When you think about instant messaging apps, it is very likely that the first name that comes to your mind is WhatsApp. This app launched in 2009 has become the preferred communication method for millions of people around the world thanks to its convenience and flexibility. WhatsApp supports multiple platforms and it is completely free. Facebook took notice of the popularity of WhatsApp and in 2014, Mark Zuckerberg’s company acquired the app. Since then, many people who are concerned about Facebook’s privacy policies have second thoughts about using WhatsApp. Even if privacy is not your main concern, you may not be a fan of WhatsApp due to its interface, or you simply want to try something different. Luckily, there are many other options available that offer similar functionality, allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family without having to pay high fees. Here are the apps that you can use instead of WhatsApp.
Telegram
If the main reason why you don’t want to use WhatsApp is because you don’t trust in the security and privacy that it is meant to offer, you can consider an alternative like Telegram. This app is one of the most popular alternatives to WhatsApp, particularly among privacy conscious users. It offers a feature called “Secret Chats”, which provides end-to-end encryption. In addition, it ensures that texts, media and other content that you send, is deleted as soon as it has reached its destination. When you use Telegram, all your data is encrypted, even if you are not using “Secret Chats”. The app is compatible with multiple platforms including Android, iOS and Windows Phone. A web version is also available.
LINE
Like WhatsApp, LINE lets you send text and voice messages, it also allows you to share video and photos, and of course, it supports voice and video calls free of charge. LINE features a Timeline that is like the posting option on Facebook, so you can where you can share texts and photos with all your contacts. LINE works on multiple platforms including iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Most of the features that it offers are available for free, but you can get additional games, call credit and other options via in-app purchases. What makes LINE stand out from its competitors is the vast selection of avatars available, as well as the unique Shake it feature that gives you the possibility of adding new contacts by simply shaking the device.
Kik
This instant messaging app is known for its practical features. One of the best things about Kik is the fact that you don’t need to provide your phone number in order to be able to talk to other Kik users. All you need to do is to download the app and create a username to chat with a specific Kik user. You can also join chat groups and share photos, videos and more through Kik. In addition, Kik offers Instagram integration and it also includes a browser so you can visit websites and share links within it. Kik offers many customization options and practical features that make it another good option for users who war not entirely happy with WhatsApp.
If you are looking for a solution that keeps things simple, WeChat is a good choice. This app launched in 2011 is trusted by millions of users thanks to its ease of use. With WeChat, you can send and receive messages, and the app also supports high quality voice and video calls. It is also possible to share photos and videos. WeChat allows you to create group chats with up to 500 people so it is ideal for managing large events and keeping a large group of people updated. WeChat is convenient, simple and thanks to its good selection of features and straightforward interface, it is another good alternative to WhatsApp.
Viber
Although Viber is not as popular as it was a few years ago, it still holds a good place in the world of instant messaging apps. With Viber, you can enjoy calls with high audio quality and it offers a great selection of games, stickers and emojis. Since Viber offers such a wide range of options, the interface can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. However, it is worth trying since it is a well established communication solution that allows you to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. In addition, it doesn’t use a lot of mobile data.
KakaoTalk Messenger
KakaoTalk Messenger is another great alternative to WhatsApp and it is a very popular solution in Asia. Regardless of your location, with KakaoTalk you can keep in touch with the people who matters to you and will enjoy a good variety of useful features. KakaoTalk Messenger has an appealing, dynamic interface that allows you to communicate using one of a kind stickers, animated emoticons and even images created by you. It allows you to be creative and to add fun to your conversations. With KakaoTalk Messenger you can also share photos, videos, locations and more. If you need to organize and share an event, or make specials announcements, you can use the chatroom board option. KakaoTalk Messenger is another practical way to stay in touch, without relying on WhatsApp.
Tango
Tango will capture your attention thanks to its attractive design, but looks is not the only good thing about this app. Tango works really well and its interface is well-organized, allowing you to find the most important features without hassle. Tango is convenient, simple and it offers the features you need to communicate effectively with friends and family, no matter how far away they are. You can enjoy good audio quality and many other options to customize your video calls. You even have the possibility of adding special effects. Tango supports free international calls to any phone number in Canada, India, Mexico and United States. There are also calls to other countries available at a low rate.
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