Free alternatives to WhatsApp - the top 3

Free alternatives to WhatsApp have been in demand ever since the chat app has become chargeable for both Android and iOS. We therefore introduce you to the three best free messenger apps. We'll also show you a few secure chat alternatives for your smartphone.

hike messenger: hike to the free WhatsApp alternative

"hike messenger" is available for Android, Nokia and Windows smartphones as well as for iOS. Read what makes free messenger one of the best WhatsApp alternatives here:

• You can send all media that WhatsApp also supports: text and voice messages, videos and pictures. Group chats are of course no problem with "hike messenger".
• Thanks to the 128-bit SSL encryption, sending messages with "hike messenger" is secure - even within WLAN networks.
• The interface of the app is clearly structured and clearly arranged. At hike you can also set your own backgrounds, chat motifs and send stickers.
• With the free messenger you not only send messages over the Internet, but also free SMS to friends without a "hike messenger". At the moment, however, this is only possible for short messages to India.
• Compared to WhatsApp, the free alternative has more emoticons in its luggage. Stickers are also new, just like the timeline view and story function, as you know them from apps like Instagram.

Free alternative to WhatsApp: Hoccer for Android and iOS

The free messenger app "Hoccer" has a lot of potential. In addition to the basic functions of a messenger, it stands out above all through the exemplary handling of its users' data. This is the main reason why "Hoccer" is becoming a strong WhatsApp competitor.

• Anonymity is very important to "Hoccer". You do not need any sensitive data such as email address or mobile phone number to register. The messenger assigns a randomly generated number (client ID) to each user.
• With the geo-location option "Nearby" you can communicate with users in your immediate vicinity without any exchange of user data. In this mode you can also activate gesture-controlled sending of messages.
• In addition to all the important basic functions of a messenger, "Hoccer" also offers the option of creating and playing a media collection. You can also set up access control that even includes a mug shot option.

Viber as a free alternative app to WhatsApp: Even with calls

The free messenger "Viber" is available for Windows and Android smartphones as well as for the iPhone. What makes the free app a special WhatsApp alternative is the telephony function:

• With the free messenger you can also call other "Viber" users over the Internet. Not only do you send and receive text messages and images, you can also make international calls free of charge.
• Incoming calls via "Viber" are displayed on the home screen using a widget.
• In addition to emoticons, there are also stickers in the free alternative to WhatsApp. You also share your location with other users.
• With "Viber" you can also create group chats with up to 250 people, record and send special moments with 30-second videos and play Viber games with friends.

Conclusion: what is the best free alternative to WhatsApp?

Whether "hike messenger", "Hoccer" or "Viber": All three messengers are real competitors for WhatsApp and completely free of charge. But which is the best alternative for you?

• hike messenger: The free messenger "hike" is something for you if you prefer to be on the safe side: your messages are protected thanks to 128-bit SSL encryption. In addition, the app comes with a nice layout and numerous cute emoticons. The hike messenger is also good if you have friends with many different operating systems: Unlike "MessageMe" and "Viber", there is "hike messenger" for Nokia and of course also for Windows, iOS and Android.
• Hoccer: The WhatsApp alternative "Hoccer" is the best messenger solution if you value security and anonymity very much. Due to the strong encryption and the fact that the app comes from Germany, it is subject to the high standards of the German Data Protection Act. This alternative is also useful if you often chat with people in your immediate area. The "Nearby" mode enables you to communicate with users within a radius of 100 meters, using gesture control.
• Viber: You should use the free messenger app "Viber" if you prefer to talk rather than write: With the WhatsApp alternative, you can make free calls to other users over the Internet.

Secure messenger - write encrypted

Now that the media is reporting new espionage attacks almost every day, you may be wondering how to protect yourself from NSA and the like. At least in the mobile area, there are various messengers that transmit your messages in encrypted form. It is (almost) impossible for outsiders to spy on your data.

• "Threema": This secure messenger uses end-to-end encryption and differentiates between various levels of trust for contacts: You can verify your friends by scanning their Threema QR codes with your smartphone.
• "Telegram". With this app, so-called "secure chats" can be started, which also work with end-to-end encryption. By default, you chat with 256-bit AES encryption.
• Here you will find a direct comparison of both messengers.
• Military security: With "Wickr" you get a secure messenger that uses the same encryption technology as the military.
• Conclusion: In the end, the decision depends on what you expect from a messenger. Of course, it is also important how many of your friends are already using the WhatsApp alternative. However, you can invite new contacts in all three free apps. In the end, it is a matter of taste which free messenger appeals to you the most.

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In the next article, you will read how to delete your WhatsApp account.