Many are currently looking for WhatsApp alternatives. Currently, the popular messenger does not necessarily shine with positive headlines. Originally, restrictions were to be enforced if, for example, the new WhatsApp regulations were not approved since May 15. Fortunately, that was tipped again recently. Recently, however, a chain letter has also made its rounds, which draws attention to allegedly changed group settings of the messenger.
So there is a lot of fuss that makes some users question whether WhatsApp is really the best instant messenger on the market. We also looked around a bit to discover the best WhatsApp alternatives. We will introduce you to which messengers they are and where their strengths lie.
“But my friends …” – The problem with WhatsApp alternatives
Switching is not that easy, however. Whether friends or family: Instant messengers are an important means of communication. WhatsApp works so well because almost everyone is using it now. You have to convince your own environment to change, who may not feel like using several messengers for their part, because their extended circle of friends is not ready to change or the dad has only just made friends with WhatsApp after a long struggle.
So it is of no use having found the best WhatsApp alternative if the previous contacts do not follow suit. In the end, you will probably continue to use WhatsApp to continue communicating with those who did not want to switch to another program.
Nevertheless, it is worth looking at the alternatives. Some offer significantly more security, others offer you entire communication platforms. We introduce you to four alternatives to WhatsApp and who they are particularly suitable for.
Discord – a WhatsApp alternative not just for gamers
In our editorial office, Discord has become a little favorite. Originally it was much more of a voice chat alternative for Teamspeak. But now it’s much more than that. You connect either via friend request or on Discord servers. These servers contain text & voice channels on which all or selected user groups of the server can exchange information. Since you can only come to the server with an invitation link, you can set up a server with your friends on which you can exchange ideas within the group. But you can also talk to individual friends in the classic way, like with a messenger, by text, voice or video.
Discord is visually very appealing and works very cleanly. As far as the larger video conferencing is concerned, Discord can easily keep up with the quality of paid alternatives. Discord is also quick to pick up new trends. Among other things, a clubhouse-like function has already been built in. Only certain users of a channel are allowed to speak to this. The passive listeners can, however, report. You can imagine it like a panel discussion where there are speakers but listeners are allowed to ask questions.
Deductions in the B-Note: If you use the same account for private and work, you may get a little identity problem. You can rename yourself on every server, while the internal name is always used in private chats. So if you still use a pseudonym in private, but of course use your real name for work, you have to decide which name to use for private messages. Discord does not offer end-to-end encryption either.
Who is Discord for?
Due to its gaming origins, Discord is of course particularly suitable for gamers. Actually, Discord is especially suitable for users who do not only want to text classically with the messenger. The possibility of setting up a server for your own circle of friends or even individual groups of friends gives you a complete communication platform. You can not only consciously call someone, but also simply join an existing voice channel, possibly also as a video conference and the possibility to share your own screen.
In general, the look and image of Discord is a bit younger – but that shouldn’t prevent older users from looking at Discord either. This is also a great alternative to Facebook and Co for the family, for example to exchange news or pictures internally
Threema – more security than WhatsApp
First of all, Threema distinguishes one thing from WhatsApp: The app costs money. But it also promises significantly more security than the competition. But what does Threema do better there and what other advantages does the app offer?
A big advantage of this WhatsApp alternative is that Threema neither reads your contacts nor collects great information about you. This is also due to the business model. Threema is financed by selling the app. WhatsApp and many of its alternatives, on the other hand, are free and have to finance themselves differently – for example through advertising. Since Threema does not display any advertising, it does not have to collect any data about the users. In order to be completely transparent, the Threema apps are open source.
Another advantage: It is a Swiss company and the servers are also in Switzerland. This means that they are subject to much tougher guidelines when it comes to data protection. In addition, there is continuous end-to-end encryption, with which the server operators cannot eavesdrop on you.
As deliberately as Threema decided to focus on security, the app deliberately dispenses with unnecessary frills. So whoever hopes for one or the other gimmick will be disappointed at Threema. There is at least a practical survey function – but that’s one of the biggest gimmicks.
Who is Threema suitable for?
Threema is the best WhatsApp alternative if you really value security. The whole app is designed around maximum security and privacy. That means no connection to phone numbers, good encryption and a minimum of metadata.
The app is financed through the purchase. For the individual user, the one-off costs of 3.99 euros are no hurdle if the app concept appeals to you. Convincing the social environment to spend money on a messenger, on the other hand, is much more difficult. You have to expect that Threema will only be used in a very select group for the time being.
Signal – The Threema competitor
Unlike the other WhatsApp alternatives, it’s better to compare Signal with Threema. Signal also puts safety first, but implements it in a completely different way.
While Threema detaches itself from the telephone number, your SIM card is the basis for Signal. There is no account and no password, just your device. Nothing is stored on servers either, only at the user’s location. This has the advantage that nobody can access your data without your smartphone – but it binds you to your phone number. If you change your number, you will also lose your contacts and message history. The PC app is an exception, but it must first be approved by the smartphone.
Signal is also financed without advertising, but unlike Threema, it is free. Instead, it is financed through donations from various foundations and private individuals. Interesting: WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton founded the “Signal Foundation” and invested a whopping 50 million dollars in the project himself.
Signal has already proven itself in political trouble spots. The app is not only very safe, but also bypasses numerous censorship measures. When the app was blocked in Egypt in 2016, there was an update a few days later that circumvented these measures. By the way, one of the most famous Signal users is whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Who is Signal for?
Signal is also aimed primarily at users for whom security is a top priority. In contrast to Threema, there is no financial hurdle to change. Since Signal is financed by donations, the app does not have to rely on collecting user information to display advertising.
If you prefer to keep your account separate from your phone number, you are better off with Threema, and if you don’t want your data to run over a server, Signal is better off.
Signal also puts security and privacy in the foreground and does away with all too playful features. Interesting for blockchain fans: Signal is currently testing transactions with the crypto currency MobileCoin (MOB) in Great Britain.
ICQ New – An ancient messenger as a WhatsApp alternative?
For me, ICQ is a piece of nostalgia. It was my first messenger back then and I still know my ICQ number by heart. In ICQ, in addition to a user name, everyone also has a kind of “telephone number”. In the meantime, however, the mobile phone number can also be used to log in – including the transfer of contacts.
I’m actually happy that the messenger is experiencing a small renaissance with the Aaa-Ooo! But if you leave WhatsApp for data protection reasons, you will hardly want to jump on ICQ New. ICQ has long been owned by the Russian Internet giant Mail.ru, which has often been criticized for its dubious data protection. End-to-end encryption is only available for video calls.
At least in terms of features, ICQ is quite interesting. Among other things, voice messages can be converted into text – a good feature when you cannot easily play sound. Using Smart Replies, the messenger also offers ready-made answers via AI for entertainment. There are also video calls or the possibility of forming groups – including surveys and access restrictions. For such an old messenger, ICQ is surprisingly fresh.
Who is ICQ for?
ICQ was THE messenger before Facebook hit the market. Especially those who knew ICQ from back then should feel addressed by the messenger oldie. With ICQ New, however, the messenger doesn’t look old-fashioned. The design even looks very modern including dark mode and you can also call by voice or video. There are also some surprisingly modern features such as the speech-to-text function.
You should keep your distance if you have little trust in Mail.ru or in general Russian Internet companies and their data protection.
Image by Leonid via Adobe Stock
