Looking for the best WhatsApp alternatives for Android and iOS? Whether you’re concerned about privacy, bored of the usual features, or just curious to explore better instant messaging options, this article has got you covered.
WhatsApp is no doubt the most popular messaging app in the world, but it’s not the only option. Some people worry about data privacy, while others just want more features or a fresh user experience. That’s why I have shared this article on Naijaknowhow to reveal the best WhatsApp alternative apps that work perfectly on Android and iPhone.
These mobile apps offer highly secure chats, encrypted voice and video calls, ad-free usage, and cool features like disappearing messages, custom stickers, group video calls, and more. Some of them even go beyond chatting, letting you run your business, connect socially, or enjoy zero-data calls.
Ready to switch things up? Here are the top alternatives to WhatsApp you should definitely try this year.
List of WhatsApp Alternatives:
These apps are available on Android and iOS. They value people’s privacy and wouldn’t be scary to use, as some of these apps even have more features than WhatsApp.
1. Telegram
Key Features:
- End-to-end encrypted chats
- Massive group chat capacity (up to 200,000 members)
- Supports bots, large file sharing, disappearing messages
- Customizable and fast
Telegram has always been a long-term competitor of WhatsApp and still is. Now is the time to turn your attention to Telegram if you’re looking for an instant messaging app that won’t get you worried about sharing your privacy. Telegram is one of the most secure instant messaging apps out there and a perfect alternative to WhatsApp. This was part of the reason we ran our channel on this platform. You can join the Naijaknowhow Telegram channel here!
It has tons of features you wouldn’t find on WhatsApp, such as deleting sent and received messages without a single trace, creating group chats with up to 200,000 members, sharing large documents, and even setting up bots to help do specific tasks. It’s also one of the fastest instant messaging apps online, and it is very easy to move your data from WhatsApp to Telegram.
What We Like:
- Feature-rich and privacy-conscious
- Fast performance and multi-device support
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as widely adopted for personal chats (some users still prefer WhatsApp)
Download Telegram:
2. Signal Private Messenger
Key Features:
- Open-source and end-to-end encrypted
- No ads, no trackers
- Disappearing messages and screen security
- Custom usernames
Signal Private Messenger is an open-sourced instant messaging app where users can have the freedom to chat, text, and call without the fear of being monitored or tracked. Signal was even recommended by the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, who recommended it as the best WhatsApp alternative you can use.
Worried about features? Signal Private Messenger has some cool features as well; you won’t be tracked, it has privacy, disappearing messages, and you won’t see advertisements. Similar to Telegram, this app has the Custom Username feature that allows you to connect with others on the app without actually sharing your phone number.
What We Like:
- Extremely private and recommended by privacy advocates
- Minimalist and clean UI
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited user base compared to WhatsApp/Telegram
Download Signal Private Messenger:
3. Threema
Key Features:
- No phone number/email required
- End-to-end encrypted voice & video calls
- Anonymous usage and open-source
When it comes to secure messaging, Threema is one of the known apps to offer just what you need, and this app is so good that its anonymity and privacy level are top-notch. A phone number or email address is not needed to use Threema. Threema is open source, just like Signal Private Messenger, and it allows the making of end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls.
You wouldn’t mind spending some bucks on getting this app; it’s very good and also has a lot of features, and it also allows you to use the web version, which means you can text and make calls on Threema with your PC.
What We Like:
- High level of anonymity and security
- Great for privacy-first users
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s a paid app
Download Threema:
4. Rakuten Viber Messenger
Key Features:
- Disappearing messages, reminders, and sticker packs
- Audio/video calls, end-to-end encryption
- Supports communities and group chats
Rakuten Viber Messenger, along with the likes of WhatsApp and Telegram, is one of the most popular instant messaging apps online. Feature-wise, it has amazing features compared to the other instant messaging apps listed with it. But the good thing about Rakuten Viber Messenger is that it’s secure, fast, and very easy to use.
You can use Rakuten Viber Messenger as a great alternative if you feel worried about WhatsApp. As much as you can do the basic group chats, disappearing messages, and set reminders, there’s a lot more you can do with this app, and it offers a smooth user experience. Viber has an intuitive interface, and that’s one of the advantages it has over WhatsApp Messenger.
What We Like:
- Great for international calling and chats
- Simple UI, good call quality
What We Don’t Like:
- Slightly bloated with extra features for basic users
Download Rakuten Viber Messenger:
5. Instagram Direct Messages
Key Features:
- DMs, voice/video calling, encrypted messages
- Integrated with Meta services
- Story replies and media sharing
Besides being used to upload photos and video content, Instagram also has an online messaging feature called Direct Messages (DM) that users can use to send messages to other users. In addition to chatting through the Instagram DM, features such as voice and video calls can also be used, keeping your conversation secure with end-to-end encryption.
What We Like:
- Great for casual and social messaging
- Integrated with your Instagram network
What We Don’t Like:
- Privacy concerns due to Meta/Facebook ownership
Download Instagram:
6. LINE
Key Features:
- Rich stickers, themes, group calls
- LINE Today news feed
- Built-in games, payments, and timelines
The application developed by LINE Corporation from Japan has become one of the most popular online messaging applications in Asia. In addition to presenting the messaging feature, LINE also has other features, such as LINE Today, which can display the latest news every day. LINE said it has one goal in mind, and that is to transform the way people communicate on their smartphones. So far, it has been doing a great job, and it has the features backing it up.
If you’re using LINE on your Android or iOS device, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth texting and calls on video and audio. The app also has different ways to make conversations more fun and active. You can use stickers, emojis, and themes as well. The audio and video quality of LINE is top-notch, but it also consumes little data regardless of the duration of each call.
What We Like:
- Fun interface, low-data calls
- Great for expressive chats
What We Don’t Like:
- Can feel cluttered due to too many features
Download LINE:
7. WeChat
Key Features:
- Messaging, calls, Moments (status)
- Payments, mini-programs, shopping
- End-to-end encryption
WeChat is a popular instant messaging app owned by a Chinese company called Tencent, and since its development, over 1 billion users have been registered on WeChat. This app offers a lot of features, and the basic activities you can use it for are chatting, voice calls and video calls. The WeChat app offers something much more than that; it also serves other purposes, and that’s why it is seen as a robust social media app.
Some of the features of WeChat include status updates, you can upload status just like you do with WhatsApp, and it has a sticker gallery for saving and creating stickers. You can also use WeChat to make payments, and it is recommended for reaching out to sellers who sell on websites like 1688 and so on. WeChat is a top instant messaging app like WhatsApp, but sometimes, it is always too difficult to get an account with WeChat.
What We Like:
- Multi-functional (chat + e-wallet + services)
- Widely used in Asia
What We Don’t Like:
- Complex account setup
- Privacy concerns in some regions
Download WeChat:
8. WhatsApp Business
Key Features:
- Create business profile with location, hours, website
- Automated replies, labels, stats
- Web access and dual app usage
There’s a clear difference between WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Although both apps do share almost the same features, they’re quite different. If you’re a business owner and you’d like to have your business present on WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business is the right app for you to have on your Android or iOS device. Using WhatsApp Business will let you create your business profile, you can have your website, location and contact displayed on it.
What I like about WhatsApp Business is that you can use both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business together. It also supports WhatsApp Web. This particular version of WhatsApp is suitable for those who want to manage their business on WhatsApp.
What We Like:
- Seamless for small business communication
- Familiar interface for WhatsApp users
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited to business purposes only
Download WhatsApp Business:
9. Messenger
Key Features:
- Voice/video calls, group chats, file sharing
- No phone number required (Facebook login)
- Games, chat themes, reactions
Messenger is another alternative to WhatsApp that you can use on your smartphone. This is the default texting app for every Facebook user, and if you want to enjoy instant messaging. You can download Messenger on your device to get started. It allows texting, voice calls and video calls. There are a lot of features on the Messenger app, some of them include playing games, applying chat themes and also using custom reactions during conversations. Messenger doesn’t require signing up with a phone number, you only need to have a Facebook account to become a user.
While using Messenger, you’ll enjoy unlimited text and phone calls, you can use light and dark mode features. Messenger is perfect for instant messaging, it also allows users to share files, record voice messages and so on. Messenger is a great choice if you’re looking for a suitable WhatsApp alternative to use on your smartphone.
What We Like:
- Easy to connect with Facebook friends
- Feature-rich
What We Don’t Like:
- Privacy concerns
- Can be resource-intensive
Download Messenger:
10. BiP
Key Features:
- HD calls, group chats, status, media sharing
- Real-time location and disappearing messages
- Customizable UI
BiP is a versatile instant messaging app and a strong alternative to WhatsApp, packed with features that enhance communication. Whether you’re texting, making audio calls, or enjoying HD video calls, BiP delivers a smooth and secure experience.
The app supports instant messaging, photo and document sharing, voice messages, and real-time location sharing. You can also post statuses that disappear after 24 hours and enable disappearing messages for added privacy.
BiP allows group chats and offers various customization options to personalize your messaging experience. With its strong security and familiar features like status updates and group conversations, BiP stands out as a reliable and user-friendly WhatsApp alternative.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and privacy-aware
- Easy switch from WhatsApp
What We Don’t Like:
- Smaller user base globally
Download BiP:
11. Zangi Messenger
Key Features:
- No phone/email needed, fully anonymous
- Local data storage
- HD calls and encrypted chats
Zangi Messenger is a privacy-focused instant messaging app, much like Signal. One of its standout features is that it doesn’t require a phone number or personal details to create an account, giving users complete anonymity.
With a clean interface and a strong focus on security, Zangi does not collect user data. Most information is stored locally on your device, ensuring full control over your privacy. The app supports voice and video calls, file sharing, and instant messaging, all protected by military-grade encryption.
You can even register using random information, making Zangi an ideal choice for those who value private and secure communication.
What We Like:
- Military-grade security
- Privacy-centric and ad-free
What We Don’t Like:
- Not widely known
- Limited social/community features
Download Zangi Messenger:
12. Wire – Secure Messenger
Key Features:
- Secure text, voice, and video chats
- File sharing with encryption
- Personal and business versions
Wire is a secure messaging app designed for private and seamless communication. It allows you to send messages and engage in encrypted conversations without worrying about data breaches. Trusted for its strong privacy features, Wire has steadily gained popularity among users who value secure messaging.
The app offers both free and paid versions, with a clean and user-friendly interface that keeps all your messages organized in one place. Wire supports text messaging, file sharing, voice, and video calls, all encrypted end-to-end.
If you’re looking for a privacy-first alternative to WhatsApp, Wire is a solid choice that prioritizes secure communication across all platforms.
What We Like:
- Clean interface and strong encryption
- Good for professional teams
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks wider social features
- Business plans can be pricey
Download Wire – Secure Messenger:
Conclusion
Even if you choose to discontinue or have opted to delete WhatsApp, it is still the go-to for many users, though it’s not the only reliable messaging app out there. Whether you’re after better privacy, more features, or just something new, the alternatives listed above offer great reasons to make the switch. From privacy-first apps like Signal to feature-packed ones like Telegram and BiP, there’s something for everyone. Try a few, find what fits, and enjoy messaging your way.
I agree with you! Moreover, in accordance with the latest news, the developers have announced a beta version of the mobile application for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.u.utopia . Now users have the opportunity to use their favorite application on the phone.
Well, Signal, really, seems to be a very good alternative to Whatsapp. However, in the light of recent news about the FBI document https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21114562-jan-2021-fbi-infographic-re-lawful-access-to-secure-messaging-apps-data that got into the network and confirms the drain of user data, most popular mmessengers are forced to reasonably doubt their security. I am only glad to think that some messengers, such as Utopia p2p, for example, are not included in this document and continue to provide the opportunity for secure communication without risk to personal data.
I failed to download any of the apps