Image via Complex Original
Facebook recently dropped a staggering $19 billion to buyout the hottest messaging app on the mobile scene: Whatsapp. While the deal comes off as a win-win for both companies, it serves as a loss to the 450 million people using the IM subscription service. Why is that? Well, their private data now rests in the hands of the world’s largest social network. Needless to say that hasn’t sat well with the majority of smartphones users, all of whom enjoyed the luxury of chatting and texting globally for free without dipping into their data plans. But don't be fooled into thinking all hope is lost.
In fact, there are a number of dope messaging apps available for download with the same, and if not, more features than Facebook's recent acquisition—and all which don’t require you being tied down to the social platform. Join our group chat as we put you onto The Best Alternatives to WhatsApp.
Wickr
Platforms: iOS, Android; FREE
Anyone looking to message in anonymous fashion will find much pleasure in the Snapchat clone. On top of encrypting messages, the app lets users self-destruct all sent content including photos, videos, and voice calls. You can even open an account without forfeiting a phone number or email address. Get your creep on, creepers.
Telegram
The day after Whatsapp went down, Telegram saw a massive spike in activity—adding close to 5 million users in one day. It stores and syncs encrypted messages across multiple platforms (smartphones, laptops, etc.) thanks to cloud support, while gifting some cool features like group and secret chats. And the company claims the service will be free forever.
Line
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone; FREE
A free voice and video-calling hub that also promotes in-app games and dope communicating services: Where do we sign up? Line comes stacked with a variety of messaging options and keeps users updated with what their friends are posting including photos, videos, and check-in locations. With over 350 million global users, it shouldn’t be that hard befriending an international dime piece.
Kik Messenger
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone; FREE
The only messaging application with a built-in browser, Kik shares a minimalist interface that makes web browsing and sharing content (games, links, photos) with others extremely simple. It remains one of the few programs to boast a huge app store and doesn’t require a mobile phone number to use.
GroupMe
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone; FREE
Most famous for its wide catalog of emojis, GroupMe is designed to keep you in the social media loop and messaging no matter the connection. Utilize the Location System to see what friends reside closest to you or set up a private mobile chatroom with select groups.
Viber
Besides affording free messaging and voice calls to subscribers, the mobile app extends its calling service to non-Viber users across the globe for 1.9 cents a minute. That’s all done through the Viber Out feature. An easy-to-use interface, in-app stickers, and HD sound quality give it a one-up over the competition.
The China-based app has expanded into the one of the most popular social networks around the globe, bestowing users with a number of options to communicate from group chatting to voice/video calling. But WeChat’s killer feature comes in the form of “push-to-talk” live voice chat, which opens to the gate to talk with one or more contacts.
Tango
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone; FREE
Another service transitioning into a full-grown social network, Tango delivers the standard messaging features found on other apps such as video/voice calling, photo sharing, in-app games, and texting. So what’s the one premium that makes it such a dope option? That would be Spotify-powered music messaging. Consider it an open invitation for Drake to do your instant-message mackin'.
Google Hangouts
Platforms: iOS, Android; FREE
Those tied into Google’s vast ecosystem should feel at home using Hangouts, as the IM and video chat service unifies most of the Internet giant’s platforms to create a seamless messaging experience. No one comes close in terms of group video calls, plus multi-platform support allows you to continue convos from any other compatible device.
ChatPlus
Platforms: Android; FREE
ChatPlus will let you share locations, photos, SMS, video, voice, and even handwrites—free of charge—on Facebook and Twitter. It also warrants a language translation feature to make chatting with foreigners much smoother.