According to the numbers, WeChat is the most popular messaging app in China (nearly one billion users). While the messaging app is not as popular in other parts of the world, it has a sizable presence in many nations. WeChat, which is owned by Tencent – one of Asia’s top firms in market capitalization – provides a good chat experience. It has fun mini-games, a means to explore fascinating content and a quick mobile payment mechanism. However, like with other Chinese apps, it performs poorly in security and privacy. According to a recent CitizenLabs study, WeChat conducts content monitoring on non-Chinese users. This is a significant worry, and if it makes you uneasy, here are the 12 best WeChat alternatives or apps like WeChat.
12 Best WeChat Alternatives For Android & iOS
Finding a suitable replacement for an app like WeChat that caters to a diverse range of preferences is more challenging. As a result, we’ve compiled various messaging apps that can make favorably with Tencent’s service and even outperform it on numerous fronts. In addition, we’ve included apps like WeChat that specialize in certain categories, such as group video calls, secure messaging, and news tracking. Thus, finding an app that meets your demands shouldn’t be difficult irrespective of your priorities. With that stated, it’s time to discover the best apps like WeChat for iOS and Android!
1. WhatsApp
Does WhatsApp require an introduction or even an explanation of why it tops our roundup? The Facebook-owned application is the most popular messaging app globally, with over 2 billion users in 180 countries. Daily, over 2 billion voice and video calls are made on WhatsApp, according to the most recent data. Indeed, these numbers demonstrate the messaging app’s hegemonic presence. Therefore, if you’re seeking a WeChat alternative that matches WeChat’s features and outperforms it in terms of popularity, it goes no further than WhatsApp.
As with WeChat, WhatsApp allows multimedia communication, enabling you to communicate and receive images, videos, documents, and voice messages. Thus, regardless of the channel, you like to communicate with your friends and loved ones, the app can facilitate communication. In comparison, WhatsApp is more dependable for video and voice calls, owing to its ability to function normally even with a slow internet connection.
Well, In terms of group video calling, WhatsApp supports up to eight members, compared to WeChat’s nine. In most circumstances, this amount will be enough. Moreover, WhatsApp Web enables you to stay connected with your buddies while working on your PC. One of my favorite features of WhatsApp is the Status feature, which enables users to set an image or video as their 24-hour status. Not to mention the ability to remove an erroneous message, which frequently saves us from major embarrassment. To summarise, WhatsApp is an excellent alternative to WeChat.
2. Viber
Viber (nearly one billion users) looks to be a completely capable substitute for WeChat, both flexibility and popularity. The app is accessible on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is operated by the Japanese multinational company Rakuten. Thus, regardless of which platform you use, you may utilize the app to communicate with your loved ones. With multimedia support, the app enables you to chat with your friends in various ways, including text, sticker, GIF, image, and video.
You may make a group chat with up to 250 participants depending on your needs to stay in touch with everyone who matters to you. Apart from group chats, it outperforms WeChat in terms of video/audio calling — owing to its ability to function smoothly even with a slow internet connection. As with Snapchat, it allows you to send a vanishing message but gives you the option of customizing the self-destruct timer. But what has always drawn me to Viber more than anything else is the ability to create an unlimited-member Viber community. It’s beneficial to maintain contact with like-minded individuals. Overall, Viber is one of the best WeChat alternatives.
3. Telegram
Though Telegram (400 million active users) is not as popular as WhatsApp or as adaptable as WeChat, it is one of the most secure messaging apps available. Many compare this messaging app to Apple’s renowned Messages app, owing to its ability to provide superior security for confidential messages. To add to the app’s security, it encrypts all of your data, including conversations and media, using 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secures key exchange.
Apart from providing superior data protection, the app offers a more straightforward messaging experience than WeChat. For example, the clutter-free user interface helps it operate quicker than WeChat, which is frequently criticized for slow. Another feature is its ability to create up to 200 000 users in a group chat. In comparison, WeChat allows users to create a group chat with 500 people.
4. iMessage
The next on our list of the best WeChat alternatives is iMessage. It delivers a smooth messaging experience because of its extensive integration with Apple’s iDevices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac, as well as Apple’s, trusted privacy policy. The app is brimming with unique features such as Animoji, Memoji, and messaging effects, and it’s a joy to use. Add to that a vast iMessage App Store for downloading and installing iMessage games and apps and the world’s most secure mobile payment system, Apple Pay. It emerges as a compelling substitute for WeChat.
One of the features I enjoy most about Apple’s Messaging app is the ability to handle messages with rather fluid gestures. Of course, this makes the process of handling messages. Apart from that, the ability to block warnings from individuals who repeatedly send menacing messages has always been one of my main priorities. The sole disadvantage of iMessage is that it is built to play within the Apple environment (the so-called walled garden). However, if you can survive inside this confined but wonderfully secure ecology, you will enjoy every last blue bubble! In conclusion, iMessage is one of the best apps like WeChat you can try.
5. LINE
The Line is one of the highest-rated social networking apps globally, with over 600 million users. As a result, it deserves to be ranked as a notable substitute for WeChat for several reasons. First, it comes loaded with all the necessary tools for communicating through voice, video, and text. Second, it enables you to make group calls of up to 200 individuals to stay connected with friends.
Thirdly, the app features the world’s largest collection of stickers. Apart from their sheer quantity, they also come in a wide variety. Thus, depending on your mood or a certain subject, you may send different stickers to your friend to maintain the messaging’s mood. Another feature of this WeChat alternative is the ability to make low-cost international calls to phones and landlines. Line should be your first choice if you frequently need to make friends who live overseas and are looking for a cost-effective means to communicate with them. Line is one of the best apps like WeChat you can try.
6. Facebook Messenger
If you’re looking for the most feature-rich replacement for WeChat, I’d recommend giving Messenger significant attention. The interaction with Facebook is perhaps the best feature of this messaging app. Given Facebook’s popularity (about 2 billion users), most of your friends and family members are likely already using the social networking app. As a result, you can effortlessly stay in touch with them.
The app lets you communicate in a variety of ways. It’s completely covered whether you’re sending a text message, voice message, audio call, or video call. Messenger’s newest version allows you to initiate a video conference with up to 50 participants, which is significantly higher than WeChat’s 9 members. That’s not all; Messenger also offers a rather quick and comparatively secure payment method. I like Facebook’s work on decluttering the Messenger app, making it one of the best WeChat alternatives available.
7. Skype
While there is no shortage of video-calling apps on the market, few can compete with Skype’s capabilities. If you’re looking for a high-quality video connection, I’d recommend Skype. Apart from video/audio calls, the app also supports instant messaging. In comparison to WeChat, Skype has a more streamlined user experience. It is more optimized and operates more smoothly across various devices, including iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows.
Skype has a large library of GIFs and lets you send a variety of GIFs. You may discuss images and exchange lighthearted emoticons. It lets you call landlines and send SMS messages anywhere in the world at a comparatively low cost. To communicate with non-Skype users or contacts not currently online, you must utilize Skype Credit or a Skype subscription. Please keep in mind that Skype memberships begin at $2.99 per month in the United States and may vary by destination. All in all, Skype is also one of the best WeChat alternatives.
8. Signal
If the latest WeChat revelation has opened your eyes to the fact that you can no longer trust large firms with your private messages, you should install Signal. The Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messaging platform used by journalists worldwide. Even Signal — the company – cannot access your messages since the service is secure. Secure your messages with the app’s open-source Signal Protocol. Your private messages are secure.
In terms of features, you get a stunning user interface in addition to all the chat features you’d expect from a solid messaging app. You can send text messages, attachments, create groups, and make video and phone conversations. There are no advertisements, and the service does not track user activity. The company is administered by a non-profit organization and is completely free to use perpetually. If you’re looking for a secure messaging platform, go no further than this one. It’s the most secure alternative to WeChat that you can utilize.
9. Snapchat
The next on our list of the best WeChat alternatives is Snapchat. It has long been an excellent social media app. And if you’re looking to inject some fun into your social networking, this one could be the way to go. Yes, you are correct! Snapchat outperforms WeChat in terms of making interaction enjoyable. The app has a smart camera that enables you to shoot and share stunning photos with your friends rapidly. Furthermore, with a plethora of wonderfully designed filters, you may give your snaps the desired aesthetic depending on particular themes.
That’s not all; Snapchat is also home to many visually appealing filters and amusing effects. When you want your photographs to capture the viewer’s attention, such lenses and effects might come in handy. In addition, Snapchat, like WeChat, lets you catch up with breaking news, original programs, and community tales. In comparison to WeChat, I’ve found Snapchat’s news and story collection to be more structured and trustworthy. Not to mention, I adore Snap Map, which makes the process of determining where friends are hanging out and viewing their position. Lastly, the ability to play games with buddies has piqued my interest.
10. Kik
The next on our list of the best WeChat alternatives is Kik. It is on par with other messaging apps to give a fun-loving messaging experience. Indeed, there are certain areas where it can even outperform some of its more well-known competitors. To begin, the app does not require a lengthy sign-up procedure. Furthermore, due to its support for multimedia such as WeChat, you can communicate via the preferred channel.
As with most of its competitors, Kik lets you create a chat group to stay in touch with your buddies. However, unlike most of its competitors, it allows for a one-on-one chat in groups, which is ideal for when you don’t want to annoy everyone in the group with unnecessary messages. In addition, Kik features a sizable library of memes that allow you to convey your emotions humorously. So, if you’re searching for a WeChat rival that’s all about memes, Kik may prove to be a far superior pick. But, that’s not all; it also includes several entertaining activities for when boredom strikes.
11. Twitter
Take the time to consider why I included Twitter in this list! Given that WeChat is more than just a messaging app; it’s also a platform where users can catch a variety of articles, it’s worth considering another platform that accomplishes the same thing. And Twitter is by far the best option for this purpose. Therefore, if you’re looking for a WeChat substitute that allows you to explore various topics while also keeping you updated on global events, you should give the micro blogging app a try.
Apart from keeping you updated on current events, Twitter’s Direct Messaging feature lets you communicate via text messages and images. While its messaging facility is rather simple, it is significantly more secure and organized than WeChat’s. In conclusion, you should consider Twitter as a superior WeChat alternative for news gathering and sharing with friends and followers.
12. Jitsi Meet
Popular as a video conferencing app, this additional WeChat alternative enables group video conversations. Jitsi Meet is encrypted. It enables you to share your desktop, invite users, modify documents, send and receive documents, and send and receive emojis. Jitsi Meet is also one of the best apps like WeChat you can try.
Final Words: WeChat Alternatives
Thus, these are the top-rated apps that may rival WeChat. In terms of feature set and popularity, quite a few apps can compete with Tencent’s offering. By the way, which of the aforementioned apps like WeChat will serve as your replacement? We’d be quite pleased to learn your choice in the comments section below. Spill the beans on the apps that deserve included in this lineup.