Discover alternatives to WhatsApp for secure chats.
The success of courier now rests primarily on one word: security. © PixieMe – stock.adobe.com
As a result of WhatsApp’s new privacy policy , you might want to switch to another app, ensuring more security and privacy for your private chats. Here are alternatives to WhatsApp that can allow you to write messages or make calls with your contacts, in a more confidential way.
1. Signal
The Signal messaging app wants to differentiate itself from WhatsApp by emphasizing privacy and personal data protection. It has advanced end-to-end encryption to ensure the security of discussions: “We cannot read your messages or listen to your calls, and no one else can,” explains the application on its site. Another positive point: there is no advertising and no tracker on Signal. In terms of functionality, you will find most of a messaging system, with the possibility of creating individual or group discussions, and making audio or video calls. The Signal app is free and available on Android and iOS.
© Signal
How to use Signal: tips you need to know
2. Telegram
Another alternative to WhatsApp and recognized as a secure and fast messaging app: Telegram, with over 500 million users to its credit. Telegram offers secure end-to-end encryption, with an MTProto protocol, messages can even self-destruct if desired. For an extra layer of security, you will need to take the initiative to create “secret chats”. In terms of functionality, they are similar to what other messaging applications can offer. We appreciate the variety of stickers offered to liven up the discussions. The Telegram app is free with private messaging that does not contain any ads, it is available on Android and iOS.
© Telegram
How to use Telegram: tips to know
3. Olvid
The French Olvid application could well seduce you, with a high level of security, and CSPN certified by ANSSI. Indeed, it can be used without having to enter a phone number or any other personal data. You can create individual and group chats, and share media, with no size limit. The Olvid app is available for free on Android and iOS. Only encrypted calls are chargeable. It also offers an offer adapted to companies wishing to make their communications more secure.
© Olvid
4. Skred
Belonging to the Skyrock group, Skred is an application that has full end-to-end encryption, approved by ANSSI, which does not require a phone number, and can be used over WiFi without a SIM card. You can communicate by written message, audio or video. The app is available on Android and iOS. Tailor-made offers are also available for businesses.
© Skred
5. Wire
Less well-known but just as secure, discover Wire , a private, end-to-end encrypted messaging for messages, calls and media sharing, based in Switzerland and 100% open source. Wire offers use without advertising, banners or other pop-ups. The app is available for free on Android and iOS. It is also a real collaboration platform for companies.
© Wire
6. Threema
Widely used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Threema ensures data security and confidentiality, through end-to-end encryption and access to the service that does not require your phone number or email address. On the functional side, you find the main options of a messaging system, with even the possibility of creating surveys. The Swiss application is available in French on Android and iOS (paid). A Threema Work version exists and is intended for companies.
© Threema
7. Viber
An easy-to-use messaging app that you may have used in the past for personal use, since it was founded in 2010: Viber . It is also an attractive alternative to WhatsApp, offering end-to-end encryption and already being used by many people around the world. You can set a self-destruct period for your messages. On the functional side, you can create “a community”, it works like a group discussion but without limit of participants, which can be relevant to bring people together around a common interest. Viber is available for free on Android and iOS.
