Top 10 WhatsApp Alternative Chatting Apps in 2021
The Facebook-owned WhatsApp Messenger is the most popular messaging application in the world. New features are regularly released by the company to keep it at the top. However, not everyone seems content with WhatsApp. WhatsApp has recently updated its privacy policy to explain how it handles your information in the Facebook family’s applications and products. The policy states clearly that your device collects a ton of telemetry data. Then everybody nowadays uses WhatsApp, so if you think it’s too nervous, we’re not going to blame you. There are the 10 best WhatsApp alternative chatting apps available for Pakistani users in 2021 if you’re someone who wishes to use a more personal or secure message app!
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Best WhatsApp Alternative Chatting Apps in 2021
1. Telegram Messenger
Telegram Messenger has been known for a long time as WhatsApp’s best competitor. The open-source messaging application is still the best alternative for WhatsApp. In addition to the traditional message capabilities of WhatsApp and Telegram, these features include the ability to share files up to 1,5 GB, passcode lock, self-destruct messages, and end-to-end encryption in secret chat and other things. In addition to the other usual messaging functions that WhatsApp and Telegram packets offer.
Then there are Telegram Bots that improve the experience. The bots not only give you important information about the game, but also allow you to play games in the messaging app. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram can be used simultaneously on multiple platforms to start texting on your phone and then continue on your PC. I love the call feature that works pretty well here too.
That said, Telegram does not have a video call function. But it does this by bringing genuinely unique features not found on WhatsApp. So if you’re not interested in video calls, choose Telegram Messenger as an application for your messaging can’t go wrong.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (Free)
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2. Signal Private Messenger
Signal Foundation offers a very own message app, called Signal Private Messenger, that is responsible for end-to-end encryption technology in WhatsApp Messenger and Facebook Messenger. In comparison to WhatsApp, Signal brings a number of security benefits. It offers self-destructive messages, security in the display (impedes screenshots from anyone) and more.
Moreover, Signal provides its backups with encryption, calls, group calls, and any data on the app. You are even protecting the files you send using Signal. In addition, Signal will not link any data to your identity according to Apple’s App Store listing.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
3. Discord
Discord isn’t just a chat platform for your friends anymore. While a variety of Discord servers can be explored to meet your needs, many overlook the DM functionality of Discord. You can send messages, emojis, emotes (when you have Discord Nitro), GIFs, images and even documents with the Personal Messages feature of Diskord. In addition, after sharing your screen, you can make voice calls, make video calls or even browse.
In combination with nice Spotify, Twitch, YouTube, Battle.net, Steam, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox Live, GitHub integration, Discord has made it easier for you to meet all of your messages needs.
In Discord with a total of 10 members you can also create group chats. You can always create a server if you need more capacity. I would advise you to uninstall WhatsApp and install Discord immediately if you ask me. You can find the link below to download Discord and I can assure you that your decision is not to be regretted.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (Free)
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4. Bridgefy
One of the main issues with online messaging applications like WhatsApp is their reliance on an internet connection. And even normal text message apps won’t work if you’re camping in the forest. This is where messaging apps offline come into play. These applications do not need a mobile network or internet connection.
It instead creates a Bluetooth mesh network or a Wi-Fi direct network on your phone and lets you send messages to friends in your vicinity. You should use Bridgefy if you are looking for such an app. Bridgefy provides three key types of message service: Personal, Broadcast, and Mesh.
You can send a friend’s message, transmit it to the entire group, and also use users as nodes to transmit long distance messages. It is helpful during music festivals, sporting events, natural disasters and other situations where reliable mobile service is not available.
Indeed, Bridgefy and other such applications have become a stronghold for protesters worldwide who can avoid internet censorship by their governments. The app can be downloaded and used free of charge, and I believe the best of course for WhatsApp. You owe it to yourself.
Install: Android (free), iOS (free)
5. Kik
Kik is a great Message application for users who don’t want to run the messaging application with their numbers. While chat services like WhatsApp require that users use their numbers, I know that many users do not feel like they are using these platforms to share their personal numbers.
Kik is a great service for these users because you only need to use your e-mail ID. When you subscribe to the service by using your e-mail ID, Kik creates a unique username to share with other Kik users.
The best thing about using Kik is that there are no messaging features that you lose out. Including text messages, emojis, stickers, Gifs, photo sharing, video sharing and group chats you still get access to all the important features.
Kik also offers bots that you can’t get on WhatsApp, a unique feature of Kik. You can play quizzes, receive fashion tips, news and more with bots. That being said, Kik’s main USP is still not required to have a telephone number, and if you want that, check it out.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
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6. Snapchat
While Snapchat technically is not just an app for messaging but a social media app, with some unique features that no other messaging application can provide, I use it more and more as a messaging app. For example, after a certain time period I can send messages which can auto-destruct. It also tells me if someone takes my chats with them in a screenshot. Finally, it offers the best collection of face masks of all the apps (WhatsApp alternative chatting apps) I have ever used to enjoy the app.
There are also other messaging features, like group chats, voice calls, voice groups, gifs and more. There are also many other things here. I like Snapchat too, because it’s one of the market’s most innovative chat services. Users normally benefit from Snapchat copies of the features on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. So Snapchat is the app to use when you want to access these cool features and get the latest chat features first.
Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
7. Skype
Skype is undoubtedly one of the market’s best business chat applications. Skype has left all other business chat applications in the dust with Microsoft’s power behind it. But this progress worked against Skype in personal chats, since it keeps users away from business people. But I would like to say that Skype is one of the best video and voice call chatting applications in the market.
I find Skype particularly useful when I make international calls because Skype is far better than its competition for sound and video quality. I also love the video call functionality of Skype for its group.
Availability: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web (Free)
8. Keybase
Keybase is a safe chat application for users who want to communicate securely, which is open-source. Since this is an open-source app, there is no private company that sees all of your information. In any event, the data is encrypted end to end so that the message is not exposed to unfortunate actors at any time.
You can’t even take the screenshot of chats with the application. However, it does not target business, but mainly users concerned with their online privacy. The messaging app works more like Slacks than WhatsApp.
My favorite keyboard feature is that you do not need a connection to anybody’s number or email ID. This allows users who are not interested in communicating your personal information with you to remain in contact. This is finally one of the few messaging applications that offer a native Linux operating system application. You should definitely check it out if you value your privacy.
Availability: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows (Free)
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9. Viber
Viber is another popular message and VoIP app, with WhatsApp as far as features are concerned. Firstly, in calls, message, and shared media it provides end-to-end encryption. In addition, the messages saved on multiple devices are encrypted, leading to the fact that WhatsApp alternative chatting apps are packed in multidevice support, which is missing from WhatsApp.
Like WhatsApp, Viber can make video and voice calls, but its Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber users at nominal rates on the international market.
Viber provides support for stickers, file sharing, most recent views, voice and video messages, public accounts, Google Drive backup, and more when discussing the message feature. It is also possible to play a sticker shop and Viber games, which are essentially games inside Viber. You would notice Viber is an app that’s very much like WhatsApp if you consider all of this. It includes most of the WhatsApp features and some more.
10. Threema
Threema is a “seriously secure” messaging app that should be of interest to you if you care about your WhatsApp security. The app encrypts all the information, including posts, common files and even status updates. Whilst WhatsApp lacks such features as voice & video calling, it certainly has impressive safety features.
The app also does not collect metadata and offers various encrypted backup options in conjunction with end-to-end encryption in the app. Threema is open-source and has a transparent privacy policy, so that while you are using the app, your security is protected.
It includes in the usual features a web-based client that works similarly to the WhatsApp Web, but includes a few unique things, such as creating a group poll, password or fingerprint-protect chats, anonymous chatting, and the ability of agree/disagree with a message. Threema is a paid app, but if you want security and a simple messaging app, that’s worth it.
Availability: Android, iOS, Web ($2.99)
Final Thoughts
LINE, a highly popular cross-plan Messaging App that packages a number of features, is another WhatsApp alternative that you can use. Like WhatsApp, the app has end-to-end encryption, voice and video calling and messages support, and more.
It has a lot of unique features compared to WhatsApp like LINE Out, sticker store, a cool Keep feature, allowing you to keep your favorite photos, pictures, etc. and more. It also features an app timeline that shows updates to the status of your friends and changes to photographs.
Availability: Android, iOS, iPad, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox (Free)
Best WhatsApp Alternative Chatting Apps to Use
Other messaging apps, such as imo, Hike, etc. are a ton of decent ones. However, the above-mentioned applications are the best applications you can use when looking for an app to replace WhatsApp. While none of these apps match the user base of WhatsApp, they are more than sufficient to replace it in terms of features and privacy. Test these alternative WhatsApp applications and let us know in the comments section below your favorite instant message application.
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