Stiftung Warentest: WhatsApp alternatives in data protection test

In a data protection test, Stiftung Warentest assessed the most common WhatsApp alternatives for security. The reason is the switch of numerous users to other services after Facebook bought the Messenger WhatsApp. We have summarized the result for you and show you which chat services you should better do without.

Threema: The top alternative to WhatsApp wins in the test

The Whats-Alternative Threema app emerged as the test winner; he is the only messenger that Stiftung Warentest classifies as uncritical:

• Threema uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Before you send a message, Messenger encrypts it. Encryption is only revoked at the recipient - third parties cannot see the data, not even the provider himself.
• In the terms and conditions you accept that Threema sends address book entries to its servers. The transfer is pseudonymized, your identity is therefore protected.
• Stiftung Warentest criticizes transparency: Threema does not disclose its source code. The messenger sends your data encrypted, whether encrypted data ends up with third parties, but can not be excluded.
• You can currently get the app for € 1.60 for Android and € 1.79 for iOS.

Telegram: critical alternative according to Stiftung Warentest

With the chat service Telegram you communicate more securely than with WhatsApp. Nevertheless, the messenger has some weak points:

• Telegram also encrypts your data using E2EE. However, you have to make this setting manually, since it is not part of the standard configuration. Telegram stores your address book entries without your consent. The app does not transfer any data to third parties.
• In the terms and conditions, the provider has the right to save the entries from your address book.
• In contrast to the other messengers, the source code of Telegram is partially disclosed. Stiftung Warentest could not see the software programming in full; however, the auditors could rule out unencrypted data transmission.
• The WhatsApp alternative Telegram is free for Android and iOS.

Data protection judgment: very critical - WhatsApp, Blackberry Messenger and Line

WhatsApp as a measure of things is a thorn in the side of data protection. Stiftung Warentest also advises against the alternatives Blackberry Messenger and Line.

• WhatsApp and Line transmit your data unencrypted. With Blackberry Messenger, the encryption could not be clearly determined. However, the iOS version transfers some personal data to third parties without encryption.
• The terms and conditions of the three messengers are aimed entirely at the user: while Line and WhatsApp are entitled to change their terms at any time without notifying the user, the Blackberry Messenger allows you to combine your data with that from other sources.
• None of the three chat services disclose their source code. Stiftung Warentest was therefore unable to check which of your data ended up with third parties.
• Line and Blackberry Messenger are free for Android and iOS. For WhatsApp, you currently pay $ 0.99 annually - that's 89 cents.
• You can find the individual details of the goods test for a fee at test.de.

Test verdict: Not all WhatsApp alternatives optimize data protection

To protect your data, Stiftung Warentest recommends switching to the messenger "Threema". If you don't want to pay anything, chatting with Telegram is more secure than with WhatsApp, but leaves the address book entries free to the provider. The Blackberry Messenger and the chat service Line are just as critical in terms of data protection as WhatsApp itself. You can find the detailed test here.

In the data protection test, Stiftung Warentest only considered the security aspects. The functionality and scope of the apps were not included in the evaluation. In our photo gallery we show you other WhatsApp alternatives.