https://line.me/en/

Voxer

Described as a ‘walkie-talkie’ application, Voxer is a communication service that can be used for personal and corporate use. The personal plan is free to use and can host chats with 500 members. All voice messages and chats are heavily encrypted, and users can listen to voice messages at their own convenience. The Pro Plan is suitable for handling small teams and the Business Plan is ideal for communication within teams of 20. Both plans need to be purchased, and within the Business Plan, users can create their own private network and have multiple admins. Available for Android, iOS and the web.

1. SSL encrypted.
2. Supports multimedia.

Unlimited message storage for Pro users.

System Suspport: iOS, Android and Web
Website: https://www.voxer.com/

Wire

Wire is another messaging app and is a Winner of the Cyber Security Excellence Awards in 2020 and approved by Gartner, Wire is an optimal choice for secure team communication and collaboration. It is independently audited and open-sourced, which means that all of its functioning and components are fully transparent. One account can be used on 8 devices and there is no profiling. The wire has two available plans, WirePro and WireEnt.

1. A unique mechanism of WirePro is a guest chatroom; in which unknown contacts can communicate without a Wire account and cybersecurity wouldn’t be compromised.
2. The fingerprints of contact partners are certified before communication to guarantee maximum security.
3. A wire is best for corporation and teamwork.

A wire can only be used after purchasing a plan.

Website: https://wire.com/

Session

A session is a messaging application that protects precious metadata. Nothing will ever be leaked since Session does not read personal data. It encrypts messages using Session Protocol, an advanced protocol that is based on libsodium, a reliable cryptographic library. The session maintains anonymity and privacy, and it works on an onion routing network, which means that your IP address will remain veiled. The session is available for all OS except BSD and all mobile devices.

1. Does not require a phone number.
2. Has closed groups for private communication and open groups for communities.

Resistant to censorship.

System Support: iOS, Android, Windows & mac
Website: https://getsession.org/

Bridgefy

Working solely on mesh networks, Bridgefy does not require any internet or data. The Bridgefly SDK is for developers and is software that can power other apps to function without any Internet, while the Bridgefy app is for personal use and is free of cost. Prioritizing security and privacy, Bridgefy uses state of the art technology to implement encryption protocol.  

1. Bluetooth must be turned on for the messaging app to work and the recipient must be within a radius of 330 feet.
2. Can be used in locations with data blockers.

Users can broadcast messages to an entire group of people.

System Support: iOS and Android
Website: https://bridgefy.me/

Slack

A handy utility for teams, Slack is a better alternative to clunky emailing. It saves time and improves productivity. It is endorsed by companies such as Benefit Cosmetics and Trivago, and users can share channels with clients and vendors. The Workflow Builder automates action and procedural communication, facilitating optimized workflow. Slack has one free plan which is suitable for small groups and 3 paid plans for larger, established corporations. It is available for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS.

1. Create alignment with the use of channels.
2. Add extensions to increase functionality.

Data-encrypted for maximum security for collaborations.

System Support: Windows 10, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android
Website: https://slack.com/intl/en-in/

Keybase

Keybase is an open-sourced instant messaging application for users who care about data protection. Its functioning is similar to that of Slack, but instead, it is catered towards individual use. Keybase uses public-key cryptography to secure your privacy and no one can gain access to any information, not even them. With Keybase, you can create teams as well as closed messaging groups. It’s a great place for safe connection with public websites such as Twitter, Reddit, etc. It is compatible with all OS, Android, and iOS devices.

1. The service does not even permit screenshots to be taken.
2. No phone number or email address required.

Can store multimedia within the application itself.

System Support: Windows, Android, iOS
Website: https://keybase.io/

IM+

One of the more extensive messaging applications, IM+ is an amalgamation of 24+ social networking and communication apps. It is most suitable for people who want to combine compartmentalized messaging into a singular experience. With such a varied collection of services on one platform, IM+ prioritizes speed, battery sustainability, security, and performance. IM+ is available only for iOS and macOS.

1. Consists of services such as Telegram, Pinterest, Zoom, Instagram, etc.
2. Occupies less space in your device and blocks advertisements.

Provides users with Bitcoin rewards.

System Support: iOS and macOS
Website: http://shape.ag/

HighSide

HighSide is a modern solution for secure collaboration between enterprises. The product can be used to solve challenges in productivity and data sharing. All information is stored in the cloud which uses distributed trust architecture. HighSide is trusted by notable establishments such as the Government of Canada and Lawyers Without Borders, and the application protects against spoofing and phishing attacks. HighSide can be purchased only by contact and is available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.

1. Access to confidential information will only be permitted through secure authentication.
2. HighSide ensures compliance with sensitive data.

Can be accessed by the entire enterprise.

System Support: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS & Ubuntu
Website: https://highside.io/

Snapchat

Although Snapchat is considered to be more of a social networking app, it is responsible for the addition of the ‘stories’ mechanism seen in so many other apps. Snapchat has incorporated so many revolutionary aspects into its functioning and these features are often mimicked in applications such as Instagram and WhatsApp. Messages sent on Snapchat automatically self-destruct but users have the option to save specific texts. On the application, taking screenshots would notify all the parties involved in the chat. Snapchat is available on iOS and Android.

1. Most appropriate for personal use.
2. A varied selection of face filters.

Customizable stickers.

System Support: iOS and Android
Website: https://www.snapchat.com/

Kik

Kik is an incredibly secure messaging app for casual use amongst the younger crowd. Chat one on one, with the whole gang or if you’re feeling really bored, chat with a bot. Kik bots are designed to be social and users can play games, get news, and even receive advice when interacting with a bot. Kik has integrated Crisis Text Lines to protect users of the platform. Enterprises such as Sephora and CNN use Kik to interact with teens for more active engagement. Kik is available on iOS and Android.

1. Collaboration with strict law enforcement services.
2. Users can seek emotional support from other users whilst still maintaining anonymity.

Clean and attractive interface.

Website: https://www.kik.com/

Kontalk

Kontalk is based on XXMP, which is a living standard that has been free and open since 1999. Client to server and server to server channels are very much secured by offering an end to end encryptions. All files are saved within the device itself in an ultra-safe server. Kontalk is backed by a team of dedicated volunteer developers and the XXMP format allows the user to remain in charge of their chat privacy. Kontalk is free to use and available on Android, F-Droid as well as a desktop client.

1. Active support and community-driven.
2. Uses mobile number to identify contacts.

All contacts are irreversibly encrypted.

System Support: Android 
Website: https://www.kontalk.org/

FortKnoxster

This platform is end to end encrypted, and all communications that are sent to the server are first encoded in the sender’s browser. FortKnoxster uses a military standard of encryption and uses Blockchain technology to offer private communication links between users. All messages are reviewed for authenticity and the privacy features are based on zero-knowledge architecture. Users can enjoy seamless file retrieval from the heavily encoded cloud storage utility.

1. Can be used for both personal and corporate communication.
2. Screen share tool for safe collaboration with colleagues and third-party entities.

Has the most private video and voice calling service on the internet.

System Support: iOS, Android, Web
Website: https://fortknoxster.com/

So, these were the best alternatives to Whatsapp where you can chat, share and do video-calling without sharing your personal detail. If you know any other similar app then do let me know.

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