Encrypted messaging and calls tied to your phone number
WhatsApp is Meta's messaging app for text, voice notes, photos, group chats and voice or video calls. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default using the Signal Protocol, and each account is linked to a phone number. Companion apps run on desktop and the web, and WhatsApp Business lets companies chat with their customers.
- features
- 4
- alternatives
- 8
- platforms
- 5
- Updated
- Oct 12, 2026
Features
Our take
Pros
- Huge user base makes it easy to reach almost anyone
- Personal chats and calls are encrypted by default with the Signal Protocol
- WhatsApp Business lets companies talk with their customers
Cons
- Owned by Meta, which collects metadata about how you use it
- Every account is tied to a phone number
Editorial assessment by the Alternatives.tools team, based on what the product is known for. Not a user review.
Best WhatsApp alternatives
See all 8 alternatives
TelegramFreemiumOpen sourceCloud-based messaging with large groups, channels and bots
4.0(282.8K) · App Store
SignalFreeOpen sourcePrivate messaging with end-to-end encryption for everything
4.7(1.1M) · App Store
MessengerFreeMeta's chat and calling app for your Facebook connections
4.7(13.8M) · App Store
ViberFreemiumFree messaging and calls with communities and channels
4.6(831.1K) · App Store
ThreemaPaidOpen sourceSwiss messenger that works without a phone number
4.2(715) · App Store
SessionFreeOpen sourceAnonymous messaging over a decentralized onion-routed network
4.4(5.2K) · App Store
User reviews
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