whatsapp is the world’s most popular messaging app, with over 3 billion active users. From its humble beginnings as a cross-platform messaging service, whatsapp has grown to offer video calling, image and location sharing, and also hosts Meta AI.
However, just because WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Users can be turned away by its archaic login process, lack of multi-account support, or its overall feel.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives. Below you will find a list of the best WhatsApp alternatives for Android users. All of these are free to use (though some have additional premium features that you can pay for).
Google messages
Google Messages has the advantage of being pre-installed on almost all Android smartphones, and uses the same Google Accounts system that Android relies on, so it can feel like the most natural choice for Android users.
Google has steadily enhanced the functionality of its Messages app over time, and it’s now one of the most feature-rich messaging services on the market.
Like WhatsApp, Google Messages relies on your phone number to send and receive texts, but you can link your messages and contacts to your Google Account, making them much easier to transfer between devices.
Although Google Messages is exclusive to Android, you can chat with users on other platforms without any problems thanks to RCS support.
discord
discord has long been the messaging and calling app of choice for gamers due to its integration with Steam, PlayStation, and other platforms, but it’s also a very powerful communication app that also shines when it comes to group chats and communities.
Although it’s not as simple or intuitive as some of the other messaging apps on this list, Discord’s best feature is its server system, which allows you to create topic-focused channels within broad groups.
That’s why it’s perfect if you’re planning a big trip, a creative project, or building a community around your favorite TV shows, music, and games.
Discord is also great for simple one-on-one calls and messages, and uses a friend list system similar to traditional social media rather than phone numbers. The Discord Nitro subscription service adds HD video streaming, larger file uploads, and a number of cosmetic upgrades.
signal
open source messaging app signal We value your privacy. Like WhatsApp, all conversations on Signal are end-to-end encrypted, so no one but you and the recipient can read them.
Messages can also be set to self-destruct, and local backups are turned off by default, making it easy to manage the footprint of sensitive conversations.
Being open source means anyone can see how the code that powers Signal works. This provides transparency and theoretically exposes the backdoor if it is implemented.
session
For a more confidential messaging experience, Session has you covered. Session uses a decentralized blockchain network to send individual and group messages. All messages are end-to-end encrypted. The app also offers encrypted calls over the same network.
Additionally, you don’t need a phone number or email address to use Session. Instead, the app assigns each user a unique 66-character code. This is more anonymity than any other app on this list can claim to offer.
Session also has a no-logs policy. This means that your IP address or other data is not tracked. For users who put privacy at the center of their digital experience, Session is a lesser-known but powerful option.
Session Pro is currently in beta and allows for higher character limits and large group chats, among other features.
buzzer sound
Unlike other apps on this list, Beeper isn’t actually its own messaging service. Instead, the app acts as an aggregator for other messaging apps, including social media services like Instagram.
This is perfect for people who want to stay in touch with friends and respond to messages without risking scrolling and getting stuck later. It has a clean, minimal UI and allows you to respond via your regular social accounts.
Beeper says it uses zero-access encryption before your chats are backed up to its servers, so only you can see your chat history. However, as with any third-party client, be sure to check your permissions and access settings to make sure you’re happy with what Beeper can access.
An optional Beeper Plus subscription adds new features like chat reminders and scheduled sending, and allows you to manage up to 10 accounts.
Facebook Messenger
If you’re looking for a meta app to meet your messaging needs, but don’t like WhatsApp? Facebook Messenger is your best bet.
As its name suggests, Facebook Messenger is tightly integrated with Facebook, making it the go-to choice for fans of the platform and its associated Facebook Marketplace services.
Messenger is a lightweight and convenient app that provides all the basic features you’d expect, including texting, calling, and file sharing. Chats can also be linked to specific Facebook groups or pages, making them perfect for building and updating large communities and creating group plans.
Another option for Meta. It comes with an entire social media network. In my opinion, Instagram’s direct message section is one of the best-featured messengers on the market.
That’s because over the past decade or so, Instagram has taken the best of every other messaging app and made it its own. Share files and photos, customize chats with themes, create group chats, pin messages, and connect to Spotify to easily share songs.
Of course, Instagram DM is perfect for those who already use the platform on a daily basis, as you can share posts, Reels, and Stories via the app’s Messenger. It’s the one I use most often.
Let us know your favorite Android messaging app in the comments section below. Also, be sure to check out that list. best android smartphones Looking to buy a new Google-powered device?
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