There are several instant messaging apps that represent valid alternatives to WhatsApp. Let’s see what they are and how to download them, highlighting the pros and cons.

WhatsApp is the most used cross-platform messaging application in the world. This does not mean, however, that it is the only one to offer a service to send messages, share photos and videos or make voice calls. In fact, there are several equally valid alternatives, which work even better for some.

If you have wondered if there are apps like WhatsApp , then, the answer is clear: yes, they exist! It is not so clear, however, whether these can be as useful as WhatsApp. This judgment depends on the use made of the application and the tastes of each user.

In this post we have compiled a ranking of the best alternatives to WhatsApp , which we have chosen by evaluating the thousands of opinions and comments found on the net and, of course, after having tried them. The result is a real “ podium ” that we have articulated highlighting the main characteristics of each application and the pros and cons of each of them.

Precisely because it can vary according to the tastes and needs of each user, the advice is to take this ranking as purely indicative. As a way to get an idea of ​​what the messaging landscape offers and then be able to form a personal opinion to choose the one that is closest to your wishes.

Apps like WhatsApp: the podium

 # 1. Telegram Messenger

Telegram is an instant messaging application. Very similar to the popular WhatsApp, starting from its main features, it allows you to keep 200 conversations at the same time and send photos, videos or files to the contacts in the address book. It is a free application and without any advertising.

How does telegram work?

The truth is that the application is almost identical to that of WhatsApp. If we want to add contacts to the application, for example, just save the phone number in the address book and it will be added automatically (if he also uses the application), while the contacts already saved are added automatically.

Another quality of Telegram is that we can delete conversations without leaving any traces on the server. Moreover, if the user wants, he can set the timed self-destruction of the message and leave no trace on the device.

Telegram was created by the Russians Nikolai and Pavel Durov, also creators of the social network “VKontakte”, the second largest in Europe after Facebook. Unlike many applications, it is not a commercial application, so it is free and has no ads, and its owners have repeatedly reiterated that it will stay that way forever. Furthermore, its creators are so confident in their security system that they offer $ 200,000 to anyone who manages to break it.

Pros:

1. Contacts

WhatsApp only requires a phone number for registration. There is no need to wait for a confirmation email or anything else. In addition, the contacts appear automatically based on the agenda. Telegram does exactly the same thing, but with even more detail.

It is also possible to add a username for those who do not have our phone number, just like Skype or others. We can create our username by going to Settings -> Nickname .

2. Available on any platform

You can use Telegram from your tablet, computer or smartphone without any problems. Yes, the arrival of WhatsApp Web has brought these characteristics to WhatsApp too, but according to many the service does not work as well as on Telegram and has given users more problems than solutions.

In the case of tablets, simply download the application and follow the same procedure as for smartphones. The big advantage is that we can use the web application even if we don’t have the phone at hand, which is impossible on WhatsApp.

A desktop version is available for computers. Unlike WhatsApp we will not have to rely on a browser and, consequently, it is not necessary to leave the tab in question open.

Finally, it should be noted that Telegram informs you every time a connection to the service from another platform occurs, providing detailed information on the IP and location of the connection. Also, you can disconnect any device via Settings -> Privacy and security .

3. Any file can be sent

WhatsApp allows us to send “only” images, videos, audio files and locations, up to 16 MB in size. On Telegram you can send any type of file up to 1 GB. Yes, you read that correctly. 1 GB. PDFs, text documents and others are included.

Another positive point is that on Telegram the photos do not lose quality when they are sent, which happens instead on WhatsApp.

4. Security

In this section, it is good to immediately clarify one thing: security on the web is never absolute; on the Internet everything is known to everyone! Telegram, for its part, claim to offer a highly secure service. Within the application we find the secret chats the possibility of self-destruction of messages. Features that certainly guarantee greater safety.

If this does not convince you, perhaps the fact that Telegram has challenged hackers from all over the world by offering a reward of 200 thousand dollars to those who manage to undermine its security system can do so. And to date no one has succeeded.

If this still does not convince you, let’s go to point number five.

5. It’s free!

That’s all, there is no need to say more. This application is free. WhatsApp costs only € 0.89 a year, but it costs something.

Against:

1. Popularity

First of all, an underlying problem should be noted: the lack of Telegram contacts. The popularity of the application is not at the level of WhatsApp and therefore its possibilities of use are very limited.

2. Audio notes

While Telegram has several interesting features that WhatsApp lacks, it also has many shortcomings. For example, it does not have audio notes, which have been used more and more in recent times.

3. Uncompressed photos and videos

Telegram, unlike WhatsApp, does not compress the photos and videos that are sent. This is a good thing for professional photographers and those who want high quality images but, in general, for many users it is a detriment because it weighs down the application, wastes more memory and needs more data traffic.

4. Instability

One of the most important features of Whatsapp is its remarkable stability, which is undoubtedly the most important and decisive factor in guaranteeing a reliable and safe service. Telegram is not at its level.

Download Telegram:  Android – iPhone / iPad

#2. WeChat

The WeChat platform offers all classic messaging services . Allow you to send texts, photos and videos, make video calls and much more. All from both smartphone and tablet or c. Available in 17 languages, the license does not expire, unlike WhatsApp.

Pros:

1. Walky talky

In addition to the classic audio notes, WeChat has an interesting service that allows you to communicate live with other users, as if it were a walkie-talkie.

2. Video calls

The quality of video calls is another WeChat added value. One can speak in a very simple and clean way. Furthermore, the user can switch from a voice call to a video call dynamically, without ending the conversation.

3. Interactivity

One of WeChat’s most interesting features is its interactivity. As such, it is possible to create applications. The most popular one allows the connection with the Facebook profile, but there are many. You can share moments such as photos, texts and URL links with friends; contact other people around the world who are shaking their phone and start chatting; find people in your area chatting (useful when you are bored at the airport, waiting for the next flight); Use the “bottle adrift” function, to send a message in a virtual bottle in the “sea of ​​the web” and deliver it randomly to strangers; or again, use the application comfortably from any computer with WeChat Web.

4. Emoticons

In addition to having a basic selection of emoticons, WeChat allows users to download emoticons or choose their own from the phone album.

5. Privacy

With WeChat the user no longer has to inform other users when they are connected or whether the message has been sent or not. All these options are controllable. Also, you cannot see other users’ phone numbers.

6. Offline mode

If you do not want to receive notifications, on WhatsApp the only option is to disable the device’s Internet connection, which means disconnecting other applications as well. WeChat instead allows you to set the offline mode.

7. It’s free.

WeChat is free to download, install and use. The uncertainty about the expiration of the license is something that does not exist on this platform, unlike WhatsApp.

Against:

1. Popularity

This is the most significant negativity of all WhatsApp competitors: no one can count the same number of users and therefore no one can guarantee the possibility of reaching such a high number of friends. Everyone uses WhatsApp.

2. Friend request

On WeChat you cannot immediately chat with the contacts found, to start messaging with them you must send a contact request that must be approved.

3. Chat history

There is no option to export chat history to a file.

WeChat Download: Android – iPhone / iPad – Other devices

# 3. Viber

Viber is an IM application that allows you to communicate with your contacts via text messages in real time and call without spending money through the application itself (provided, of course, that you have an Internet connection).

The only requirements necessary to make a call via Viber are two: to have the application installed on both the caller’s and the recipient’s phone, and that both have a connection or Wi-Fi or data. The management is very simple, to use it just register as a new user of the service and check the phone. So, just let Viber access your address book and in seconds everything is ready to start communicating.

Pros:

– Fairly popular: Popular especially for voice calls.

– HD voice calls

– Call transfer in progress between devices

– Ease of use: few functions, but clear and simple to use.

Against:

– Heavy application.

– Little evolution and updates.

– Poor in functionality compared to WeChat, Telegram and WhatsApp.

Download Viber: Android – iPhone – Windows Phone – Other devices