WeChat Alternatives Revealed: Discover the Best 15 Options

When it comes to multiple functionalities in one app, WeChat beats all competitors because it offers more than any other messaging app. But what features do alternative apps to WeChat offer that this application lacks? Find out in this article.

But the biggest drawbacks of WeChat are censorship, privacy, and security.

WeChat is bound by Chinese law to share data of the users upon a formal request by Chinese Authorities. Also, WeChat monitors, analyses, and tracks files sent by international users. Then, it uses the data to build algorithms that help them to create more strict censor applications.

If you are a wise and responsible user, you might want the best WeChat alternative for yourself. Here, we have created a list of 15 alternatives to WeChat. So, you can enjoy all the functionalities without compromising personal, private, and business data while staying connected with everyone.

Is WeChat the App for Everything?

WeChat has a massive user base inside China and the globe, which has crossed over a billion. Such a vast number of users remain online on WeChat due to only one reason, and it is WeChat’s multifunctionality.

Here’s what you can do by having a WeChat account.

• Instant messaging: send messages and communicate with every WeChat user using texts, voice notes, video clips, and more
• Social networking: join groups through invites or form your own group of friends and interact using text, emojis, voice notes, photos, stickers, and much more
• Moments: share 15 seconds of videos, photos, music, and web links to your network and contacts
• Official accounts: create an official account of your organization, group, or business and share content, information, or anything
• Ordering in restaurants: scan the QR code in restaurants, order your food, and pay for your food
• Shopping: shop with the biggest Chinese retail store JD
• Payment: send and receive payments from your contacts
• Bill payment: pay your utility and other bills
• Online games: play your favourite games online
• Location sharing: share your location with any WeChat user

Top Alternative Apps to WeChat

Here are the 15 best alternatives to WeChat.

1. WhatsApp

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Best for: Text messaging, voice calls, video calls, file sharing

Meta-owned WhatsApp Messenger is one of the most popular apps in the world; that has crossed over 2 billion users worldwide, and users are growing each day.

With a sleek and beautifully designed interface, WhatsApp offers the easiest mode of communication using the internet.

You can send text messages, voice notes, pictures, videos, and files to your contacts on WhatsApp and other WhatsApp users.

In terms of privacy, WhatsApp offers the best service because your communication is always end-to-end encrypted. It means that even WhatsApp management cannot read your messages.

Recently, WhatsApp has introduced multiple privacy features, including disappearing messages that allow you to erase your communication after 24 hours automatically. It means that your communication is safer, and you are more in control of your communication on WhatsApp than other apps.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. It’s the fastest way to send texts and voice notes online.
3. You can reach over 2 billion people on WhatsApp for your business promotion and social networking.
4. Your data is secured, and you have better privacy.
5. You can block annoying contacts.

Cons

1. The number of group participants is limited.
2. You can get annoyed due to constant messages from businesses.

2. Facebook Messenger

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Best for: Text messaging, voice calls, video calls, file sharing, support rooms

Facebook Messenger is another best WeChat alternative that has over one billion users. Almost every Facebook account holder is on Facebook Messenger, and the user base is growing each day.

Facebook Messenger allows you to send texts, voice notes, and files. Also, you can make voice and video calls.

One of the best features of Facebook Messenger is support rooms that allow you to host virtual meetings. Also, Facebook Messenger groups are popular ways for social networking.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. It is fast and secure.
3. You can create groups for your family and friends to have an online social place for hangouts.
4. You can block annoying persons and contacts.

Cons

1. Facebook Messenger can record your audio at any time.
2. It’s intrusive.
3. Facebook Messenger drains your battery.
4. It requires a lot of storage on your mobile.

3. Viber

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux

Best for: Text messaging, voice calls, file sharing, communities

Viber is owned by the Japanese company Rakuten’s Viber, and it has over one billion users worldwide.

Viber is a great app for people who want to connect with like-minded people, and there are many communities and groups on Viber for that. You just have to search on Viber and find a community according to your interests.

Recently, Viber has introduced self-destructive messages.

Pros

1. It provides a great communication experience.
2. It’s easy to use.
3. The user interface is simple and a no-brainer.

Cons

1. You cannot block calls from unknown users.
2. You cannot block contacts.
3. It’s not recommended for professional communication.

4. Telegram

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Windows Phone

Best for: Text messaging, file sharing, communities, privacy

If you want a simple, easy-to-use, and privacy-focused app, Telegram is the right one for you.

All communication on Telegram is encrypted, and you can send self-destructing messages. Also, you can synchronize your chat from different platforms and send media without any size limit.

Telegram enables you to create groups with a member capacity of 20000.

Pros

1. It’s safe and secure.
2. You get better privacy.
3. You can send files without any limit.

Cons

1. You cannot do voice communication.
2. You can only include contacts from your mobile.
3. You must relaunch the app to receive messages.

5. iMessage

Platforms:  iOS, macOS, Apple Watch

Best for: Text messaging, facetime

If you are an iPhone user and want the best alternative for WeChat, iMessage is the one for you. It works seamlessly without hanging up or delays.

iMessage allows you to send texts, emojis, Animoji, stickers, and much more.

The best feature of iMessage that made it popular among teens is its splendid Facetime feature and service.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. It’s super-fast.
3. It does not put a burden on your device and works seamlessly.

Cons

1. It’s not available on Android.
2. You can make voice calls.
3. You cannot share files.

6. Signal

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Windows Phone

Best for: Text messaging, audio chat, file sharing, communities, privacy

If privacy and security are your main concerns and you want to do professional communication, Signal is the best alternative to WeChat.

Signal uses end-to-end encryption for messages. Your communication will always be secure and safe without any leakage or hacks.

After some privacy breaches in the WhatsApp system, Signal became popular and grabbed users to leave WhatsApp. Indeed, Signal provides better privacy features than WhatsApp and WeChat.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. It’s easy to use and simple.
3. You can do audio chats.

Cons

1. It’s not widely used throughout the globe.
2. Hackers can know you are using Signal. But they cannot read your messages.

7. Skype

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Windows Phone

Best for: Text messaging, audio calls, video calls, file sharing

If you want the all-time best alternative to WeChat, which is popular all over the globe, Skype is the one.

Skype gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic because people used it to stay connected with their family, friends, and neighbours during the lockdown.

Skype provides a splendid video call experience, and its audio calls are also distortion-free.

Also, you can purchase credit on Skype and make calls to mobile and landline numbers.

Pros

1. You can share your screen.
2. You can make group calls.
3. It gives you a secure calling experience.
4. You can share a wide range of files.

Cons

1. You cannot make emergency calls.
2. It does not provide language translation services.
3. Skype allows you video calls. But it is not a real face-to-face experience.

8. Line

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Web

Best for: Text messaging, audio calls, file sharing

Line is another fastest-growing instant messaging app and WeChat Alternative. It allows you to initiate group calls and add members up to 200. Using this feature, you can create meetings that can include people from all over the globe.

Line is created to provide users with one app that can help them communicate when there are no other means of communication. Also, you can purchase credit and make cheap calls to mobile and landline numbers.

Pros

1. Messages and calls are free.
2. You can add 200 people in a group call.
3. You can make emergency calls.

Cons

1. The line is not stable for sending and receiving data.
2. You need at least 3G connectivity.
3. It takes up too much storage space on your phone.

9. Snapchat

Platforms: Android, iOS

Best for: Text messaging, snap sharing

Snapchat is another WeChat alternative with over 300 million users; among them, most are teenagers.

Snapchat is not an exact messaging app but more than a snap-sharing app. Yet, you can communicate with your friends on it.

Snapchat allows you to send messages, share snaps, upload stories, and more. Plus, you can use many filters to create amazing pictures.

Pros

1. It provides an amazing app experience to the users.
2. You can sell and promote your stuff using it.
3. You can use a wide range of filters to create splendid images.

Cons

1. You’ll have a limited number of contacts on Snapchat.
2. It does not provide any analytics.
3. You have to upload the content continuously.

Interesting Read: Best Snapchat Alternatives and Similar Applications Reviewed

10. Kik

Platforms: Android, iOS

Best for: Text messaging, snap sharing, fun games

Kik is another WeChat alternative that has been getting popular recently. It is a one-on-one chatting app that connects you with your friends while providing a fun chatting experience.

The uniqueness of Kik is its bots that help you turn the conversation into more fun. Kik bots suggest phrases, stickers, emojis, and much more to use during the chatting.

You can send Gifs, emojis, stickers, and images through Kik.

Pros

1. It offers the easiest communication experience.
2. Kik is free to download and use.
3. You can block unwanted people.

Cons

• You cannot make voice calls.
• You cannot make video calls.
• You cannot share files or media.

11. Twitter

Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux

Best for: Text messaging, microblogging, conferencing, content marketing, social networking

Twitter is another best WeChat alternative that is popular throughout the globe among people of all ages.

Twitter allows you to send text messages to any Twitter user, and you can share content with your followers.

Also, Twitter allows you to post micro-blogs, a great way to build your personal or business brand on the internet.

Moreover, Twitter has become more popular due to its new feature, Twitter Spaces, allowing you to hold a virtual conference.

Twitter spaces enabled like-minded people to come to a point and discuss whatever they wanted.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. You can use it as a marketing tool.
3. You can reach a wider audience.

Cons

1. You have to adhere to Twitter community guidelines. Otherwise, Twitter can suspend or erase your account.
2. There are many spam accounts on Twitter.
3. You have only 280 characters per post.

12. IMO

Platforms: Android, iOS

Best for: Text messaging, audio calls, video calls

If you are looking for the best WeChat alternative that allows you text messaging, audio calls, and video calls, then IMO will suit you the best.

IMO is free, lightweight, and works fine on the slowest internet connection, even on 2G.

You can make free audio and video calls using features IMO while getting superb quality service round the clock.

Pros

1. It is a lightweight app that requires only 5.3 MB of your mobile space.
2. You’ll get high-quality voice and video calls.
3. Communication on IMO is secured by end-to-end encryption.

Cons

1. It drains your battery.
2. You cannot make group calls.

13. Tiny Chat

Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Windows

Best for: Text messaging, instant messenger, video chat, video call, group chat, live broadcasting

Tiny Chat is another WeChat alternative that allows you to broadcast your video stream. You’ll get many features in this app that’ll allow you to communicate seamlessly and interact with people socially.

Tiny Chat allows you to make groups and have live video chat in super quality. Moreover, Tiny Chat lets you find your friends on the platform through a quick search.

If you are looking for a dating partner, Tiny Chat can help you find a good one in your area.

Pros

1. Its interface is intuitive and easy to use.
2. You can use many features during conversations.
3. Account creation is a simple process.

Cons

1. You have to purchase the premium version to get rid of ads.
2. There are many scammers on this app.

14. Discord

Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, macOS

Best for: instant messenger, chat, video calling, video chat, group chat, file sharing

If you want the best WeChat alternative that offers a wide range of functionality, covering your personal and professional communication needs, Discord is the one for you.

Discord allows you to have a one-on-one chat as well as a group chat. Also, you can use it to manage your professional communication, where you can send and receive files in real time.

Discord also allows you to connect with like-minded people and collaborate on different projects.

Pros

1. It’s free.
2. It’s safe.
3. You can organize your workflow using its features.
4. You can share your screen.

Cons

1. You cannot delete multiple messages at once.
2. You cannot share large files.
3. Sometimes Discord servers are down.

15. Slack

Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux

Best for: instant messenger, chat, group chat

If you want a WeChat alternative that allows you full control over your professional communication, Slack is the right app for you.

You can send messages, chat in groups, and share files. Many professional organizations use Slack as the default platform for all communications.

Slack allows you to have team members from all over the globe work seamlessly while delivering assignments without delay.

Pros

1. You can create channels to interact with different groups of people.
2. You can set the privacy settings of channels to public, private, or shared.
3. Your data is always secure.

Cons

1. All communication is deleted after 14 days.
2. You cannot store large files in it.
3. You have to pay to increase your storage limit.

Conclusion

Now, you have the choice to select from 15 WeChat alternatives. But remember, every person has different requirements and needs. That’s why review all the above apps and choose the right app that suits your needs.

If some app is not meeting your demands, choose another one until you find the right app for your communication needs.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to speed up your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions