What WhatsApp videochat alternative?

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, but it faces criticism for various reasons. Here are some of the main points of criticism:

1. Privacy concerns:WhatsApp has been frequently criticized for its handling of user data, especially after it was acquired by Facebook in 2014. Users were concerned about the possibility of Facebook accessing their WhatsApp data. These concerns intensified in 2021 when WhatsApp updated its privacy policy, informing users that it would share certain information with Facebook. This led to significant public backlash and a surge in user numbers from rival apps like Signal and Telegram.


2. End-to-end encryption:Although WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, which is theoretically intended to ensure the security of messages, some critics have raised concerns about whether the encryption is reliable under all circumstances and whether there are backdoors that could allow third parties, such as government agencies, to access messages.


3. Spread of misinformation:WhatsApp struggles with the spread of misinformation and fake news, particularly because messages and content can be easily shared with large groups. This has led to serious problems in various parts of the world, including violence and political unrest.


4. Security issues:Despite encryption, several security vulnerabilities have been discovered in WhatsApp that have allowed hackers to gain access to user devices or spread malware.


5. Lack of data protection for metadata information:While message content is encrypted, WhatsApp still collects metadata such as timestamps, phone numbers, and other information that could reveal user behavior and social connections.


6. Lack of transparency:Critics have also criticized WhatsApp/Facebook's lack of transparency in decision-making and policy-making, which can fuel mistrust among users.


7. Compatibility with data protection regulations:In some regions, such as the European Union, WhatsApp is questioned regarding its compliance with strict data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).


8. Use by minors:WhatsApp specifies a minimum age for its users (usually 13, depending on the region), but there are concerns about enforceability and potential risks for younger users.

The criticisms are diverse and concern both technical aspects and larger societal issues surrounding the handling of personal data and information. WhatsApp has responded to some of these concerns by adjusting its policies and features, but debates about privacy, security, and information management persist.

Key facts:
A major criticism of WhatsApp is metadata analysis: Even if the content of a message is encrypted, metadata such as sender, recipient, timestamp, and location information can still provide access to information about communication patterns.

As you can see, this app does have some drawbacks, even though it's easy to use, offers many features, and, above all, is very widely used. Therefore, below we'd like to introduce you to the most popular WhatsApp alternatives.

If you're looking for a new messaging service for any of the reasons mentioned above, we have good news for you. Most of the WhatsApp alternatives presented here are free and offer all the essential features a messaging service needs. Here's an overview of the best.

WhatsApp alternative: Telegram

The app has a comparatively large number of users in Germany. You can also use Telegram as a PC app. Nevertheless, Telegram enjoys a growing user base thanks to its blend of speed, security, and a wide range of features. It offers both cloud-based and end-to-end encrypted chats, large groups, bots, polls, and even channels with unlimited subscribers. The app is free and places great emphasis on user-friendliness and cross-platform availability.

Threema

The app Threema like Solo Play Chat VibraGame is also a great WhatsApp alternative and quite popular in Germany. Threema is a paid app developed in Switzerland that makes no compromises when it comes to security. Upon registration, each identity is linked to a random ID, thus preserving user anonymity. Messages, voice calls, media, and statuses are end-to-end encrypted. Threema underscores its commitment to privacy through regular external security audits. It only uses servers located in Switzerland.

Signal

Signal is a highly secure messaging app, sometimes considered the best alternative to WhatsApp. Signal is known for its end-to-end encryption, which cannot be viewed by anyone other than the participants in the conversation—not even Signal itself. The app offers all the basic features like messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and even supports file transfers. Signal is free, open-source, and regularly recommended by privacy experts. So, for those who value privacy, Signal is a great WhatsApp alternative.

Wire

Wire is aimed at both individual users and companies that prioritize secure communication. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for messages, files, and calls. In addition to personal chats, Wire enables team collaboration through group rooms with rich media galleries and file sharing. Wire is particularly attractive for teams that value security and privacy.

Ginlo

Ginlo is a free app that offers all the usual features: end-to-end encryption, individual and group chats, voice messages, and video and photo sharing—plus DHL parcel notifications. Likewise, Ginlo doesn't involve tracking, profiling, or advertising. The German company is relatively unknown so far, but it's definitely a WhatsApp alternative.

WhatsApp alternatives: Discord

Discord is a free communication platform originally developed for gamers but has since established itself as a versatile tool for a wide variety of communities. Users can create their own servers or join existing ones to communicate via text and voice channels. In addition to traditional chat, Discord also offers video calls, screen sharing, and numerous integrations, for example, for music bots or games.

The platform is suitable not only for gaming, but also for study groups, hobby communities, clubs, or companies seeking a straightforward and flexible way to collaborate. Thanks to individual role and permission assignments, server organization can be tailored precisely to user needs. Discord is available on PC, Mac, in the browser, and as a mobile app, offering both private and public communication options.

Viber

Viber is a free messaging app and WhatsApp alternative used by millions of people worldwide. The app allows you to send text messages, photos, videos, and voice messages, as well as free, high-quality voice and video calls. Viber prioritizes security and protects chats and calls with end-to-end encryption by default.

In addition to individual and group chats, users can also join public communities, use stickers and GIFs, or make international calls at low rates. Viber is available on smartphones, tablets, and computers and is easy to set up using your own phone number. The app is suitable for both private conversations and communication in small teams or families.

Element

Element is a secure messenger and a genuine WhatsApp alternative based on the decentralized Matrix protocol. The open-source platform places great emphasis on privacy and control over one's own data: messages are end-to-end encrypted, and users can operate their own servers to ensure complete independence.

Element is suitable for private conversations as well as for teams, organizations, and communities. In addition to traditional one-on-one and group chats, Element offers features such as voice and video calls, file and media sharing, and the integration of bots and external services. The platform is available across platforms on desktop, web, and mobile devices and is particularly popular with users who value security, transparency, and flexibility.

Independent messenger services: communication without central platforms

The WhatsApp alternatives presented so far require users to install specific apps and typically rely on a single company to manage their communications. In this article, we'll look at messaging services that don't rely on a single app or provider, thus offering users more control and privacy.

Open source protocols and platforms

• XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol):XMPP is an open communication protocol for instant messaging that enables interoperability between different messaging systems. Services such as Conversations (Android), ChatSecure (iOS), and Gajim (desktop) use XMPP and allow users to select their preferred server or run their own.


• Matrix:Matrix is ​​an open standard for decentralized communication. It offers real-time communication features such as chat, VoIP, and video, and allows users to use services like Element or FluffyChat, which are based on this extensive ecosystem. Matrix users can set up their own server or use third-party services.


• Signal Protocol:The Signal protocol is known for its end-to-end encryption and is used in the Signal app itself, but is also available as an open protocol. It can be integrated into other applications to ensure secure communication, which is already the case with various services, including WhatsApp.

P2P (peer-to-peer) messaging

• Briar:Briar is a peer-to-peer messaging service with a strong focus on security and robustness. Communication takes place directly between users, without going through central servers. This makes Briar particularly resistant to censorship and outages.


• Jami:Formerly known as Ring, Jami is a decentralized messaging app that enables video calls, text messages, and file transfers. It uses a P2P network to ensure independent and distributed communication.

Blockchain-based messengers

• Status:Status is an Ethereum-based messaging service that combines chat, smart contracts, and a decentralized app ecosystem into one application. Users can send messages, communicate securely and privately within the blockchain, and even exchange cryptocurrencies.

Email-based alternatives

• Delta Chat:Delta Chat is an unusual messenger that uses the email protocol for instant messaging. Because it uses the widely used email system, it doesn't require central servers, and users can communicate with anyone with an email address.

Independent messenger services offer interesting alternatives to established platforms. They focus on data protection and user autonomy, who are not necessarily tied to a single service. These services are often more complex to set up and use, but can represent valuable options, especially for tech-savvy users and in environments with high security requirements. By expanding the variety of communication channels and creating choices for users, these services contribute to a decentralized and user-centric internet landscape.

The advantages and disadvantages of WhatsApp alternatives at a glance

Advantages:

• Data protection:Many WhatsApp alternatives place greater emphasis on data protection and offer end-to-end encryption that is, in some cases, stronger than WhatsApp's. Most notably, some services offer a privacy-friendly policy that collects and uses less user data.


• Features:Some alternatives offer different or more advanced features. These may include advanced message editing capabilities, better file management, or even comprehensive customization options.


• Independence:By using alternatives, you strengthen smaller companies or open-source projects and reduce dependence on large platforms that can amount to a monopoly, as can be the case with WhatsApp/Facebook.


• User experience:Depending on your needs, the user interface or design of the alternatives may be more appealing or more functional.


• Server locations and jurisdiction:Depending on where the servers of an alternative provider are located, different, possibly stricter data protection laws may apply (e.g. in the EU).

Disadvantages:

• Pervasiveness:WhatsApp is extremely widespread, and many people already have a user base on the platform. Switching to another platform can mean that you can no longer communicate as easily with friends, family, or colleagues.


• Network effect:The more people use a platform, the more valuable it becomes for each individual user (network effect). This means that a WhatsApp alternative with fewer users may be less useful.


• Compatibility:Some alternative messengers may have compatibility issues on different devices or operating systems.


• Feature range:While some alternatives offer additional features, they may also fall behind WhatsApp in some areas, for example, voice or video calls.


• Economic sustainability:Some alternatives may not have a clear business model, which can raise questions about their long-term availability or ability to maintain service.