The popularity of messaging apps has grown rapidly in recent years due to the convenience and ease of use they offer. Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps around, but many users are beginning to look for alternative options.
Whether it be due to privacy concerns or a desire for new features, there are plenty of alternatives available. In this article, we will explore the 9 best alternatives to Facebook Messenger that provide great user experiences and keep your conversations safe and secure.
Why should you look for alternatives to Facebook messenger?
- It consumes a lot of space on your device.
- Sometimes Messenger service goes down
- Facebook Messenger can quickly drain the battery of your device
- Privacy is compromised as the terms and conditions include recording audio at any time.
- Lacks good control over what notifications you get.
Best Alternatives To Facebook Messenger
Explore the list of the top nine great alternatives to Facebook Messenger and their brief introduction.
#1. Whatsapp
- Monthly active users: 2 Billion
- Best for: Secure conversations with friends, family and office staff.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac and Web.
Whatsapp is one of the best alternatives to Facebook Messenger, and it is one of the most popular messaging services right now. It is extremely simple to use, and it has a clean, modern design that makes it easy to navigate. Whatsapp also offers end-to-end encryption, which means that the messages you send are completely secure. You can also make free voice and video calls, send documents, and even make group chats with up to 1024 people. Whatsapp is available for both Android and iPhone users, making it accessible to everyone.
Key Features:
- Easy Messaging and Voice Calling
- Group Chats and Video Calls
- End-to-End Encryption for Privacy
- Customizable Notifications & Alerts
- File Sharing and Storage Solutions
- Location Sharing & Live Location Tracking
#2. Viber
- Monthly active users: 1 Billion Plus
- Best for: Send texts, make calls, and have video chats for free.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and Mac.
Viber is another popular instant messaging app that can be used as an alternative to Facebook Messenger. It is a user-friendly application with a simple UI. It supports voice and video calls, as well as text messages, and offers a variety of other features such as stickers, GIFs, and location sharing. Viber encrypts all data sent through the app, ensuring that messages remain private and secure. Additionally, it supports cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to communicate with their friends across different devices and operating systems.
Key Features:
- Seamless Video and Audio Calls
- Secure Messaging and Sharing
- Viber Out Calling Services
- Fun Stickers and GIFs
- Group Chat Options
#3. Telegram
- Monthly active users: 700 Million
- Best for: Connect with people with ease.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS & Web
Telegram is a free, cross-platform messaging application that offers secure and private messaging, with the ability to send documents, photos, videos, and other media. Telegram also offers a wide range of useful features, such as voice calls, end-to-end encryption, and the ability to create group chats. Plus, it’s open source, meaning that it can be customized to fit the user’s preferences. This makes Telegram a great all-in-one messaging application for anyone looking for an alternative to Facebook Messenger.
Key Features:
- Secure End-to-End Encryption
- File Transfer & Sharing
- Group Chats & Calls
- Customizable Themes & Stickers
- Customizable Notifications
#4. WeChat
- Monthly active users: 1 Billion
- Best for: Great for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Mac and Windows
WeChat is a free messaging and calling app developed in China. It has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 1 billion users. It is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger, as it offers users more features, such as the ability to make video calls, share documents, and even make payments. WeChat is very secure, as all conversations are encrypted end-to-end. Also, it has a very intuitive interface and is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- Text, voice and video calls
- Group Chatting
- Payments and Money Transfers
- Language Translation
- Multimedia Messaging
#5. LINE: Calls & Messages
- Monthly active users: 178 Million
- Best for: Free texting, voice messages, and video calls.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS and Windows
Line is a popular messaging app in Asia and can be used as an alternative to Facebook Messenger. The app is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, as it allows for both one-on-one and group messaging. It also offers a variety of stickers and emojis, allowing users to express themselves more fully.
Key Features:
- Texts, Voice & Video Calls
- Stickers, Emoji, Themes
- Can meet new friends with similar interests
- Paying or sending money by LINE Pay
#6. Google Chat
- Best for: Private conversation for business purposes.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS and Web
Google Chat is part of the G Suite package, and it allows users to collaborate with one another in real time. Unlike some other chat services, Google Chat is completely secure, making it a great choice for businesses that need to keep their conversations private. Additionally, it comes with a range of features such as file sharing, and group chat rooms. It is a great option for those who need a secure and efficient chat platform.
Key Features:
- File Sharing
- Group Chatting
- Fast and Easy Communication
- High-Level Security Measures
- Customizable Notifications
#7. Clubhouse
- Monthly active users: 10 Million
- Best for: Meet people from all over the world, talk and share ideas.
- Supported platform: Android and iOS
Clubhouse is a relatively new social platform that allows people to join in on conversations. It’s an audio-based platform and users can join in on conversations, create their own chat rooms, and listen to other conversations. It’s a great alternative to Facebook Messenger because it allows people to have deeper conversations and get to know one another better.
Key Features:
- A Voice-Only Social Network
- Opportunity to Connect with Creators, Celebrities, and Influencers
- Easy-to-Use Interface
- Secure Private Rooms
- Unique Networking Opportunities
#8. Discord
- Monthly active users: 150 Million
- Best for: Communicate with each other through text, voice and video in real-time.
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Windows and Web
Discord is an increasingly popular alternative to Facebook Messenger. It is an online chat platform that allows users to communicate with each other through text, voice and video in real time. Discord is a great way to connect with like-minded people in your community and it provides a secure and private environment for people to communicate. It also provides tools for moderating conversations, managing user roles and setting up permissions, which makes it suitable for businesses, teams and communities. Discord also has the advantage of being free and easy to use, making it an attractive option for those who don’t want to pay for a messaging service.
Key Features:
- Customizable Servers
- Text and Voice Chatting
- Video Calling and Screen Sharing
- Rich Media Embedding
- Cross-Platform Accessibility
- Powerful Moderation Tools
#9. Slack
- Monthly active users: 20 Million
- Best for: Businesses and organizations
- Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Windows and Web
Slack is another popular messaging app that is widely used by businesses and organizations. It is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger as it offers more features and customization options. Slack allows users to create separate channels for different topics, set up private groups, and send direct messages. It also has a powerful search engine that allows users to quickly find messages, files, and conversations.
What is the best alternative to Facebook Messenger?
As there are tons of chatting applications available, It is hard to pinpoint which one can be the best alternative to Facebook Messenger. One thing you can do is, consider what type of features and functionality you’re looking for in a messenger. Do you need something simple with basic messaging capabilities? Or do you want more advanced features? Knowing your interests and requirements will help narrow down the list of potential replacements for Facebook Messenger.
Once you know what kind of features you want from a messenger, compare some of the top options out there such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber etc.
Happy Chatting…
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