The best alternatives to WhatsApp

Since the takeover of WhatsApp by Facebook, many have been looking for alternative messenger services. But which ones are there and what are their functions? The encryption of private data is becoming increasingly important to many. The functionality should not suffer and should work reliably. While private users have different requirements for such apps, other aspects are usually important for companies. In addition to reliability, additional functions such as VoIP telephony or the possibility of desktop use also play an important role for companies. The following list gives you an overview:

Table of contents Hide

1 Alternatives to WhatsApp

2 telegrams

3 stools

4 Threema

5 signals

6 Free Message

7 wires

8 SIMSme

9 skype

10 vibers

11 KIK

12 BBM (BlackBerry Messenger)

13 Conclusion

Alternatives to WhatsApp

Telegram

Telegram is available for iOS, Android and Windows phones and is considered to be one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp . The app also has a desktop version. This WhatsApp alternative is available for free and has more than 100 million users.

Image source: Telegram

An important aspect for many users is the end-to-end encryption, to activate this the option for secret chats must be selected. The cloud-based app offers the same functions as other apps. Images, texts, videos and documents can be exchanged via Telegram .

stool

Hoccer is available for Android and iOS. This service is free for private users and has encryption using a private key that is only stored on the respective end device. The functions range from text messaging, photos, videos to sending voice messages. A special function is "Nearby", which makes it possible to exchange messages and attachments within a radius of 100 meters without disclosing private data.

Image source: Hoccer

 

threema

Threema is one of the best-known alternatives. Threema is available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone. The app currently has about 4.5 million users. Threema offers end-to-end encryption, but this app is not free and costs between €1.79 and €1.99. In terms of functions, this service offers the exchange of text messages, images, documents and videos.

Image source: Threema

signal

Signal is one of the most secure services available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux for free. Signal also works with end-to-end encryption. Data is not passed on to third parties and the contacts from the phone book are not passed on to the operator unencrypted. The app is based on open source software and was promoted by WhatsApp founder Brian Acton. Pictures, videos and messages can be sent conveniently.

Image source: Signal

 

FreeMessage

The free app FreeMessage was developed by 1&1, Web.de and GMX.de and advertises end-to-end encryption. Since the servers are in Germany, they are subject to the German Data Protection Act. It is not possible to send PDFs and voice messages here, but the standard functions for exchanging text messages, photos and videos are available. For additional security there is the additional PIN protection. This enables manual encryption of the data if the mobile phone falls into the wrong hands.

Wire

The app, which is free for private users, is available for Android, iOS and Windows. As with the other providers, text messages, music, videos and pictures can be exchanged. In addition, Wire offers VoIP telephony, also in groups. Businesses can subscribe to Wire . Wire also encrypts the data with end-to-end encryption. The messenger also offers the function of being able to send SoundCloud, Spotify and YouTube content directly to friends. There is also the "Sketch" function, which can be used to draw pictures that can be sent.

Image source: Wire

 

SIMSme

The SIMSme app developed by Deutsche Post AG is available free of charge for the iOS, Android and Windows Phone operating systems. In addition to the classic functions of text, image and video transmission, voice messages and the location can also be shared. The messages are encrypted using end-to-end encryption. A special feature is the self-destruct option for messages. The user can set an expiry date when this message should be automatically deleted. In addition, this app also offers the function of content channels, which allows you to follow magazines, portals and companies and stay up to date.

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Skype

The Skype software provided free of charge by Microsoft is probably one of the most frequently used apps. While Skype used to be primarily intended for desktop use, Skype can now also be used on mobile phones. iOS, Android and Windows phones are supported. In addition to normal text transmission, IP telephony, video conferences and screen sharing are offered. All other documents such as photos, PDFs and videos can also be conveniently sent here. The data is encrypted using a closed source program.

Image source: Skype

viber

The free chat service Viber is available for Android, iOS and Windows phones as well as for the desktop. The app is said to have around 900 million users worldwide. In addition to the normal functions of messaging and exchanging pictures and videos, Viber offers IP telephony. Viber uses the phone numbers that are saved here, the only requirement is that Viber is installed on both devices. Data security is guaranteed with Viber by means of end-to-end encryption. The "Secret Chats" function allows the user to set a time when this chat or individual messages are automatically deleted, both on their own and on the recipient's end device.

Image source: Viber

 

KIK

KIK is a free app and is available for Windows phones, iOS and Android. The software does not need a telephone number and offers the classic functions of sharing videos, pictures and messages. In addition, there are chat rooms that all KIK users can visit. An integrated browser and the high number of users also highlight this app. Since this service runs purely over the Internet, there is no end-to-end encryption.

Image source: kik

BBM (BlackBerry Messenger)

Even if Blackberry phones are mainly associated with mobile phones for work, the BBM is definitely recommended. This is now available for Android and iOS. The app is free and, in addition to sending files, photos and text messages, also offers the function of sending voice messages. Voice and video calls are also possible. The data is encrypted using end-to-end encryption. There are also private chats and messages with the time function to delete yourself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that pretty much every provider has something to offer private users. Almost all apps offer reliable encryption and thus protect your data. In times when personal data is constantly being passed on to third parties, data security is more important than ever. After all, their personal messages, pictures and videos are their privacy.