9 Top but free Whatsapp Alternatives to chat in 2021

It’s been 12 years since WhatsApp was first launched in February 2009 as a one-to-one chat app service by two former employees of Yahoo -Brian Acton and Jan Koum. Since then, Whatsapp has been working profusely to increase its user base and engage more and more individuals, which has also been accomplished by the app successfully as its consumer base reached 390.1 million in India in Mar 2021 according to an online survey. However, the recent conflict regarding the updated privacy policy of Whatsapp which has illuminated how this Facebook-owned app is handling and collecting data from your device along with the constant notification of accepting the new policy popping out every time you open the app is something which has put people in a fix and is compelling them to rethink whether they want to continue using the app or not.

Thus, If you are looking for perfect Whatsapp alternatives to replace it, here is a list with their Google play store links:

According to a recent study, many people are planning to ditch Whatsapp and move towards Telegram due to the striking features that are being provided by the app:-

Telegram allows you to create groups with a strength of 1 lac participants.
You can easily change the phone number attached to your account without losing any of your chats and contacts.
Telegram lets you delete messages at any time, even the messages sent by another person in the chat.
All group messages are encrypted between your device and Telegram’s cloud.
You can also transfer your Whatsapp chat history to Telegram.
It allows you to upload additional profile photos.
Telegram Bots can be used to check the weather and play games.
You can also share your live location through the Paper clip button appearing in the chat section.
Telegram allows you to connect via a proxy server to use it in a region where it’s blocked.
The latest feature introduced which is getting a lot of attention these days is the capacity to add 1000 participants in a video call at the same time along with the screen sharing facility, which is not available on Whatsapp.

Link: Play.google.com/store/apps/telegram.messenger

Signal- Secure Whatsapp alternative

Signal is a popular chatting application that provides a high level of privacy and user security.
A timer can be set up for messages to be deleted which calls in for a unique feature.
Recently Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors also promoted Signal through his tweet.
You can text or make voice and video calls either one-on-one or in groups in a much safer environment.
Along with the chat, sticker packs also get their own encryption so that no one can see the content of your personal messages, not even the company itself.
Signal does not collect any data as it is a non-profit organization, unlike others.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/Signal

Facebook Messenger

Well, Messenger is not the exact alternative to WhatsApp but a good way to chat with friends, if you don’t Whatsapp

FB messenger is an instant messaging app with Photo/video sharing facility.
Group chats are also available with your FB and phone book contacts.
You can record video messages and send them to more than one person at the same time.
It provides a chatting and screen sharing facility while video calling which cannot be seen by anyone else.
A wide range of emojis and stickers are available to share your mood.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/messanger

Vibe by Hike:

The hike was the most underrated Indian messaging app which got shut down a few months ago. However, Kavin Mittal of Bharti Airtel introduced two new mobile platforms known as Vibe and Rush recently.

Vibe is a social media platform, which is taken from a section within Hike known as Hikeland.
Vibe will be an approval-based community app that can be joined by the users through invites by the Hike web page after entering their phone numbers.
The famous hike stickers that were once loved by a large user group will be available here too.
On the other hand, Rush is a competitive gaming platform Offering games such as Carrom and Ludo.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/hike.vibe

Viber

Viber offers a lot more features than Whatsapp. Although its user base is low, it can be proved as a good option.

Viber is free to use when it comes to Viber to Viber VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls and messages, which is a proven technology that lets anyone place phone calls over an internet connection.
Viber allows you to call people worldwide in either mobile or landline numbers for a very low rate.
It also has HD quality options for users with high bandwidth connections for voice calls.
Viber desktop app allows you to not only send instant messages but also make voice and video calls. It can be used on Windows, iOS, and Linux as well.
Viber has better quality when it comes to video calling.
Using the public chats from Viber lets you connect with public accounts from many places, companies, and groups.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/Viber

Zoom

Zoom is one of the applications that became increasingly popular during the ‘Work from Home’ era of the Covid19 Lockdown days. It was primarily used for business and office meetings but it provides messaging facilities as well.

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that can be used for video/audio conferencing, webinars, and live chats as well.
The meetings and events can be recorded as well for future reference.
Zoom is available for both mobile and desktop. The mobile app can be used with android and iOS, while the desktop version is compatible with Windows and macOS.
You can also get Zoom working on your TV to have your video call on the big screen.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/zoom

Skype

Skype provides you private conversations with a smart messaging facility.
You can use a variety of backgrounds and emoticons while being on a video call.
Call recording, phone calls, live subtitles, screen sharing are among the other features that it has to offer.
You can send SMS messages around the world for just a few pennies.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/skype

Line

Line is a freeware app for instant communications that can be used from mobile, desktop or tablets.
This messaging app from Japan also offers payment services in the form of ‘Line Pay’.
Line also registers users using their mobile phone numbers and offers paid calls to mobile devices and landline users.
The free Line camera photo editor app helps you to snap pictures and edit them before sharing.
You can also use QR codes to add your friends quickly.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/line

Snapchat

Snapchat is a popular messaging app and can be a potential alternative to WhatsApp that allows users to exchange snaps (pictures and videos) that disappear once they are viewed.
It is also a social network that has features like commenting and tagging.
There is a tablet-optimized version of the app available that enhances the experience of the user.
By marking contacts as favorites, you can have quicker access to the people you communicate with the most.
You can add filters, effects, and lenses while taking pictures and videos that make sharing fun.
Snapchat allows users to send short videos and create caricature-like Bitmoji avatars.

Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/snapchat

Though it is difficult to move on from Whatsapp as it has become a habit in the last few years. People have reinvented the term messaging as “Whatsapping” which clearly showcases its popularity. However, if you are looking for a change, there are plenty of options available in the app market. So, don’t hesitate and go ahead, try some of these Whatsapp replacements to find something new. Happy experimenting!

Other Articles:

Telegram