There can be many reasons why someone would want to leave WhatsApp. Maybe you want to drop instant messaging. Maybe you just don’t want Whatsapp anymore. Or you may want to do away with Whatsapp due to privacy concerns, now that the app has been bought by Facebook.
In you’re among the many who want to keep instant messaging but don’t want to have anything to do with Whatsapp, don’t fret. There are several new and established (not to mention free) alternatives out there for you. Not only do they offer features similar to Whatsapp, they have some nice quirks of their own which may be the one extra thing you were looking for!
Here are four great choices for replacing Whatsapp:
VIBER
Launched four months after Whatsapp (December 2010, to be precise), Viber is one the best option if you aim to switch to a messaging platform with a large user base – chances of your existing contacts being on this platform already are very high! This app has every feature that Whatsapp, with the added feature of being able to use your cellular data to make audio calls to anyone in your contact list. Along with cool features like group chatting and cool stickers, the app also has a feature that allows you to seamlessly move from a text conversation to a phone call on the same screen, which can really come in handy with friends and acquaintances living out of the country.
Who owns it? Viber is owned by Rakuten, the Japanese e-commerce giant.
Users: Over 100 million monthly active users
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LINE
One of the few messaging services that actually gained popularity in Asia, LINE was a household name in Asia when it was introduced in Europe. Not only is this messenger app one of the more efficient one, it is also one of the better-looking (and lesser-congested) ones as well. The app has a seemingly never-ending list of features (which keep increasing with every update). Features include audio calls, app-exclusive games, blog services, stickers, and companion apps, among others. While the heavy emphasis on manga and cute cartoons may be discouraging for some sections of the European audience, the app in general has favorable customer reviews from all over the globe. The app’s third-party IP feature also makes it an ideal messaging platform looking to escape parental supervision.
Who owns it? LINE is owned by Naver, a South Korean search giant
Users: Over 300 million monthly active user
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SKYPE
The most popular app for video-conferencing via desktop and mobile also has an instant messaging feature that can be used as a replacement to Whatsapp. It is only an unfortunate coincidence that the app, which is easily available on all platforms has a lower preference rate when it comes to text messaging.
The app has a lot of features, complete with stickers, emojis and GIFs. What really brings the app down, however, is its association with paid calls for a service that is increasing becoming more and more free. And while it has the largest database, people are generally apprehensive of sharing their personal contact info (such as emails and usernames), as compared to apps which use mobile numbers.
Who owns it? After having changed ownership several times, Skype is now owned by Microsoft.
Users: As of 2010, Skype has 663 million registered users, with 280 million monthly active users.
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TELEGRAM
Guessing by the kind of popularity this app is gaining, Telegram may soon become WhatsApp’s equal (or at least, the next best thing). The app is high-speed, which is a feature it really prides on. Armed with security encryption and a Snapchat-like auto-destroy messages feature, Telegram definitely poses as a safer choice to most.
That being said, Telegram lacks some of the added features like audio clip messaging and stickers. It is, however, compensated by the 1GB capacity file transfer ability. The interface too, though simple and minimalistic, is quite tasteful and contemporary.
Who owns it? Russian social network giant VK owns Telegram
Users: The app has reportedly received over 5 million signups during the recent WhatsApp downtime
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