Alternatives to WhatsApp: These messengers are worthwhile

WhatsApp is the most used messenger in Germany - but that doesn't necessarily make it the best. In this practical tip, we will show you which alternatives are worthwhile.

Whatsapp alternative: Telegram

Telegram is one of the top 10 most popular messaging apps worldwide and is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. The app, which comes from Russia, has its advantages and disadvantages compared to WhatsApp.

• Platform-independent : While WhatsApp is officially only developed for a few mobile operating systems and can only be used in conjunction with a smartphone on the computer, Telegram can be installed on significantly more operating systems and called up in the browser.
• More functionality : There are some features in Telegram that are not available in WhatsApp. Some of these are the "bots" that can do a variety of tasks, or "secret chats".
• Telephony security : By default, end-to-end encryption is activated for calls with Telegram, so that your calls remain anonymous.
• Uncertainty in chat : In contrast to telephony, end-to-end encryption is not activated by default in the chat function. Likewise, this encryption cannot be activated in group chats.
• Cloud-based system : Whilst deleted data cannot be downloaded again with WhatsApp, with Telegram (similar to Facebook) everything is stored on the Telegram servers. If you have deleted a video received in a group, for example, you can download it again. While this is an advantage, it raises safety concerns.

signal

Signal is a safe WhatsApp alternative, from which WhatsApp could separate a few slices.

• Security : Signal advertises with security and encryption within the messenger. Thanks to various encryption methods, your messages can only be read by you and your chat partner.
• Functionality : Almost all WhatsApp features are also available here. You would not miss certain functions when changing.
• Number of users : Unfortunately, the app is not yet widely used, so the number of users is quite low. However, if your privacy is particularly important to you with a particular chat partner, it is still worth trying the app.
• Platforms : Just like WhatsApp, the app is only available on mobile devices in conjunction with a phone number. There is a desktop app, but it is also only available when you are connected to your smartphone.

Kik

Kik is the only messenger in this list that doesn't use your phone number, but an email address.

• Privacy : Not everyone who has saved your phone number in contacts can write you a message. To do this, the Kik username must be known.
• Features : Groups can also be joined in this app. These, in turn, do not run via the telephone numbers, but are found via hashtags and are accordingly public.
• Login : You simply log in with your username and password - making switching to a new mobile phone easier, but not necessarily more secure.

Viber

Viber is also one of the most successful messaging apps worldwide. Along with Telegram, it is one of WhatsApp's biggest competitors.

• Functionality : Viber is a very feature-rich app and offers features similar to WhatsApp and Co.
• Platforms : Viber can also be installed on many different platforms, but the first-time registration must be carried out on a mobile device.

threema

Threema is a messenger that focuses on privacy and security.

• Security : With multiple encryption and no storage of metadata and contacts, Threema is one of the best apps when it comes to security. Local backups are also encrypted.
• Use : The app can be used without a telephone number and can also be called up via the desktop version.
• Price : For these security features, however, you pay 2.99 euros on an Android device and 3.49 euros on an iPhone. However, if you rely heavily on encryption, then you should consider buying the app.

In another practical tip, we will show you how to create broadcast lists in WhatsApp.