Do you know that WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world? And why shouldn’t be, after all, it’s safe, secure, and easy to chat, voice call or video call anyone internationally. It’s a vital app for anybody who wants to chat or call their friends and family abroad without paying international charges. Not only this, it has one of the best security features that no other messaging app can provide (Thus your privacy is always secured). It’s a free chatting application that can work over Wi-Fi if you don’t have any prior data collection.
Talking more about WhatsApp, it supports a group of 256 members in a single group chat, a feature not commonly found in other messaging apps. Additionally, the broadcast feature enables you to send a single message to numerous contacts with just one click.
Sounds great, right?
WhatsApp Business is another valuable feature for business owners to connect with their customers and engage in easy communication. It also functions seamlessly on PC or Mac, ensuring platform compatibility. What else? You can send live locations, large files, format text, share stickers, conduct polls, share multiple videos and images, or post one-day status updates with your friends. These features collectively contribute to making WhatsApp one of the most widely used messaging applications, boasting approximately 2.4 billion users every month.
Are there any other messaging apps like WhatsApp in 2024?
Let’s find out!
At echoinnovateit, a leading Top Mobile App Development Company in USA, we recognize the significance of robust messaging platforms in today’s digital landscape. Our innovative solutions cater to diverse communication needs, ensuring seamless connectivity and user satisfaction.
Here is a quick list of top messaging apps similar to WhatsApp before diving into a detailed explanation of each one of them!
Check them out…
| Apps | Platform | Security | Cost | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows | End-to-end Encryption | Free | 4.6 |
| Viber | iOS Windows Phone, Android | End-to-end Encryption | Free | 4.5 |
| Telegram | Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, Windows Phone | End-to-end Encryption for secret chats and Client-to-server | Free | 4.2 |
| KiK Messanger | Browser, iOS, Android | Encrypted in transit | Free | 2.5 |
| Wire | Windows, Browsers, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | End-to-end Encryption | Free | 3.4 |
| Skype | Android, iOS, Web, MacOS, Windows | AES- 256 | Free | 4.5 |
| iMessage | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS | End-to-end Encryption | Free | 4.0 |
| Google Messages | Android & Web Browser | End-to-end Encryption | Free | 4.3 |
| Discord | Browsers, MacOS, Android, iOS, Windows | Encryption in transit & Encryption at rest | Discord Nitro- USD 9.99 (Monthly Subscription) | 4.7 |
| Threema | Android & iOS | End-to-end Encryption | USD 4.98 | 4.0 |
Signal is a great choice if you’ve been seeking one of the finest messaging apps like WhatsApp. It is far more secure and offers superior privacy. As a result, Signal has received support from Edward Snowden and Elon Musk.
The Signal is run and owned by a non-profit organization led by Moxie Marlinspike, an anarchist and cryptographer, and Brian Acton, Whatsapp co-founder.
It is free and supports text messages, group calls, and video calls. Fortunately, it also lets you set your messages to self-destruct. The best feature of Signal is that it uses end-to-end encryption, which WhatsApp also does. As a result, you will have the same level of security as WhatsApp but without Meta’s involvement.
Signal conducts security audits daily. However, it lacks the option of backup. However, it includes an export mode that allows you to manually back up data and transfer it to another device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on privacy | Limited features |
| Open-source code | Smaller userbase |
| Cross-platform compatibility | Reliance on phone number |
Viber is another software that functions similarly to WhatsApp. This application was published in 2010, then Rakuten relaunched it around four years later as Rakuten Viber.
It is one of the popular messaging apps like WhatsApp that offers a variety of functions. Viber, for example, boasts about its End-to-End Encryption data security solution for texts, calls, and any shared media, but WhatsApp also employs it.
Furthermore, the photographs saved on your devices will be secured, and it supports multiple devices. Unfortunately, this feature is not accessible in WhatsApp. It also includes the Viber Out feature, which lets you make low-cost international calls to non-Viber users.
Viber allows you to use stickers, make voice and video calls, and backup your data to Google Drive. It also includes in-app games.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free calls and messages | Potential for spam |
| Multi-device compatibility | Security concerns |
| File sharing | Inefficient user interface |
If you’ve been seeking the finest Whatsapp alternatives, Telegram is an obvious pick. It is run by the famous Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov. The brothers are famous for launching Vkontakte, a Facebook alternative.
Telegram surpasses WhatsApp in terms of functionality. For example, it offers a cloud-based solution. This allows you to access your Telegram messages from both your PC and mobile device. It also supports unrestricted and large-scale file sharing.
Telegram employs two encryption methods. Telegram utilizes server-client encryption for group chats and end-to-end encryption for secret talks. Not only that, but this program can delete texts after a set amount of time has passed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on features | Security concerns |
| Cloud-based storage | Potential for misinformation |
| Customization options | Privacy concerns with phone number |
Kik is one of the most popular messaging programs, similar to messaging apps like WhatsApp. The main difference is that you will not be required to enter your phone number while registering.
Unlike WhatsApp, Kik merely requests your email address to finish the registration procedure. Once completed, it will assign you a unique ID for interacting with other Kik members. It caters to a wide range of communications demands and enables bots. You can also utilize bots to get news, trend suggestions, and quizzes.
Kik does not save messages on its servers for backup purposes. As a result, regaining access to older communications will be difficult. You can do this by taking screenshots or utilizing third-party software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anonymous registration | Lack of moderation |
| Group chat capabilities | Privacy concerns |
| Free to use | Competition from other messaging apps |
Wire is one of the greatest messaging apps like WhatsApp, founded in 2012 and released two years later. Unfortunately, the user count has yet to be updated, as many are unaware of it.
It is an independent platform that includes E2EE (end-to-end encryption). Janus Friis, Skype’s co-founder, founded Wire. The nicest feature of this app is that phone calls from Wire are tap-proof. This is something WhatsApp lacks.
Like other messaging systems, Wire provides platform independence and end-to-end encryption. Another advantage of using the app is that it allows you to create group calls using voice-over-IP technology.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on security and privacy | Limited user base |
| Open-source code | Limited customization options |
| Collaboration tools | Paid plans for most features |
Skype will be an ideal WhatsApp successor. If you need to make an international phone or video call, this is the best option.
With Microsoft’s support, Skype has surpassed all other corporate chat programs. However, this development has worked against
Skype is not suitable for intimate talks because of its commercial reputation. But let me tell you that Skype is one of the best chatting apps on the market, particularly if you have a lot of video and phone conversations.
Skype has the best video call feature when compared to WhatsApp. Skype, like WhatsApp, allows you to effortlessly retrieve past chats and deleted text messages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free calls and messages | Privacy concerns |
| Group calls and video conferencing | Security vulnerabilities |
| Integration with Microsoft products | Potential for spam and unwanted calls |
iMessage differs from the default messaging software on your phone. iMessage, often known as an over-the-top (OTT) program, does not require cell data to function; instead, all you need is an internet connection. Furthermore, sending texts via Wi-Fi is free of charge.
It’s vital to understand that iMessage is a texting program that only works with Apple devices. When you try to send an iMessage to an Android device, your phone will send it as an SMS (green message) rather than an iMessage (blue). Users can send messages, videos, photos, and stickers with this messaging app. Overall it’s a safe and interactive app for Apple users to stay in touch with their friends and family.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration | Limited platform |
| Rich with various features | Privacy concerns |
| End-to-end encryption | Lack of features compared to competitors |
This may seem unusual, but please hear us out! Google’s RCS messaging service has advanced by leaps and bounds since its initial release. Although it is not the most commonly available service in the world and is only available to Android users, practically every Android smartphone should include this capability. Simply download the Google Messages app, navigate to the settings, and enable RCS.
RCS is a secure way to send messages across devices; messages sent with RCS are encrypted and can carry more information than SMS, and the Google Messages app is packed with useful features like smart replies, stickers, GIFs, suggested actions, and seamless integration with GBoard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide platform compatibility | Limited security by default |
| Free to use | Potential data charges |
| Integration with other Google services | Privacy concerns |
Discord is another messaging apps like WhatsApp. It lets you browse several servers that interest you. It allows you to make audio and video chats, share files, and so on, but the nicest feature is sharing your screen with your pals.
Again, it includes integrations with Twitch, YouTube, Spotify, Steam, Battle.net, Reddit, and Xbox Live, among others. You can form a group of ten people or set up your server if you want more members.
If you want something that will meet all of your messaging needs, this is it! Unfortunately, Discord presently does not provide a backup option for your data. Instead, you will need to use third-party apps to manually transfer your desired files.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong community focus | Potential for toxicity |
| Customization options | Limited privacy |
| Multi-device compatibility | Cost for advanced features |
You can also switch to Threema, a messaging app similar to WhatsApp. This application was created in Switzerland and places a high priority on data security.
Every message is encrypted from beginning to end, and messages are destroyed from the server as soon as they are transmitted. Another advantage of this program is that it stores no metadata.
Apart from this, Threema will provide you with a voting tool for conducting surveys. And, because it is more concerned about data security, it has PIN locks for all of your private chats.
Threema provides a safe browser that stores all your data on your phone rather than on servers. However, Threema isn’t free. You will be charged for using this program.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No phone number or email required | One-time purchase fee |
| Strong focus on privacy and security | Limited platform support |
| End-to-end encryption | Lack of certain features |
Talking about other messaging apps like WhatsApp in 2024, they are not as popular as WhatsApp itself. However, if you love using chatting apps, and looking for more, then these are worth a try. So, make sure to try out the above apps for a novel experience. Also, if you are planning to develop a top messaging app like WhatsApp, make sure to reach out to Echoinnovate IT, a renowned App Development Company to learn more.
FAQs- Apps Like Whatsapp
Which messaging app is the most popular worldwide?
WhatsApp boasts the highest number of users globally, followed closely by Facebook Messenger.
Can I use these messaging apps for free?
Yes, all the mentioned apps are free to download and use, although some may offer premium features or in-app purchases.
Are these messaging apps available on all platforms?
Yes, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal, and WeChat are available on both Android and iOS platforms. Additionally, some of them offer web versions for desktop use.
