If guarding your data is a top priority, you should try out some alternative messaging apps for your communication needs. Here’s a guide to the ones that are worth checking out.
Why you need WhatsApp alternatives?
If WhatsApp has been your go-to messaging platform, you might want to consider alternatives given its privacy policy changes in 2021. As of February 8, 2021, WhatsApp will be sharing user data with Facebook, and users who disagree with the new terms will not be able to u
se the messaging platform anymore. If privacy is your priority, consider switching to these top WhatsApp alternatives for iPhone.
1. Signal – Private Messenger
This is one of the best WhatsApp alternatives with privacy and great features neatly bundled into it. There’s chat, disappearing messages, calls, and much more. You can choose to keep the screen blank when switching apps so wandering eyes cannot see the screen. It’s got advanced privacy-protection technology always enabled, so you can focus on sharing and connecting with those who matter to you. State-of-the-art end-to-end encryption keeps your conversations secure, and the system is optimized to deliver messages quickly, even on constrained networks. For more about How to Use Signal App and Signal Messenger Tips and Tricks for iPhone. Price: Free Download
2. Telegram Messenger
I am tempted to call Telegram for iPhone a WhatsApp-clone with one characteristic feature: speed. The app sends messages through decentralized servers (picking the one closest to you), making it process messages faster. Moreover, all your data, such as chats, groups, media, etc., is encrypted for privacy and security. Further, it looks and works similarly to WhatsApp while providing advantages such as creating group chats for up to 200,000 members, sharing large files, and even setting up bots for specific tasks. It’s a useful tool for hosting online communities and coordinating teamwork. Price: Free Download
3. Skype for iPhone
Skype has been around for years and is still one of the most reliable messaging platforms. It is easy to set up, allows you to send messages, create group chats, etc. Further, you can send photos and videos, save them to your camera roll, and voice and video call for free. Further, you can even go a step further and get Skype credits to call phone numbers worldwide. Or, you can get a monthly subscription to make unlimited or fixed-minute calls to landlines and mobiles when possible. Price: Free Download
4.Viber Messenger: Chats & Calls
Another excellent WhatsApp alternative, Viber is a free, simple, fast, and most secure messaging and calling app. With end-to-end encryption, anything you share on Viber will always remain between yourself and the person you’re talking to. Nobody, not even Viber, can read your messages. One notable feature is a self-destruct timer for every message in your conversation so that after your message is read, it’s automatically deleted from your recipient’s phone. You can also start your own Viber Community! Interact with an unlimited number of people about a shared topic or passion. Price: Free Download
5. Discord – Talk, Chat, Hang Out
Discord is well-known as a place for communities. You can connect with people through text, voice, and video. From family and friends to clubs and bigger groups, this platform has features for all your messaging needs. The low latency voice and video connections make it seem like you’re talking to others in the same room. Further, there are organized text channels to connect in precisely the ways you want to. And custom moderation tools and permission levels can keep groups connected for a common purpose. Price: Free ($4.99 Monthly) Download
6. Wickr Me – Private Messenger
This app is one of the most secure messaging apps that doesn’t collect user data. There’s a ‘shredder’ feature for those concerned about privacy that lets you set a time to automatically delete all chats and files ever shared on the platform. Moreover, you don’t even need a phone number or email address to register. You can chat one-on-one or form private groups of up to ten users. What makes it particularly trustworthy is that Wickr is open source, and reputed security research teams have verified its code, policies, and security practices. Price: Free Download
7. Threema. The Secure Messenger
Here’s a messaging app designed from the ground up to generate as little data on servers as possible. Messages are deleted from the server immediately after they’re delivered to the recipients. And groups and contact lists are managed solely on your device. Further, files are stored encrypted on your device, eliminating the risk of your data getting in the hands of hackers, corporations, and governments. It supports text and voice messages, calls, file and media sharing, etc. Plus, there’s also a web version to use from your computer. Price: $2.99 Download
8. Session – Private Messenger
Session is built on a unique network of user-operated servers rather than central servers, It can’t leak or sell your data, and your conversations remain anonymous. You don’t need a phone number or email to use this app, and you can enjoy private end-to-end encrypted group chats of up to 10 people. Freely share voice snippets, photos, or other files without worrying about any data breaches. Session doesn’t track or store your messaging metadata. Further, the device IP addresses are never exposed to the person you’re talking to. Price: Free Download
9. LINE
This is one of the most popular messaging apps that lets you make voice and video calls and send messages. It is mostly known for the limitless variety of fun stickers that liven up your conversations. Further, it is also a full-featured social network where you can post your daily updates and comment on friends’ posts. It also works on your computer, and you can even make international calls to mobile phones and landlines at low rates. Price: Free Download
10. Wire • Secure Messenger
Here’s another open-source WhatsApp alternative that isn’t obligated to share its data with surveillance services. However, it does store some user data, such as phone numbers and email addresses. This is aimed to ease syncing across devices, and it’s deleted when you deactivate your account. It is especially suited for team communication through private or group chat. Invite customers, partners, suppliers, etc., to collaborate through guest rooms and hold voice or video meetings. It can also be integrated with your corporate applications and services. Price: Free Download
Which WhatsApp alternative do you prefer to use?
I hope this guide has helped you find the best alternative to WhatsApp for your needs. Let me know in the comments below which one you’ve tried and what your experience has been like. You may also check out related posts:
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