The best alternatives to WhatsApp

Looking for the best WhatsApp alternatives? Meta's app tops the list of most downloaded messaging apps worldwide, with over 57 million downloads. But such popularity doesn't mean it's the best when it comes to privacy and security.What other options exist and what do they offer?Join us to discover it.

These are the 5 best alternatives to WhatsApp in 2025.

Those looking for the best alternatives to WhatsApp may want a The most private messaging app without ad trackingIn other cases, they may be looking for a An equally intuitive app, but with more features and access to more varied contentWhat other reasons could there be for wanting to abandon WhatsApp, an app that's present on almost every mobile phone in our lives?

Switching to one of its alternatives necessarily means that our contacts also want to do so, or that they've already done so. Otherwise, we'll be somewhat isolated, at least for a while, while the user base for the aforementioned alternative grows. Of course, you can always install one or two more messaging apps on your phone and use them occasionally. taking advantage of its advantages over WhatsApp.

In any case, let's explore the best WhatsApp alternatives you can try in 2025. Some of them are old acquaintances, such as Telegram and Signal. Others, however, are less popular They have relatively few users, but they're very promising and work very well. If you're determined to uninstall WhatsApp from your phone, you'd be wise to know its main rivals and everything they have to offer.

RCS messages

For me, one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp if you're not so concerned about privacy and security. RCS messages (Rich Communication Services) are the successors of traditional SMS, but with functions similar to WhatsAppAlthough powered by Google, many mobile operators have integrated this protocol into their messaging services.

That's right, it's an integrated protocol, which means that You don't have to download any app to use it. Simply open your phone's messaging app and enable the feature from its settings, if it isn't enabled by default. If you're interested, we have a detailed article on the topic. Chat RCS: What it is and its advantages over traditional SMSCompared to WhatsApp, these are its advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages
  • WhatsApp-like features: Sending images, voice, and video, real-time reading and writing, reactions, and groups.
  • It does not require additional installation.
  • It's completely free, unlike SMS.
  • E2E encryption in one-to-one chats when using Google Messages.
• Disadvantages
  • It depends on the operators, so not all users have access.
  • It's not completely private, as Google can access your metadata.
  • There is no encryption in group chats.

Signal: Best alternatives to WhatsApp

On the other hand, if you're more interested in the topic of privacy, Signal is the gold standard. It has been making its mark in the privacy arena for several years as a Messaging app without ads or data trackingDigital security experts, such as Edward Snowden, recommend it without reservation.

We also have several articles related to this messaging app, where we explain what is Signal, How to install Signal or even How to find and join Signal channels. Face to face with WhatsApp, These are its advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages
  • End-to-end encryption by default on all messages, calls, and video calls.
  • Open source, audited by the community and security experts.
  • No ads or data tracking.
  • Self-destructing messages and blocking screenshots.
• Disadvantages
  • Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp.
  • Few visual customization options.
  • It depends on a telephone number for registration.

Telegram

Among the best alternatives to WhatsApp, Telegram is the app that needs the least introduction. It quickly gained ground because it was incorporating new and useful features before WhatsApp. Today, it is known for its massive groups, channels and bots, as well as offering a fast and multifunctional messaging service. One of the most recent and significant changes it has undergone is the integration of Grok on Telegram: Elon Musk's chat comes to the app to revolutionize messaging with AI.Advantages and disadvantages compared to WhatsApp?

• Advantages
  • Multi-platform platform with web, mobile, desktop apps, and programmable bots.
  • Groups of up to 200.000 members and unlimited channels.
  • Cloud storage (up to 4 GB per file).
  • Group calls and live broadcasts.
  • Extensive aesthetic customization, stickers, emojis, themes, etc.
• Disadvantages
  • It doesn't reach Signal's level of encryption.
  • By default, messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
  • History of content moderation controversies.
  • Linking phone number to cloud profile.

Threema: "Privacy without compromise"

Unknown? A little. Private and secure? 10 out of 10. Threema It stands out among the best alternatives to WhatsApp due to its high levels of privacy and security when it comes to mobile messaging. To begin with, it has its Servers hosted in Switzerland, a country with strict data protection laws.

Anything else? Yes: No phone number or email address required to register, so it doesn't store metadata. E2E encryption is always enabled, and it uses a QR code as an identification method, without sharing personal data.

Any drawbacks? It's not very popular, so it'll be difficult to convince your contacts to use it. Plus, it's not free: single payment of 6 USD, although it's little compared to the security and privacy the service offers. If you value anonymity, Threema is among the best WhatsApp alternatives you can use in 2025.

Session among the best alternatives to WhatsApp

We finish this tour of the best alternatives to WhatsApp with the Session messaging app. Similar to Threema, Session works through decentralized networks and using the Onion protocol, similar to Tor. Because of this, it has become a refuge for users in situations of censorship, repression, or surveillance. You can read our article Signal vs Session: A comparison of ultra-secure messaging appsFor now, let's look at its advantages and disadvantages compared to WhatsApp:

• Advantages
  • Completely anonymous registration: no number, email address, or contact permission required.
  • Censorship resistant (similar to Tor).
  • E2E encryption and no centralized servers.
  • Free and open source.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited speed and performance.
  • Community still small.
  • Fewer advanced features compared to WhatsApp or Telegram.

In conclusion, we have seen the five best alternatives to WhatsApp that you can use in 2025. As you can see, There is something for everyone, from the least concerned to the most privacy-conscious. If you're serious about it, choose the messaging app that best suits your needs and say goodbye to WhatsApp!