Facebook-owned WhatsApp Messenger is the most popular messaging app on the planet. The company releases new features regularly to ensure that it remains at the top. However, not everyone seems to be happy with WhatsApp. WhatsApp recently updated its privacy policy to clarify how it handles your data within Facebook’s family of apps and products. The policy makes it clear that the company collects a ton of telemetry data from your device. Then there’s the fact that everyone uses WhatsApp these days, so we won’t blame you if you feel it’s a little too annoying. So, if you are someone who wants to move on to a more personal or secure messaging app, here are the 10 best WhatsApp alternative apps you can use in 2022.

In this article, we have mentioned apps that focus on both privacy and features. You can check out the entire list of WhatsApp alternative apps by using the table of content below and use it to jump to any app that you want.

  • Telegram Messenger
  • Signal Private Messenger
  • Discord
  • Bridgefy
  • Kik
  • Snapchat
  • Skype
  • Keybase
  • Viber
  • Threema
  • Bonus: LINE

1. Telegram Messenger

Telegram Messenger has been known as the best WhatsApp competitor for a while now and nothing’s changed. The open-source messaging app is still the best WhatsApp alternative out there. Along with the usual messaging features that both WhatsApp and Telegram pack, the latter brings other features like super groups of up to 100,000 people, public channels, usernames, ability to share files of up to 1.5 GB, pass code lock, self-destructing messages and end-to-end encryption in secret chat among other things.

That said, Telegram lacks video calling feature. But it makes up for it by bringing really unique features that are not found on WhatsApp. So, if you don’t care about video calls, you cannot go wrong by choosing Telegram Messenger as your messaging app.

Signal Foundation, the organization that powers the end-to-end encryption technology in WhatsApp Messenger and Facebook Messenger, offers its very own messaging app dubbed Signal Private Messenger. As you’d expect, Signal brings a number of security benefits when compared to WhatsApp. It offers self-destructing messages, screen security (prevents anyone from taking screenshots), and more.

Discord is no longer just a platform for chatting with your fellow gamers. While you can explore a variety of Discord servers to engage with your interests, Discord’s DM functionality is often overlooked by many. You can use Discord’s personal messages feature to send messages, emojis, emotes (if you have Discord Nitro), GIFs, images, and even documents. Furthermore, you can make voice calls, video calls, or even browse together after sharing your screen.

You can also create group chats on Discord with a total of 10 members. If you need more capacity, you can always create a server. If you ask me, I’d recommend uninstalling WhatsApp right away and installing Discord. You will find the link to download Discord below and I can assure you that you won’t regret the decision.

One of the main problems with online messaging apps like WhatsApp is that they rely on an internet connection to work. And if you are out camping in the woods even the normal text messaging apps will not work. That’s where offline messaging apps come into play. These apps don’t require a mobile network or internet connection to work.

You can send messages to a friend, broadcast them to entire group, and even use users as nodes to send messages to long distances. It is quite helpful during music festivals, sports events, natural disasters, and other such situations where you won’t be getting reliable mobile service.

Kik is a great messaging app for users who don’t want to use their number to operate a messaging application. While chat services like WhatsApp require users to use their number, I know many users who are not comfortable with sharing their personal numbers to these platforms.

While Snapchat technically is not just a messaging app rather a social media app, I use it more and more as a messaging application thanks to some unique features that no other messaging application can offer. For example, I can send messages which can self-destruct after a set period of time. It also notifies me when someone takes a screenshot of my chats with them. Finally, it offers the best face mask collection of all the apps that I have ever used which makes this app fun to use.

Skype is without a doubt one of the best business chat applications of the market. With the power of Microsoft behind it, Skype has left all the other business chat applications in the dust. However, that progress has worked against Skype when it comes to personal chats as the business moniker that it has earned keeps normal users away. But let me tell you that Skype is one of the best chatting applications on the market especially if you make a lot of video and voice calls.

I especially find Skype useful when I am using it to make overseas calls as the sound and video quality on Skype is far better than its competition. I also love Skype for its group video call functionality.

Keybase is an open-source secure chat application which is great for users who want to communicate securely. Since this is an open-source app, there’s no private company which is looking at all your data. Anyways the data is end-to-end encrypted so at no point in time, the message is exposed to nefarious actors.

My favorite feature of Keybase is that you don’t need anyone’s number or email ID to connect with them. This allows you to remain in contact with users with whom you don’t want to share your personal information with. Finally, this is one of the few messaging apps which offer a native application for Linux operating system. If you value your privacy, you should definitely check it out.

Viber is another popular messaging and VoIP app that really stands toe-to-toe with WhatsApp when it comes to features. Firstly, the app offers end-to-end encryption in calls, messages and the shared media. Moreover, the messages saved in multiple devices are also encrypted, which brings us to the fact that the messaging apps packs in multi-device support, which WhatsApp lacks.

Availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows (Free, with rates for Viber Out)

Threema is a “seriously secure” messaging app, which should interest you if you are concerned about your security on WhatsApp. The app encrypts all the data, including messages, shared files, and even status updates. While it lacks WhatsApp features like voice & video calling, its security features are certainly impressive.

Availability: Android, iOS, Web ($2.99)

Another WhatsApp alternative you can use is LINE, which is a highly popular cross-platform messaging app that packs in a ton of features. Like WhatsApp, the app features end-to-end encryption, support for voice and video calls & messages and more.

Availability: Android, iOS, iPad, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox (Free)

Q. What can I use instead of WhatsApp?

You can check out apps like Telegram or Signal instead of using WhatsApp on your smartphone.

Yes. If you want a feature-rich app that offers all the features you need, I’d recommend going with Telegram or Discord.

Discord’s video calling is great if you often video call with friends. You can also check out Google Duo, a dedicated app from Google for video calling.

If you value your privacy, you should install and use Signal.

Q. What messaging apps are associated with Facebook?

Other than WhatsApp, the messaging option of Instagram, Instagram’s Threads, and  Messenger are associated with Facebook.