WhatsApp dominates the messaging world with over 3 billion monthly active users, offering a simple, secure, and cross-platform way to chat, call, and share media. However, privacy concerns due to its Meta ownership, along with some users’ desire for more features or decentralization, have driven interest in alternatives. This article dives into five messaging apps that rival WhatsApp—Signal, Telegram, Viber, Discord, and Element—comparing their technical specifications and user experiences based on side-by-side testing. We’ll explore what makes each app unique, how they perform, and which might suit your needs.
Why Look for WhatsApp Alternatives?
WhatsApp’s strengths include end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a massive user base, and free international messaging. However, its data-sharing practices with Meta, occasional privacy controversies (e.g., a €225 million EU fine in 2021), and limited customization options push users to explore other apps. Alternatives often offer enhanced privacy, unique features like large group chats, or better business tools. The apps below were chosen for their popularity, privacy focus, or innovative features, and tested on Android, iOS, and desktop for a comprehensive comparison.
1. Signal
Overview
Signal is a privacy-first messaging app run by the non-profit Signal Foundation, co-founded by WhatsApp’s Brian Acton. It’s endorsed by figures like Edward Snowden for its robust security and minimal data collection.
Technical Specifications
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web (desktop app requires phone link)
- Encryption: E2EE for all messages, calls, and group chats using the Signal Protocol
- Data Collection: Only phone number (required for registration)
- Group Size: Up to 1,000 members
- File Sharing: Up to 100 MB (images, videos, documents)
- Voice/Video Calls: Yes, up to 40 participants
- Storage: Messages stored locally on device; optional encrypted backups
- Open Source: Yes (client and server code)
- Cost: Free, donation-based
User Experience
Signal’s interface mirrors WhatsApp’s simplicity, with a clean, green-themed design. Setup is quick, requiring only a phone number. Chats support text, stickers, GIFs, and disappearing messages (customizable from 30 seconds to 4 weeks). The app feels snappy on Android and iOS, with messages syncing instantly across devices. Desktop apps work well but need the phone app active for initial setup.
Voice and video calls are clear, with minimal lag during tests over Wi-Fi and 4G. Group chats are intuitive, though the 1,000-member limit is smaller than some competitors. Signal’s privacy features shine: no ads, no tracking, and options like screen security (blocks screenshots) enhance trust. However, its smaller user base (40–100 million MAUs) means convincing contacts to switch can be challenging. The lack of cloud backups by default requires manual exports for data transfer.
Pros: Unmatched privacy, open-source, user-friendly Cons: Smaller user base, limited group size, no cloud sync by default
2. Telegram
Overview
Telegram, with 1 billion MAUs, is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed, large group chats, and customization. It’s popular for public channels and bots but has faced criticism for weaker default encryption.
Technical Specifications
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web
- Encryption: E2EE for “Secret Chats” only; server-side encryption for regular chats
- Data Collection: Phone number, contacts (optional), user ID
- Group Size: Up to 200,000 members
- File Sharing: Up to 2 GB
- Voice/Video Calls: Yes, up to 1,000 participants (video limited to 30 broadcasters)
- Storage: Unlimited cloud storage for all chats
- Open Source: Client code only (server code proprietary)
- Cost: Free; Premium ($5/month) for extra features like 4 GB file uploads
Technical Specifications
Telegram’s interface is sleek and customizable, with themes and chat folders for organization. Setup requires a phone number, but you can hide it and use a username instead. Messages sync instantly across devices thanks to cloud storage, making it ideal for multi-device users. The app is fast, even with large files (tested with a 1.5 GB video).
Group chats and channels are Telegram’s standout features, supporting massive communities and public broadcasts. Bots add functionality, like quizzes or news feeds, but can feel overwhelming for casual users. Voice and video calls are reliable, though video quality on group calls drops with many participants. The lack of default E2EE for regular chats is a privacy concern, as Telegram’s servers can access them. Secret Chats, which are E2EE, don’t sync across devices.
Pros: Huge groups, cloud storage, fast, customizable Cons: No default E2EE, complex for beginners, privacy concerns
3. Viber
Overview
Viber, with over 200 million MAUs, is a feature-rich messaging app popular in regions like Eastern Europe. It offers free calls and messaging with a focus on community features and business tools.
Technical Specifications
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, web
- Encryption: E2EE for all messages and calls
- Data Collection: Phone number, contacts (optional), device info
- Group Size: Up to 250 members
- File Sharing: Up to 200 MB
- Voice/Video Calls: Yes, up to 60 participants
- Storage: Messages stored locally; cloud backup for Android/iOS
- Open Source: No
- Cost: Free; in-app purchases for Viber Out (calling landlines)
User Experience
Viber’s purple-themed interface is modern but busier than WhatsApp’s, with tabs for chats, calls, and communities. Setup is straightforward, using a phone number. The app feels responsive, though message sync occasionally lags on desktop compared to mobile. Group chats are easy to manage, but the 250-member limit feels restrictive.
Voice and video calls are high-quality, rivaling WhatsApp’s, with clear audio over 4G and Wi-Fi. File sharing is smooth for images and videos, though the 200 MB limit is lower than Telegram’s. Viber’s communities (up to 1 billion members) are great for public discussions, similar to Telegram’s channels. However, ads in the free version and frequent promotional notifications detract from the experience. Viber Out is handy for calling non-Viber users but costs extra.
Pros: E2EE, good call quality, large communities Cons: Ads, smaller group size, privacy concerns with data collection
4. Discord
Overview
Originally for gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile messaging app with 900 million MAUs. Its server-based structure suits communities, but private messaging makes it a WhatsApp alternative.
Technical Specifications
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web
- Encryption: E2EE for voice/video calls; server-side encryption for text
- Data Collection: Email or phone number, username, optional profile info
- Group Size: Up to 10 for private groups; servers support thousands
- File Sharing: Up to 8 MB (free), 100 MB (Nitro, $10/month)
- Voice/Video Calls: Yes, up to 25 participants
- Storage: Messages stored on servers
- Open Source: No
- Cost: Free; Nitro ($10/month) for enhanced features
User Experience
Discord’s dark-themed interface is feature-packed but complex for non-tech users. Setup allows email or phone number, and you can use usernames for privacy. The app is smooth on all platforms, with seamless sync between devices. Private messaging feels like WhatsApp, supporting text, GIFs, and emojis, but the server-based community focus can overwhelm casual users.
Voice and video calls are excellent, with low-latency audio ideal for group discussions. File sharing is limited in the free version, but Nitro boosts this significantly. Servers offer unique community features, like topic-specific channels, but private group chats are capped at 10 members. Discord’s lack of E2EE for text messages is a privacy drawback, and the interface feels less intuitive for simple messaging compared to WhatsApp.
Pros: Great for communities, high-quality calls, cross-platform Cons: No text E2EE, complex interface, low free file limit
5. Element
Overview
Element is a decentralized messaging app built on the Matrix protocol, prioritizing privacy and control. It’s less mainstream (under 10 million MAUs) but appeals to tech-savvy users and businesses.
Technical Specifications
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web
- Encryption: E2EE for all messages and calls (Matrix protocol)
- Data Collection: Email or phone number (self-hosted servers optional)
- Group Size: No fixed limit (depends on server)
- File Sharing: Up to 100 MB (varies by server)
- Voice/Video Calls: Yes, up to 20 participants
- Storage: Server-dependent; self-hosted for full control
- Open Source: Yes (client and server)
- Cost: Free; paid hosting ($5/month) or self-hosted
User Experience
Element’s interface is functional but less polished than WhatsApp’s, with a focus on rooms (group chats) and direct messages. Setup requires an email or phone number, or you can join a self-hosted server for maximum privacy. The app is stable but slower than competitors, with occasional sync delays during testing.
Messages support rich formatting, and E2EE ensures privacy. Voice and video calls are decent but less reliable than WhatsApp or Viber, with noticeable lag on group calls. File sharing works well, though limits depend on the server. The decentralized nature is a double-edged sword: it offers control but complicates setup for non-technical users. Element’s small user base limits its appeal for casual use, but it’s ideal for privacy enthusiasts or teams.
Pros: Decentralized, open-source, full privacy control Cons: Complex setup, unpolished UI, small user base
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Signal | Telegram | Viber | Discord | Element | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAUs (2025) | 3B | 40–100M | 1B | 200M | 900M | <10M |
| E2EE | All chats | All chats | Secret chats | All chats | Voice/video | All chats |
| Group Size | 1,024 | 1,000 | 200,000 | 250 | 10 (private) | No limit |
| File Size | 100 MB | 100 MB | 2 GB | 200 MB | 8 MB (free) | 100 MB |
| Platforms | Mobile, desktop, web | Mobile, desktop | All | All | All | All |
| Open Source | No | Yes | Partial | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free/Premium | Free/Out | Free/Nitro | Free/Paid |
| UX (1–5) | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
User Experience Notes
- WhatsApp: The benchmark for simplicity. Its intuitive design, fast performance, and large user base make it the easiest to adopt. However, privacy concerns linger.
- Signal: Nearly as simple as WhatsApp, with a privacy edge. Slightly less polished but ideal for security-conscious users.
- Telegram: Feature-rich but cluttered. Great for power users but less secure by default.
- Viber: Balances features and ease of use, but ads disrupt the experience.
- Discord: Overkill for basic messaging, but excels for communities. Not intuitive for WhatsApp users.
- Element: Privacy-focused but clunky. Best for niche audiences willing to tweak settings.
Which App Should You Choose?
- For Privacy: Signal is the best choice, offering E2EE, minimal data collection, and open-source code. It’s perfect if you prioritize security over bells and whistles.
- For Large Groups/Communities: Telegram excels with its massive group chats and public channels, ideal for social or professional networks.
- For Casual Use: Viber is a solid all-rounder with WhatsApp-like features and a decent user base, though ads are a downside.
- For Gamers or Communities: Discord shines for server-based interactions but isn’t ideal for simple messaging.
- For Tech-Savvy Users: Element offers unmatched control via decentralization, but it’s not user-friendly for beginners.
Conclusion
Each WhatsApp alternative brings something unique to the table. Signal offers top-tier privacy, Telegram delivers scale and speed, Viber balances features and accessibility, Discord fosters communities, and Element champions decentralization. Based on testing, Signal is the closest match to WhatsApp for most users, combining simplicity, security, and cross-platform support. However, your choice depends on your priorities—privacy, group size, or ease of use. Try a couple of these apps to see which fits your messaging needs best, and don’t hesitate to convince your contacts to join you for a more secure or feature-rich experience.