WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger in the world thanks to 1 billion users in 180 countries.

With Facebook's purchase of WhatsApp in 2014, privacy experts and security-conscious users sounded the alarm. After all, Facebook's products and the third-party apps it uses have been hacked more than once, resulting in thousands of users' sensitive data being stolen. At the same time, the company WhatsApp has always insisted that their app operates separately that they are dedicated to creating and maintaining a reliable and secure messenger.

This will change soon. Facebook representatives recently announced that they want to merge their three instant messengers. Company is going to unite Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram platform messenger functions, so that users can exchange messages between these platforms.

Our source confirms that these plans also include rolling out end-to-end encryption across all three platforms. In theory, this would make Facebook Messenger and Instagram as reliable platforms as WhatsApp. On the other hand, this could make WhatsApp messenger less reliable if it has to conform to the standards of the other two platforms.

WhatsApp Security Gaps

WhatsApp promises users end-to-end encryption - excellent protection. Of course, there are a few issues here that developers need to work on.

The service's legal disclaimer states: “As part of the Facebook group of companies, WhatsApp receives information from them and shares data with them. We may use the information we receive from these companies, and they, in turn, may use the information we share with them to help operate, provide, improve, recognize, customize, support and market our Services and their offerings.”

“Facebook and other companies of the Facebook group of companies may also use our information, to improve the services provided to users, for example, to offer some company products.”

“We do not store communications from our users during the routine activities of providing our Services. However, we store information about our users' accounts, including user profile pictures, usernames, and profile status if the user chooses to provide it as their basic profile information."

In other words, this means that your messages are protected, but at the same time WhatsApp stores user data on private servers. The company reserves the right to use this data for marketing purposes.

Moreover, data stored on their servers may be transferred to government agencies in case of emergency. Hackers can also breach the security of WhatsApp servers and gain access to phone numbers and user profile data.

5 Best WhatsApp Alternatives - These Apps Will Protect You and Your Privacy

1. Signal

Signal messenger is free, uses strong data encryption and works for everyone mobile platforms Oh. Like most other messengers, the application Signal is very easy to use. You'll also be able to make voice and video calls, so you won't miss WhatsApp.

Signal also has a desktop application, so you can use it on your computer too, and not just on a smartphone.

Each message is encrypted and only the recipient and sender can read it. Messages cannot be hacked by hackers. Signal uses open source encryption, so experts can always test it themselves and find bugs. This makes the application even more reliable.

Users can erase your messages, setting a time interval after which they are automatically deleted. This guarantees your privacy even if someone else gains access to your smartphone.

On Signal no animated emoji. But you can import emoji from your device into the app.

pros

• End-to-end encryption
• Encryption with open source
• Available on all major platforms
• Disappearing messages

Minuses

• No animated emoji

2.Threema

Threema promises users absolute privacy. Your contact lists and data group chats are stored exclusively on your device and not in the application. Messages are deleted immediately after being read. Plus, you can connect with people using Threema's 8-bit ID without using your phone number, further protecting your data. You can verify contacts using unique QR codes.

Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all types of messages, including text, voice calls, files and group chats. The app even encrypts your status so no one can track what you post. Messages can only be read by the intended recipients.

You can safely use the Threema web browser extension. Like WhatsApp, the application has editing functions, you can specify a location and send files. Unlike WhatsApp, users can create polls and like individual messages. You can even hide certain chats and protect access to them with a password.

The Threema service is registered in Switzerland, which is famous for its laws protecting user privacy.

pros

• No need to use a phone number
• Contacts can be verified using QR codes
• Text editing functions
• You can protect chats with a password

Minuses

• Paid application

3.Telegram

Telegram has over 200 million active users, making it a popular alternative to WhatsApp. The cloud application works on all platforms. Like WhatsApp, it uses a two-tick system to show that the message has been read by the recipient.

The default application uses end-to-end encryption for voice calls so that no one can eavesdrop on your conversations. At the same time, message encryption must be enabled manually so that they do not accumulate.

Like the Signal app, Telegram allows you to automatically delete messages after a certain amount of time. You can also share multimedia files here.

pros

• Simple and convenient platform
• Cloud storage so you don't lose important data

Minuses

• Encryption is not enabled by default and must be enabled manually
• The developers have created their own encryption standards, which have been criticized more than once

4. Wire

The Wire app is protected by European user data retention laws, making it a secure messenger that uses end-to-end encryption. There are free individual accounts and paid ones tariff plans for business with additional features and support. The Wire service prides itself on providing seamless video and audio communications for users.

Wire supports 1:1 screen sharing mode for group chats. It is also supported here distribution of multimedia files and filtering of audio files. You can log into your account from up to eight synced devices, and the app is compatible with all major platforms.

You can highlight text in bold and italics, and create chat lists. You will also be able optimize file sizes to make them easier to share, and also set timers to delete messages for additional protection.

pros

• Protected chats
• Self-deleting messages
• Ability to use 8 devices simultaneously
• Graphically rich dialogues

Minuses

• Paid application

5. Riot.IM

The application supports Internet telephony and video calls, and also encrypts messages end-to-end. Each user receives a unique identification number; this number is used instead of a telephone number to protect the anonymity of users.

Riot is powered by open source. There are bots here, but any developer can create their own. This way users can interact with the application, making it more flexible and secure. Due to its open source nature, Riot is more suitable for development teams than corporate clients.

There are different chats based on the Riot app, and users can enter any public chats. There are also private chats that can be accessed via an invitation link.

In addition to all, The desktop application has a simple and user-friendly interface, and the application itself is available in seven languages. You will also be able to interact with other applications.

pros

• User ID number instead of phone number
• Open source program
• Simple and convenient desktop client
• The application is available in seven languages

Minuses

• Encryption is not enabled by default, must be enabled manually

If you want to be sure that your private messages remain private, you should forget about WhatsApp and look for more secure alternatives. The applications proposed in our review are known for their security.

Looking for more security tools? Read our articles on how

Viber is a messenger, which is gaining more and more popularity every year. The idea and first development belonged to Igor Magazinnik and Talmon Marko. The Viber office was first located in Belarus.

The program was first introduced to the world five years ago and is intended for the iPhone. The following year they released a version for Android. Then, every year the company created new versions of the application for different operating systems.

Thus, today the program works on all known mobile platforms, including:

• Android;
• Windows;
• Nokia;
• Blackberry;
• Windows Phone;
• Linux.

Viber is available in 29 languages, including Russian. This is undoubtedly very convenient and only allows you to increase the number of users.

There are a number of programs that are similar in function and allow you to communicate with friends in the same way as the Viber application. These include: Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp, ICQ and Line.

Telegram

This utility does not yet have the ability to make voice calls and video calls. Today it is a simple messenger and it most likely competes with WhatsApp, not Viber. The program is relatively new, aimed more at users from Western countries and has no special features. The number of users who have downloaded the application on their device is almost thirty-five million.

Considering that the creator of the utility is Durov, the development prospects are enormous, since his brainchild VKontakte has already become a leader in its industry. Download Telegram you can follow the link on the official site.

Skype

This is a free Voip application that has the most in common with Viber. Before the advent of the latter, Skype was the monopoly leader in the field of free communication. It has a standard registration procedure, where you need to create an account, come up with a name and password. You will need to search for contacts by login, which is not very convenient and takes a long time. The program does not require a SIM card; communication takes place via an Internet connection.

Regarding sound quality, the application is very capricious. For excellent communication, the Internet connection must be excellent. Skype allows you to send messages and files of various formats, make both audio and video calls, send the coordinates of your location, and also create chats.

whatsapp

This is an easy to use application that creates a binding to mobile number. It does not require complex and lengthy registration and installation. Everything is quite easy, you just need to download, install, enter your phone number and enjoy communication. The interface is convenient, simple and clear. Developers often update the application, and the appearance WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp Messenger you can follow the link for free.

The functions are very similar to Viber, except for the inability to make calls. Also, the program cannot send simple documents. There are no animations or stickers here either. One more negative point there is the fact that after a year of use the application will require a dollar from you, and so on every year. Viber is absolutely free.

Line

This is also a messenger that has many common functions from Viber.

Despite this, the utility also has its own characteristics, such as:

• Does not require a SIM card;
• The presence of a “two-way refusal” function. This is both a plus and a minus, because they will not be able to write or call you until the contact is added to the friend list. But you will also not be able to communicate until you are included in the interlocutor’s contact list;
• You can use GPS to make appointments;
• Supports widgets;
• There is an integrated browser.

ICQ

Unfortunately, this program has long been considered a relic of the past. It is used very little, even despite the fact that the creator company makes updates.

You might be interested in:

Despite the fact that Skype remains the most popular and widespread application for voice and text communication, it has many competitors, some of which are already trying to seize the championship. Although Skype has become a kind of standard, its work is far from perfect - perhaps all users in the last year and a half have encountered various bugs, sometimes very annoying. In addition, calls to phone numbers Skype is still paid, which also does not add points to it.

Each messenger has its own strengths and weak sides, and today we will look at 10 worthy (and most importantly - free!) alternatives to Skype, which can quite successfully replace it.

Viber

Skype's strongest competitor. With it you can call everything for free Cell phones who have a Viber account. By the way, Viber uses your mobile phone number as a login.

pros

Viber automatically imports contacts recorded in phone book. Any subscriber who also uses Viber can call for free.

Rich functionality - the application can be used for calls, video calls, chats (including group ones), and sending files of almost any format.

Cross-platform – you can download Viber for any current platform.

Minuses

It is not possible to register without using a mobile phone.

Low security of the application - Viber cannot boast of sufficient security, and linking it to a phone number makes the account even more vulnerable.

ooVoo

Echoing the functionality of Skype, ooVoo is one of its main alternatives. ooVoo is more of a service than an application. Despite the presence of clients for various platforms, a browser is enough to make calls, send text messages and files - the ooVoo website immediately offers full functionality.

pros

No need to download the desktop version (which, nevertheless, exists).

Reliable connection - perhaps better than Skype.

Many additional useful functions– the ability to record and send video, show your desktop to video conference participants, and embed video chat on the website.

The maximum number of participants in a video conference is 12 people, while Skype has a limit of 10 users.

Minuses

OoVoo works correctly only with high-speed Internet access.

TOX

A relatively new messenger that is still being finalized. Despite this, today it already has all the functions of Skype and, in addition, increased communication security. main feature TOX – no centralized transmission and storage of user data; communication is carried out directly between subscribers.

pros

Free and open source software.

Cross-platform.

High protection of users from third party access to correspondence and conversations.

Minuses

Working with contacts is not very convenient - each user is assigned a Tox ID, which is something like a long code of letters and numbers. However, the usual login can be obtained by registering on the TOX website.

Bugs and unfinished cross-platform functionality. On this moment TOX users often encounter difficulties in the process of communication between clients working on different devices.

An alternative to Skype from Google. Free work with the application is available to all users who have Google account. Hangouts is generally inferior to Skype in terms of functionality and security, but it would be logical to use it if you work with other Google products.

pros

The ability to communicate with other Hangouts users for free through audio and video calls, group chats, and video conferencing.

The ability to stream video conferences directly to Youtube.

Cross-platform and easy client synchronization.

Minuses

The most obvious is the inability to use Hangouts without registering with Google.

File transfer is limited by image format.

Conversations and correspondence of users are not particularly protected in any way, which Google honestly states.

CacaoTalk was originally developed for the South Korean market, but over time it became popular outside of Korea.

pros

Availability of clients for any platform.

Minuses

CacaoTalk itself is a mature product that works stably and reliably. The problem is that the data is processed in South Korea, and this can cause noticeable delays during communication.

The application interface is not translated into Russian.

The privacy and security situation is mixed, although this may be a cause for concern mainly for local users.

Bleep

Bleep is reminiscent of TOX - the application also does not have central control and only helps users communicate with each other directly.

pros

Cross-platform.

Easy, virtually non-existent registration - in order to get started, just enter your login.

Availability of all necessary functions– chats, calls, sending files.

The best security among all messengers - in addition to direct communication between users, reliable encryption of all data is used.

Minuses

There are problems with the stability of the application, as well as high battery consumption in the case of a mobile application.

Jitsi

An easy and highly secure alternative to Skype.

pros

Simple interface and stable application.

High security – it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.

Higher quality video calls compared to Skype.

Minuses

Absence mobile clients(at the moment there is an experimental and unstable version for Android).

The app's popularity among the masses is still low.

Apple FaceTime

As the name suggests, this free alternative to Skype is intended for owners of Apple devices.

pros

Excellent picture quality, clear synchronization of audio and video.

Stable, fast and trouble-free application.

Minuses

Only owners of Apple equipment can use FaceTime.

Many additional features are missing. However, such minimalism is compensated by the ideal communication quality.

A universal cross-platform client that allows you to transmit audio and video signals without significant losses, even with low channel bandwidth.

pros

Cross-platform - in addition to versions of the program for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iPhone, there are also clients for Linux and BlackBerry.

Ability to communicate with other users when high quality sound and video (even at low connection speeds). Ability to record calls with high video and audio resolution.

Wide range of traffic encryption capabilities.

IPv6 support.

Minuses

Due to its specificity, the program is more common among “techies”, although it has a simple interface.

VSee

A program that is not very well known in the Russian-speaking segment with functionality identical to Skype. Thanks to stability, additional functions and very simple interface it has become a kind of standard in the medical field - with the help of VSee, doctors communicate with patients remotely. The program is free, although additional functions paid. However, they may be of interest only to doctors for whom integration of the client with medical equipment is important.

pros

Free and unlimited calls in high quality. The data compression algorithm allows you to communicate comfortably even with 3G access.

Convenience of organizing video conferencing and stability of operation with a large number of users.

Minuses

Small number of active users;

I would like to immediately warn all lovers of freebies that free calls- a very expensive pleasure for their organizers, since it is necessary to maintain large volumes of SIP servers and monitor the quality of the signal, without getting carried away with “recoding” the transmitted sound. This is why Skype became popular, primarily because it provided and continues to provide acceptable call quality over the line.

In the previous article we wrote about why and how much you can earn in a line.

Viber is free application for your Android smartphone, which allows you to exchange text and audio messages, photos and videos up to 20 MB in size with friends, make calls (including video calls) to any phones around the world where this program is also installed (if available) Internet access). In addition, you can make calls to any numbers without an Internet connection via favorable rates what does use mobile communications practically impractical. To complete communication, you can use a large number of different emoticons, which makes communication with friends even more interesting.

It is not surprising that such a popular program has numerous analogues. For example, it is gradually gaining popularity quite good analogue- Line, which offers the user almost the same capabilities. What's better? We will try to find the answer to this question below.

On our website you can find the following article: ? It is interesting to know the result of the comparison, be sure to follow the link after reading this article!

Line Features

Since both applications are very similar to each other, let's look at the features that separate one utility from the other. So, the features of Line are as follows:

1. You don't need a SIM card to log in. In Viber, you need to indicate your mobile number to authorize; in Line, you don’t need to do this.
2. Using the two-way opt-out feature. They cannot write a message or call you until they are added to your contacts. On the other hand, this is a significant drawback of the utility, since you will also not be able to write or call anyone until you are added to the contacts.
3. Using GPS to meet people. You will be able to see who is nearby, which can significantly save time.
4. Widget support. In Line, you can add widgets to the main screen, which allows you to view information without entering the application.
5. Availability of a built-in browser. You can open links and browse web pages from the Line application.

Features of Viber

1. Search function. If you need to find something, just enter keywords in the appropriate field.
2. Ability to contact any users. You can communicate with anyone without restrictions if the other person has an account in the application.
3. Receive messages offline. Even if the messenger is not open, you will still be able to receive messages.
4. Can be used on older phones.
5. Export data to email. If you need to save something, you can export data from the utility to your mailbox.
6. The ability to remain invisible. You don't have to exit the app to work offline.
7. Support for more languages.
8. The ability to take photos and process them directly from the application.
9. Availability of built-in translator

Skype is one of the first computer programs, which allowed users to make video calls on mobile devices. Behind last years Competitive analogues of Skype have been developed. You can download the best applications from us. They will compete with the mobile and desktop versions of Skype.

Here are the review participants - full-fledged analogues of Skype:

Viber application: cross-platform replacement for Skype

Already loved by many most popular program Viber has been downloaded by more than 7 million users around the world. It is the most famous and worthy replacement for Skype. In addition to the huge community Viber app has the functions of an Internet messenger with the ability to attach audio and video files, as well as voice messages, data on the location of an object, information about a contact and a wide variety of emoticons. Among the additional capabilities of the Viber messenger are group chats (up to 200 people).

This program has both regular and video calls, while good quality, according to the developers - in HD. Thanks to Push notifications, you won't miss a Viber call even when your device is turned off. Among other things, the application has such social network elements as public chats of famous people and magazines, etc., has support Android systems Wear.

Thus, Viber is a successful analogue of Skype for computers and mobile platforms (iOS and Android). Thanks to new features and following trends, Viber manages to compete with Skype. It is not surprising that the growth of Viber’s audience has only accelerated in recent years (at the moment, the messenger’s audience is about 600 million users).

Google Hangouts Messenger

Google Hangouts is a kind of alternative to FaceTime and is included in the Android OS. For iOS there is a corresponding mobile version programs.

Admittedly, the alternative is not so bad. The application allows you to exchange messages and videos in real time. What's attractive about Hangouts is that it's cross-platform and connected to account Google. Accordingly, Hangouts integrates perfectly not only on Android, but also on Mac. Essentially, Hangouts replaces the Google Talk chatting feature found in Gmail and Google+.

Google Hangouts for Android is more than simple. It establishes a direct connection between two interlocutors, similar to Skype. Like Skype, in Hangouts you can send text and voice messages to other users, which will be available to them later if these users are offline. In addition, group chats are supported.

As for using Hangouts as a replacement for Skype - yes, that makes sense. In some situations, Google's program consumes less traffic and behaves more predictably and does not interrupt the connection (however, sometimes connection dropouts occur in Hangouts, but these are extreme cases). Voice calls via Google Hangouts are completely free, just like Skype.

If you have an Android phone, you need to connect your Google account - this is a bridge between many services, including Hangouts. The application imports contacts from your address book and allows you to export them back. In principle, Skype offers the same thing during installation.

Thus, Hangouts is a good alternative to Skype with tight Google integration by default.

Google Voice - Skype replacement for landline calls and SMS

Google Voice is a client for VoIP telephony with the functions of incoming/outgoing calls, SMS messages, voice mail.

In 2017, Google Voice developers remembered that the client had not been updated for a long time and was significantly behind Skype and other instant messengers. Therefore, the first major update in the last 5 (!) years was released. This came as a surprise to many users of the program and service.

First of all, Google Voice has a user-friendly interface. The web client and mobile application for Android and iOS have a modern design, light colors, a tabbed interface, convenient for working with messages, calls, and voicemail. The exchange of SMS messages is similar to other instant messengers; messages grouped by topic are available for each contact.

Google Voice also has new features. Photo sharing, MMS, and a quick reply function available through the notification panel are supported. Currently only available for English and Spanish.

The Google Voice service provides users, similar to landlines(and programs like Skype). You can call virtual and real numbers, make outgoing calls. Voice is still the only app with features voicemail And text transcript voicemail.

Thus, Google Voice is an interesting alternative to Skype. WITH latest update, there is reason to think, especially if you use Skype to call fixed networks and sending SMS.

By the way, the Voice application is integrated into, so both applications can be used in conjunction.

Line for Android - a free alternative to Skype

LINE is another super popular instant messenger and probably a good replacement for Skype for computer and mobile platforms. Quality indicator - wide community of > 6 million people.

Mobile analogue of Skype - LINE

By the way, LINE Corporation has developed great camera for Android - B612. We recommend this application to replace the standard camera shell.

The Line program for Android includes a messenger with big amount emoticons and stickers, audio and video calls, as well as a news feed for each user. Using the latter, you can share interesting moments from your life with friends using text messages, music, photos and videos, and even locations on the map. LINE users can subscribe to news feeds of other people, including various celebrities, bloggers and others. There are no such functions even in Skype itself.

Thus, in the “face” of Line we get an attractive analogue of Skype with dozens of unique functions.

Line messenger is available for various devices: smartphones, tablets and desktop solutions (although the application was originally developed for Android and iOS). Mobile app Line Camera can be downloaded for Android for free from the link below.

WhatsApp (WhatsApp for Android)

The last participant in the review is Facebook's own messenger called WhatsApp. This iconic and popular messaging app is one of the few apps in history to boast over one billion downloads. WhatsApp is one of the most popular services in the history of the Internet.

Using WhatsApp messenger, you can communicate and also create group chats. This application uses all the features of Material Design. Over time, the developers of WhatsApp for Android have been slowly building out all sorts of communication features over the past few years, and this desire only seems to be growing.

Definitely, WhatsApp is one of the best instant messengers for Android. A kind of replacement for Skype (another one, along with Viber).

imo Video calls and chat

Messenger "Video calls and chat" for Android

Mobile application "imo Video calls and chat" two main functions: sharing text messages with the ability to transfer multimedia files and voice messages, as well as audio and video calls. At the same time, there are many additional features, such as sending emoticons and stickers, creating group chats or joint video conferences. It is noteworthy that the entire history of correspondence is saved on the developers’ server and can be accessed from any other device in your personal account.

Zello walkie-talkie is another program for communication like Skype

First of all, it should be noted that there is no possibility to make video calls in the Zello walkie-talkie application, which is why it is inferior to others analogues of Skype. However, the main advantage this application is a function of audio conferences with a number of subscribers up to 1000 people. At the same time, you can create your own password-protected audio channel, track the online status of other users, use a Bluetooth headset and view message history.

Tango: free video calls

An excellent video chat app, Tango has a number of core features. Audio and video calls, correspondence via messages, including in group chats, as well as the ability to use emoticons and stickers, change the status of your profile. Like the LINE app, Tango for Android has a news feed for each user, the ability to comment on posts and photos, and share them.

Tango as an alternative to boring Skype

Interesting feature The program "Tango: free video calls" is the presence of mini-games that you can play directly during a conversation with the interlocutor. Therefore, the function of turning on/off video recording during a call will be relevant.

Let's sum it up

We looked at six advanced programs like Skype. Of course, all analogues of Skype - each to one degree or another - have their own advantages and disadvantages. Leaders include Viber and LINE, whose multi-million audience speaks for the quality of these applications. Most of the programs mentioned have some features social networks, which are not present in Skype itself. The unusual Zello walkie-talkie is perfect for users who want to save on regular calls and allows you to create mass conferences. Google's creation, Hangouts, is widely cross-platform, meaning it is supported on almost any mobile device, laptops and home PCs, which significantly expands the social circle of users. Depending on the listed properties, you can choose what to replace Skype with, in accordance with your requirements.