In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide some quick answers to common questions about messenger app alternatives:
What are some popular messenger apps?
Some of the most popular messenger apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal, Skype, Line, Viber, WeChat, and Google Hangouts.
Why would I want to use something other than my regular messenger app?
There are a few reasons you may want to use an alternative messenger app:
- You want more privacy and security features
- Your contacts use a different app than you do
- You want features not available in your current app
- You have issues or get banned from using your regular app
What are the main features to look for in messenger apps?
Some key features that differentiate messenger apps include:
- End-to-end encryption for privacy
- Self-destructing messages
- Video/voice calling capabilities
- Group chat options
- Cross-platform availability
- Photo/file sharing
- User profiles and statuses
Conclusion
There are many solid alternatives to consider if you’re looking for a different messenger app than your current go-to option. The right choice comes down to your specific needs and priorities around features, security, and user base.
Overview of Popular Messenger App Alternatives
Here is an overview of some of the most popular alternative messenger apps to consider:
| App | Best For | Platforms | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use, broad user base | Android, iOS, Web | End-to-end encryption, group chats, file sharing | |
| Telegram | Privacy, security | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | End-to-end encryption (Secret Chats), self-destructing messages, group sizes up to 200,000 members |
| Signal | Privacy protection | Android, iOS | End-to-end encryption, screen security, secure group chats |
| Skype | Video calling | Android, iOS, Windows, Web | Video calls with up to 50 people, screen sharing |
| Line | Messaging and multimedia | Android, iOS | Fun stickers and emoji, group video calls, timelined posts |
| Viber | International messaging | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Free calls to other Viber users, end-to-end encryption, group chats |
| Messaging in China | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Messaging, Moments social feed, mobile payments | |
| Google Hangouts | Integration with Google services | Android, iOS, Web | Synced chats across devices, integration with Gmail and Google Voice |
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messenger apps globally, with over 2 billion users. It offers end-to-end encryption for secure messaging. Some of the key features include:
- Group chats with up to 256 participants
- Ability to share photos, videos, documents
- Voice and video calling
- Desktop app for Windows and macOS
- Offline messaging
- Ability to set notifications and mute chats
WhatsApp has a broad user base, especially internationally. So it can be a good option if you need an app that many of your contacts already use. However, it lacks some more advanced features around privacy and security versus apps like Signal or Telegram.
Telegram
Telegram positions itself as a highly secure messenger app. It was created by the founders of VKontakte, a Russian social network. Some key features include:
- End-to-end encrypted Secret Chats
- Option for self-destructing messages
- Support for group sizes up to 200,000 members
- Open API and bot platform
- Ability to store unlimited cloud storage
- Synced across all devices
Telegram has robust privacy and security protections making it suitable for users prioritizing those features. It also supports large group chats and channels which is useful for communities. However, it’s not as ubiquitous as WhatsApp in terms of user base.
Signal
Signal is widely regarded as the most secure and private messenger app available. It was created by a non-profit foundation focused on privacy. Some key features include:
- True end-to-end encryption
- Minimal metadata collection
- Open source codebase
- Screen security with blocking screenshots
- Secure group messaging
- Self-deleting messages
Signal is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the highest level of privacy and encryption. It has received endorsement from prominent figures like Edward Snowden and security researchers. The main drawbacks are the smaller user base versus WhatsApp and less robust features for large group chats.
Skype
Skype by Microsoft focuses heavily on voice and video chat capabilities. Some of Skype’s key features include:
- One-on-one video calls
- Group video calls with up to 50 people
- Screen sharing
- Text, voice and video messaging
- File sharing up to 300 MB
- Mobile apps, desktop apps, web access
Skype is designed more for real-time communication than asynchronous messaging. The video chat features make it suitable for business meetings, group calls with family and friends, and general video communications. Security and privacy are average, not at the same level as Signal or Telegram.
Line
Line is a popular messaging app in parts of Asia. Some of its notable features include:
- Stickers and large emoji library
- Fun graphical elements and themes
- Hidden “Keep” chats with passcode protection
- Line Timeline for sharing posts
- Voice and video calls
- LINE Pay payments
Line focuses more on the social networking and multimedia aspects rather than privacy and security features. The fun stickers and emoji make it popular in markets like Japan. But it lacks end-to-end encryption available in other apps.
Viber
Viber offers free messaging and calls around the world. Key features include:
- Free calls to other Viber users
- End-to-end encryption
- Hidden chats
- Group chats up to 200 people
- Push-to-talk “Walkie Talkie” mode
- Video messages and chats
Viber provides a nice balance of security protections along with group features and video chat options. The ability to call other Viber users for free over data is a unique perk—great for international communications. But the user base is smaller than apps like WhatsApp.
WeChat (known as Weixin in China) is a hugely popular app in China and with Chinese speakers around the world. Key features include:
- Messaging, voice/video calls
- Moments social feed
- Payments, bookings, takeout ordering
- Mini programs for added services
- Group chats with up to 500 people
WeChat is much more than just a messaging app—it’s an entire mobile ecosystem and almost a necessity for anyone doing business in China. The broader platform capabilities and user base in China make WeChat unique compared to other messaging apps.
Google Hangouts
Hangouts is Google’s messaging app natively integrated with their services. Some key features:
- Synced conversations across devices
- Integration with SMS
- Ties in with Gmail for emailed conversations
- Group video calls for up to 25 people
- Screen sharing capabilities
- Works with Google Voice for SMS and voicemail
Hangouts is convenient for those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem. But it lacks some features around privacy and security versus other dedicated messenger apps. The user base is also smaller as Hangouts usage has declined in favor of Google Chat.
Key Decision Factors When Choosing a Messenger App
Here are some of the key factors to consider when deciding which messenger app is right for your needs:
Your contacts’ usage
In many cases, the app your personal and professional contacts use regularly will be a key driver. Using the same app makes connecting and communicating easiest.
Privacy and security protections
If you handle sensitive conversations and data, the level of privacy and security features will be important, like true end-to-end encryption.
Platforms supported
You’ll want to ensure the app has native apps for the mobile and desktop platforms you personally use, whether iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.
Group chat capabilities
If you need robust group messaging features, some apps support larger chats and more options than others.
Video/voice calling quality
If you plan to use the app for video chats and calls, the quality, reliability and options for group calls will be key.
International capabilities
Some apps are better suited for communicating overseas, with lower costs for international calls and better language support.
Integration with other apps/services
Some messaging apps closely integrate with a specific ecosystem like Google’s or Apple’s set of apps and services.
Choosing the Best Messenger App Replacement for You
Here are some recommendations for choosing a replacement messenger app based on different user priorities:
You want maximum privacy and security
Signal is widely regarded as the most private and secure messenger app. It features true end-to-end encryption and support for disappearing messages. However, the user base is smaller than apps like WhatsApp.
You want something easy and ubiquitous
WhatsApp is the simplest option with a broad user base globally across both Android and iOS. It handles the basics well. But more advanced privacy protections are lacking.
You want the best group chat and community features
Telegram supports group chats up to 200,000 people and has powerful community engagement tools. The focus is less on privacy than apps like Signal though.
You want great video chat capabilities
Skype still has the best quality video chat in terms of reliability and group sizes. However, regular text messaging feels secondary versus dedicated messenger apps.
You want deep integration with Google services
Google Hangouts has tight integration with Gmail, Google Voice, YouTube and other Google offerings. But adoption has declined in favor of Google Chat for many users.
You want free international calling
Viber offers some of the best free calling rates internationally, especially for other Viber users. Privacy protections are decent though not as robust as Signal.
How to Make the Switch to a New Messenger App
Once you’ve decided to make the switch to a new messenger app, here are tips for a successful transition:
Download the app and create an account
First, download the app on your mobile and desktop devices if available. Create your user account and familiarize yourself with the interface and features.
Let contacts know you’re making the switch
Tell your contacts you plan to start using the new app and ask them to download it as well. Coordinate a date to officially make the switch together.
Export chat history from old app if possible
See if you can transfer or export your chat history and data from the old app and import it into the new one. This preserves historical conversations.
Keep old app active initially
Run both messenger apps in parallel for a period of time during the transition. Check both to avoid missing messages.
Remove old app once fully switched
After an adjustment period where your contacts are also onboarded to the new app, you can safely disable and remove the old messenger app.
Use multi-device addons for best flexibility
Apps like Beemy provide the ability to use various messenger apps across all devices. This adds convenience.
Potential Downsides When Switching Apps
While switching messenger apps has many benefits, there are a few potential downsides to be aware of:
- Contacts may be slow to switch apps and adopt the new platform
- Important message history and data may be lost in transition
- New apps have a learning curve to get used to features
- New app may lack features you’re accustomed to from previous app
- Some apps have less reliable infrastructures and more bugs
- Switching costs increase the more apps and contacts you need to migrate
The difficulties involved make it important to evaluate whether the benefits of switching platforms outweigh the costs and hassles. Jumping between apps frequently can cause friction.
Conclusion
When looking for an alternative to your current messenger app, priorities like privacy, features, and ease of use all factor into the decision. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Skype, Line, and Viber are among top options. Consider which capabilities matter most and align with the apps your personal and professional contacts utilize. A structured switching process helps successfully migrate to a new messenger platform while minimizing disruptions.