WhatsApp - Top Competitors (Mar 2022)

Shlomi Lavi / updated: Mar 14, 2022

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WhatsApp vs. Alternatives in 2023

Even though its user base has significantly grown over time, Whatsapp still has several close competitors who offer similar services. Telegram, WeChat, and Signal are just a few examples.

• Functionality: Telegram is a cloud-based voice chat and messaging service that allows users to effectively manage communication. To guarantee additional security, it uses two-layer end-to-end encryption for all data. In addition, Telegram includes an API that enables users to create internal “Bot” algorithms and integrate messaging services into customer apps. While Whatsapp collects the users location, phone number, and device ID and shares it automatically with Facebook (unless the user opt-out), Telegram only collects the users IP address, devices, and username changes for up to 12 months. It is free to download and install from the browser. It operates on both desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile platforms (Android and IOS).
  
  Signal is a centralized instant messaging service that was developed in 2014 by signal technology foundation and signal messenger LLC. It identifies individuals with phone numbers and employs end-to-end encryption to keep communication with other signal users secure. The functionality of Whatsapp and Signal are similar; however, Signal lacks the ability to back up the data in the cloud.
  
  Tencent, a Chinese firm, created WeChat in 2011 as a multi-purpose instant messaging, social media, and mobile payment app. It integrates with other software networking services, including Facebook and Tencent QQ. Unlike Whatsapp, WeChat allows users to connect with other people nearby through Bluetooth. It also offers automatic translation capability, unlike Whatsapp that does not provide multilingual support.
• Levels of Services: Telegram provides various features such as alerts, audio calls, batch communications, messaging, collaboration tools, content import/export, content sharing, discussions, drag and drop, file sharing, image library, multi-channel communication, on-demand communication, real-time editing, real-time chat, search filter, video conferencing and video support.
  
  Signal allows the users to set and manage disappearing messages, change chat colors and wallpapers, use incognito keyboards, allow in-app payment, provide storage management, and provide in-app notifications and broadcast media. WeChat has been described as China app for everything.
  
  It provides a range of features such as text messaging, hold-to-talk voice messaging, stickers, broadcast messaging, video conferencing, video games sharing photos and videos, and location sharing.
• Support: Telegram and WeChat provide support to their customers through email and chat support. Signal provides support to its users through FAQ/ Forum and email.