WhatsApp has over two billion users, and Meta keeps finding new ways to extract value from that user base. The latest privacy policy update in early 2026 expanded data sharing with Meta’s advertising infrastructure. Messages are still encrypted, but metadata (who you talk to, when, how often, your location) flows freely to Meta.
If that matters to you, here are eight alternatives that handle your data differently.
Quick comparison
| App | Encryption | Phone required | Open source | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | E2E (default) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Telegram | E2E (secret chats) | Yes | Client only | Yes |
| Session | E2E (default) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Threema | E2E (default) | No | Yes | $5.99 |
| SimpleX | E2E (default) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Element | E2E (default) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viber | E2E (default) | Yes | No | Yes |
| iMessage | E2E (default) | No* | No | Yes |
The alternatives
1. Signal — the default recommendation
Signal does everything WhatsApp does (messages, calls, groups, stories) with better privacy. The protocol is the gold standard for encrypted messaging, and Signal collects almost no metadata.
The app has improved significantly over the past year. Usernames (so you can share your Signal contact without giving out your phone number) launched in 2025.
Pricing: Free Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
2. Telegram — best for features and large groups
Telegram is not a privacy tool. Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted (only “Secret Chats” are). But it has the best group and channel features of any messenger: groups up to 200,000 members, channels for broadcasting, bots, and file sharing up to 4 GB.
Use Telegram for communities and public discussion. Do not use it for private conversations unless you enable Secret Chats.
Pricing: Free, Premium $4.99/month Platforms: All major platforms
3. Session — best for anonymity
No phone number, no email. You get a Session ID and communicate through an onion-routed network. Metadata resistance is the core feature.
Group functionality is more limited than WhatsApp. File sharing caps at 10 MB. But if anonymity matters more than convenience, Session delivers.
Pricing: Free, open-source Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
4. Threema — best for European privacy standards
Swiss-based, GDPR-compliant, and does not require a phone number or email. Threema has been independently audited multiple times. It costs $5.99 once, which funds development without advertising or data mining.
The paid model means smaller network effects. Getting your contacts to switch costs money this time, not just effort.
Pricing: $5.99 one-time Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
5. SimpleX Chat — best metadata protection
SimpleX has no user identifiers at all. Not even random IDs. Each conversation uses separate queues. The server operators literally cannot tell who is communicating with whom.
Calls, voice messages, groups, and file transfer all work. The app is less polished than Signal but the privacy model is more advanced.
Pricing: Free, open-source Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
6. Element (Matrix) — best for open protocol
Element uses the Matrix federation protocol. Run your own server, use end-to-end encryption, bridge to other platforms. It is the most flexible option architecturally.
The trade-off is complexity. Setup is harder than “download and go.” Best for people who want control over their messaging infrastructure.
Pricing: Free, hosted plans from $5/user/month Platforms: All major platforms
7. Viber — best for WhatsApp-like experience
Viber is the closest to WhatsApp in terms of features and feel. End-to-end encrypted by default, supports calls, groups, and even a marketplace. Popular in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
Owned by Rakuten. Less privacy-focused than Signal or Threema, but better than WhatsApp on data collection.
Pricing: Free Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
8. iMessage — best if everyone has an iPhone
If your entire contact list uses iPhones, iMessage is end-to-end encrypted, deeply integrated with iOS, and just works. Apple cannot read your messages.
The limitation is obvious and intentional: Android users are excluded and get degraded to SMS. Apple shows no interest in fixing this.
Pricing: Free (Apple devices) Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS
How to choose
For most people switching from WhatsApp: Signal. It is the easiest transition with the best privacy.
For group chats and communities: Telegram, but understand the encryption limitations.
For maximum anonymity: Session or SimpleX.
For the path of least resistance: iMessage if everyone has iPhones, Viber if your contacts already use it.
