Whatsapp remains the most popular messaging application on Play Store even after being owned by Facebook.
Launched in 2009, the messaging application releases updates for all platforms to maintain its dominance. With its updated privacy, Whatsapp has created a web of doubts for its customers.
Recently, the popular messaging application clarified how it handles and will handle consumer data with Facebook. The updated policy has made people consider alternatives to Whatsapp.
Here are the best alternatives to WhatsApp that maintains your privacy and keeps your information secure.
SIGNAL
A free and secure messaging application, Signal offers features similar to Whatsapp like voice and the application doesn’t have animated emojis. However, you can import your device’s emojis into the app.
Every message is encrypted on Signal and the application also offers disappearing text feature where messages can be deleted after a specific period of time. Signal includes desktop installation files so you can use the app on your computer as well as your cell phone. Users can choose to let messages disappear by setting a time interval for automatic deletion. This guarantees privacy, even if someone else has the access to your phone.
The auto-deleting feature ensures even more privacy. The only feature that’s missing is the animated emojis as the app currently doesn’t support it.
PROS
- End-to-end encryption
- Open source encryption
- Available on all major platforms
- Disappearing messages
Cons
- No animated emojis
TELEGRAM
With over 200 million active users at the helm, Telegram can be considered as another popular alternative to Whatsapp. The messaging application can work across all platforms and offers end-to-end encryption for voice calls.
Similar to Signal, Telegram also offers disappearing messages after a certain time. Emojis, stickers, and GIFs are all supported on the application. The app features default end-to-end encryption for voice calls, ensuring that no-one can ever listen in on your calls. However, encryption for messages needs to be manually turned on to prevent storage.
PROS
- Open-source software
- User-friendly platform
- Cloud-based so you never lose your material
CONS
- Encryption is not by default and needs to be manually turned on
- Created own standard encryption, which has been criticized
WIRE
Protected by European data retention laws, Wire is a secure messaging platform with end-to-end encryption. It also offers clear voice and video communications with 1:1 and group screen sharing. Available across all platforms, Wire supports multimedia file sharing and audio filtering.
Users can format text with bold and italics, and create lists within chats and also optimize file sizes for easy sharing, and set timers to delete messages for added privacy.
PROS
- Secure chats
- Timed messages
- Ability to use 8 devices simultaneously
- Rich conversations
CONS
- Paid app
