WhatsApp alternatives: Six trustworthy messaging alternatives

1

WhatsApp

Threema is a messaging app from Switzerland. Like most alternatives to WhatsApp the app is very secure when it comes to data. Like WhatsApp, Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all messages. In addition, messages are deleted from the server as soon as they are successfully transmitted. Additionally, Threema manages groups and contact lists only on the mobile device, not on the server. When Threema synchronizes contacts from your phone’s contact list, they are only transferred to the server anonymously (“hashed”). In addition, unlike WhatsApp, Threema does not store metadata about who is communicating with whom and when. This WhatsApp alternative takes user data protection much more seriously than its competition does. Threema’s servers are located in Switzerland, where they are subject to strict data protection regulations.

#Communication #Messaging #Instant Messaging 24 social mentions

2

Signal

Signal is, like most alternatives to WhatsApp, relatively unknown, and its developers even more so. The Signal creators’ Open Whisper Systems have delivered end-to-end encryption software with open source code and have been used by WhatsApp, Telegram, and more, to develop their own encryption. Edward Snowden uses Signal, and the team around cryptographer Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of Open Whisper Systems, enjoys an excellent reputation among IT security experts. Open Whisper Systems is financed entirely by scholarship grants and donations, so it doesn’t rely on any advertising.

#Communication #Group Chat & Notifications #Messaging 185 social mentions

3

Telegram

Telegram is considered a very secure application. The developers offer two different forms of encryption for users: for all private and group chats, there’s a server-client encryption, which encrypts messages on the way from sender to server and from server to recipient. In what are known as secret chats, Telegram offers an end-to-end encryption,which ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read a message. There’s also a setting for the secret chat mode that ensures the message will delete itself after a certain time. The message and/or content sent also can’t be copied from the chat or forwarded to anyone else, and if the sender chooses to delete it, then it will also be deleted from the recipient’s device.

#Communication #Messaging #Instant Messaging 137 social mentions

4

Threema

Threema is a messaging app from Switzerland. Like most alternatives to WhatsApp the app is very secure when it comes to data. Like WhatsApp, Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all messages. In addition, messages are deleted from the server as soon as they are successfully transmitted. Additionally, Threema manages groups and contact lists only on the mobile device, not on the server. When Threema synchronizes contacts from your phone’s contact list, they are only transferred to the server anonymously (“hashed”). In addition, unlike WhatsApp, Threema does not store metadata about who is communicating with whom and when. This WhatsApp alternative takes user data protection much more seriously than its competition does. Threema’s servers are located in Switzerland, where they are subject to strict data protection regulations.

#Communication #Group Chat & Notifications #Messaging 22 social mentions

5

Viber

However, the messaging service also has some down sides. It can be downloaded for free, but unlike other apps, it is not ad-free. It even boasts “Rakuten Advertising” where companies can reach a large number of potential customers by placing their ads on Viber. Another disadvantage of Viber is that free communication can only take place between owners of the app. So if you want to call someone who doesn’t have the app installed, it will only work if they have previously purchased the fee-based VoIP service “Viber Out”. Worldwide calling is then possible for $5.99 per month.

#Chat #Group Messaging #Internet Calls

6

Spike

One of the biggest advantages Spike has is that the communication tool can be used, not just through the cross-platform web app but also through native apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Once the account is set up, private and group conversations can easily be tracked and held from any device. All versions of Spike are free for private use – anyone wishing to use Spike commercially must subscribe to a paid monthly subscription.

#Productivity #Email Collaboration #Work Collaboration 3 social mentions

7

Ginlo

The messenger service Ginlo is operated by the company of the same name ginlo.net, which is based in Germany. For a while, the fate of Ginlo was unclear because its developer, Brabbler AG, had to file for bankruptcy in 2019. However, the service has since continued to operate thanks to the efforts of Brabbler co-founder Karsten Schramm.

#Communication #Messaging #Instant Messaging

8

Wire

The rather new WhatsApp alternative Wire was founded in 2012 and released two years later. The company has not yet published user figures, but due to many people not being aware of the messaging service, it can be assumed that there are currently still fewer users than with the other apps similar to WhatsApp. Like Threema, the company responsible, Wire Swiss GmbH, has its headquarters in Switzerland — but most of the technical development of the messaging service takes place in Berlin, Germany. There’s also an office in San Francisco.

#Communication #Group Chat & Notifications #Messaging 14 social mentions