Even with all the criticism, WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app. While there are plenty of options, people are reluctant to download and use them. Numerous WhatsApp like apps provide more features or more advanced functionalities. We share the best text and messaging apps similar to WhatsApp for android and iOS devices.
Kik
Like a lot of internet chat systems, Kik operates by just requiring a user name. Compared to many other chat apps, Kik has one major advantage: you can join and even start your own public chat groups. This means that you can talk to every Kik user, not just the people you know.
Advantages
Free of charge
Can be used without a telephone number
Share pictures, videos, GIFs
Chat rooms
Integrated browser
Large number of users
Disadvantages
User interface takes some getting used to
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger could obviously not be your first pick if you wish to avoid using Facebook. However, the messenger we are using is highly functional and well-liked. Anyway, majority of WhatsApp users will also be on Facebook. So instead of using two apps, why not just use one?
Advantages
The smartphone can send messages to computer users and other mobile devices.
You register using your personal Facebook account.
Individual and group chats possible
Large number of users
VoIP calls possible
Disadvantages
Registration also possible via mobile number
Settings a bit difficult
Signal
Data protection and security professionals frequently suggest the open source messenger Signal, which is based in California. Although Signal is very similar to the industry leader WhatsApp, it was designed from the beginning for encrypted protocols. Group conversations, IP video communications, and file transfers of images, movies, and other types are all as simple as they are with the large role model.
Moreover, "disappearing messages"—messages that are only viewable for a certain period of time—are another security feature. Some supporters of anonymous messenger use might take issue with the application's use of the phone number to identify the user.
Advantages
Free of charge
Open-Source
End-to-end encryption
Video telephony
Share pictures, videos, GIFs
Very easy to switch
Disadvantages
Phone number for identification
Skype
One of the most popular alternatives is presumably Skype. The developer Microsoft provides mobile apps in addition to a PC and web version. It is unfortunate that many people still use Skype as a desktop application, so you won't often be able to contact contacts who aren't seated in front of a computer. Possible causes for this include the battery-draining and somewhat complicated mobile app.
Advantages
Large user base
For free
Voice and video calls
Group chats
Many platforms
Disadvantages
Battery-intensive application
A little difficult for a quick mobile chat
Telegram
Right now, Telegram is among the most widely used alternatives for WhatsApp and offers features that are nearly identical to those of its major competitor. Nonetheless, Telegram's unique focus on security, which it uses to position itself as a superior WhatsApp alternative, has drawn criticism on numerous occasions. Examples of non-standard practices include the usage of end-to-end encryption in "secret chats" alone, the non-transparent corporate structure being viewed as a vulnerability, and the likelihood of security features being bypassed previously.
However, if you are simply looking for a functional and widely used alternative to the popular messenger, you can of course still give Telegram a chance.
Advantages
Free of charge
Share pictures, videos, GIFs
Many users
Very good media and data exchange
Very easy to switch
Cross-platform (Android, iOS, PC)
Disadvantages
Phone number for initial identification
Questionable security (company, metadata, etc.)
End-to-end encryption is not standard
Viber
One feature that sets Viber apart from many other chat apps is the ability to retrieve messages—even ones that were sent a long time ago and were previously received by the intended recipient. Along with the standard features, the messenger also provides group chats, games, emojis, and VoIP phone calls. File transfers are also feasible.
Advantages
Free phone calls and group chats possible
Share voice messages with contacts in addition to photos and videos
HD voice quality
Push notifications
Large number of users
Disadvantages
Access to the complete address book is a basic requirement (as with WhatsApp) for the app to be installed at all.
Zom
Zom was developed as a spin-off of the extremely secure messenger ChatSecure. Zom utilizes the contemporary message encryption techniques Off-the-Record Messaging (OTR), multi-client end-to-end encryption OMEMO, and the open chat protocol XMPP, just like its parent project. But unlike WhatsApp and other apps, Zom aims to be just as simple to use for those without as much technological know-how.
Advantages
Easy to use
Compatible with other XMPP chat services through open standard
Modern encryption methods (OTR, OMEMO)
Video telephony
Secure file transfer of images, videos, GIFs, etc.
No phone number or email necessary
Disadvantages
Occasional server or connection problems
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