10 Best WhatsApp Alternatives That Encrypts Your Data
As soon as WhatsApp rolled out its new terms of services notification that users need to accept or nobody will be able to use WhatsApp account by any method. Facebook (WhatsApp parent company) faced a backlash and WhatsApp users started to delete their accounts and install alternatives to Whatsapp that are available on Android and iOS.
This helped a few privacy-focused messaging apps to see the turning point as Telegram packed over 2 million users in a week and the Signal app got out of service seeing the surge in the userbase. However, WhatsApp shared a number of tweets telling users that WhatsApp is still protecting chats and private talks of their users and not sharing any data with Facebook. Still, users are trolling the platform and making fun of its clarifications.
Here's a list of top 10 private messaging apps that protects your privacy by encrypting your personal data and chats. These are the best WhatsApp alternatives:
10 Best WhatsApp Alternatives That Encrypts Your Data
1. Threema
Threema is a fully open-source instant messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and data encryption. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice and video calls, and any files that you may share with friends making it the best alternative to WhatsApp
Additionally, Threema does not store any user data on its servers, making it more secure than many other messaging apps that are available for free.
According to a report by Forbes, Threema is the most secure messaging app with military-grade encryption.
Threema is available for purchase on the App Store and Google Play.
2. Telegram
Telegram is a popular messaging app that emphasizes user privacy and data encryption and is an alternative of WhatsApp. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice and video calls, and any files that you may share with friends. Telegram also allows you to disable your location info and offers an auto-delete message feature too.
According to a report by Statista, Telegram had over 500 million active users worldwide as of April 2021.
Telegram is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.
3. Signal
Signal is a free messaging app that was created by one of WhatsApp's co-founders with a focus on privacy.
It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and media, and has gained popularity after being recommended by Elon Musk. Signal also offers features like disappearing messages and the ability to verify contacts to ensure the security of your conversations.
According to a report by Business Insider, Signal downloads increased by 4,200% after Musk's tweet.
Signal is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play and you should must try it as it is coming from the hands of WhatsApp founder himself (so it can be a true WhatsApp alternative).
4. Viber
Viber is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages for added privacy. It also allows you to hide your chats and set a PIN code for extra security. Viber also offers voice and video calls and group messaging with up to 250 people.
According to a report by Sensor Tower, Viber had over 14 million downloads worldwide in March 2021.
Viber is also available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.
5. Line
Line is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and a hidden chat feature. It also allows you to make voice and video calls with up to 200 people. According to a report by Sensor Tower, Line had over 6.5 million downloads worldwide in March 2021. Everybody can download the app for free on Android Play Store or iOS App Store.
6. Wickr
Wickr is a messaging app that is designed for secure communication just like WhatsApp. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice and video calls, and any files that you may share with friends. Wickr also allows you to set a self-destruct timer for your messages and offers screenshot protection.
According to a report by TechCrunch, Wickr has been used by government officials and corporations for secure communication.
Wickr app is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
7. Wire
Wire is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice and video calls, and file sharing. It also allows you to verify contacts to ensure the security of your conversations. Wire also offers features like disappearing messages and the ability to hide conversations from the home screen.
According to a report by Business Insider, Wire has been used by the French government for secure communication.
Wire is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
8. Dust
Dust is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice and video calls, and file sharing. It also allows you to set a self-destruct timer for your messages and offers screenshot protection. Dust also uses a unique "dynamic key exchange" to ensure that your conversations are secure making it a great WhatsApp alternative in the market.
According to a report by CNET, Dust has been used by government officials and journalists for secure communication.
Dust is available for download on the App Store and Google Play and you should install it to showcase class to your friends.
9. Kik
Kik is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages and file sharing. It also allows you to create group chats with up to 50 people. Kik also offers features like GIFs and stickers to make your conversations more fun.
According to a report by Sensor Tower, Kik had over 86,000 downloads worldwide in March 2021.
Kik app is also available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
10. Discord
Discord is a messaging app that is designed for gamers, but it can be used for general communication as well. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages and file sharing. Discord also allows you to create private channels for added privacy and it can be used as the gamers's alternative to WhatsApp.
According to a report by Business Insider, Discord had over 150 million monthly active users as of May 2021.
Discord is available on the web and also for free download on the App Store and Google Play.
So, which app you will be going to install for encrypting your data and saying goodbye to WhatsApp?
Information sources:
Telegram -
Telegram's official website: https://telegram.org/
An article by TechRadar about Telegram: https://www.techradar.com/in/best/best-messaging-app
Signal -
An article by Business Insider about Signal: https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/signal-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-india-in-january-2021/articleshow/81185800.cms
An article by The Verge about Signal: https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/7/22218440/elon-musk-signal-telegram-whatsapp-privacy-how-to-download
Line -
A report by Sensor Tower about Line: https://sensortower.com/blog/most-downloaded-apps-q1-2021
Line's official website: https://line.me/en/
Wickr -
An article by TechCrunch about Wickr: https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/25/secure-messaging-app-wickr-opens-to-public-via-a-freemium-model/
Wickr's official website: https://wickr.com/
Wire -
An article by Business Insider about Wire: https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/french-government-reportedly-dumps-microsoft-in-favour-of-the-secure-messaging-app-wire/articleshow/65374097.cms
Wire's official website: https://wire.com/en/
Dust -
An article by CNET about Dust: https://www.cnet.com/news/how-a-secure-messaging-app-became-essential-in-a-very-wired-white-house/
Dust's official website: https://usedust.com/
Kik -
A report by Sensor Tower about Kik: https://sensortower.com/blog/most-downloaded-apps-q1-2021
Kik's official website: https://www.kik.com/
Discord -
An article by Business Insider about Discord: https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/discord-has-grown-tenfold-since-its-pandemic-peak-to-150-million-monthly-active-users/articleshow/82732457.cms
Discord's official website: https://discord.com/
