Top 10 Messaging App Alternatives to Telegram

It may feel as though we’ve been using instant messaging systems forever, but in reality, it was only in the mid-to-late ’90s that they were broadly adopted.

Since the release of the most basic IM options like AIM and ICQ, technology has improved significantly, leading us to more complex and advanced options including the likes of Whatsapp and so much more.

Not only are there more options to choose from, but the capabilities of IM platforms have been expanded significantly, providing far more functionality.

Indeed, modern messaging apps offer users more than just a method to send simple messages. These days, they’re able to share media files, facilitate communication within large groups and so much more.

So, what makes one platform better than the next?

It all depends on who you ask and what each person’s priorities are, as different apps offer varying features.

For instance, Whatsapp is a massive user base, meaning that with Whatsapp, you’re likely to be able to communicate with just about anyone since most people already use Whatsapp.

Some people also quite like the fact that Whatsapp is fairly cognisant of regulatory authorities and the laws they impose, supposedly keeping close track of the type of content being shared on the platform and giving users the ability to flag inappropriate content for review.

For others, however, this is exactly why they don’t choose Whatsapp, citing the platform’s dubious claim of end-to-end encryption and a lack of user privacy as reasons for not being comfortable with the app.

Thus, many such people have ended up moving towards Telegram instead. They don’t offer comprehensive end-to-end encryption, but compared to Whatsapp’s supposed message monitoring system, it certainly seems to be more secure.

Indeed, the majority of Telegram’s messaging is encrypted but not end-to-end encrypted. However, the app does have a “secret chat” function that does make use of end-to-end encryption. Thus, Telegram’s default isn’t super secure privacy but it is an option for those who want it, as opposed to Whatsapp’s supposed end-to-end encryption that doesn’t offer real privacy at all.

However, recent events surrounding the European Union and the arrest of Telegram’s Pavel Durov have cast a spotlight on Telegram, raising concerns about whether or not the platform will be allowed to continue operating.

Thus, users are looking for alternatives.

So, what other messaging apps are out there and available as suitable alternatives to Whatsapp and Telegram?

 

What Are Users Looking For in a Messaging App?

 

As we’ve already noted, different people look for different things in instant messaging apps depending on their needs and priorities.

For some, their needs are basic. It’s just about being able to send messages quickly and easily.

There are others, however, for whom it’s more complicated than that. Users may require specific features like the ability to share large files – things like high-quality images, videos and more – or communicate with large groups of people.

Safety and content regulation may be a top priority for some users, or somewhat conversely, it may all come down to end-to-end encryption.

Regardless of the specifics, it’s up to individual users to identify what they want and need and then choose the app that best works for them.

 

Top 10 App Alternatives to Telegram

 

With these differences and specific features in mind, here are the top messaging app alternatives to Telegram (and Whatsapp).

 

1. Signal

 

 

Signal is a messaging system that was initially founded in 2014 and broadly launched in 2015, having served 40 million active users in 2022.

The app allows for instant messaging, voice calls and video calls, as well as having a group chat function for voice and video calls, but this is capped at five people, much like general group chats for messaging are capped at 1,000 compared to Telegram’s 200,000.

Unlike platforms like Telegram, however, Signal isn’t geared towards community building as it doesn’t allow for broadcasting, among a few other features. It’s better suited to basic messaging between individuals or small groups.

 

2. Viber

 

 

Viber is a messaging platform that is specifically designed for community building and communication, as it’s particularly conducive to bringing people together and organising groups. However, some users assert that the group chat options are very basic, so while you are able to create large groups of up to 1,000 users, the app doesn’t allow much more than that.

Furthermore, Viber offers the ultimate privacy and security with end-to-end encryption, as well as a disappearing message option.

Another interesting and usual feature is the platform’s ability to allow users to use it as a phone, making calls to landlines and other mobile numbers that aren’t affiliated with the app.

If you want a basic community messaging platform, Viber may be for you, as long as you’re not looking for anything particularly complex.

 

3. Google Chat

 

 

Unsurprisingly, Google entered the discussion – or “entered the chat”, so to speak – when they launched Google Chat in 2017, although it was called G Suite until 2020.

Google Chat is specifically geared towards facilitating one-on-one chats, and in order to get going, users need to send an invitation to the person they want to connect with. Once the invitation has been accepted, users can start the conversation.

A few notable features of Google Chat include the option to create group chats or discussion pages as well as the ability to share things like Google Docs, calendars, Google Meet invitations and more.

Google Chat does employ end-to-end encryption making it private and safe, but overall, it’s not really geared towards community building. It’s best suited to one-on-one messages between people who already know each other.

 

 

4. Slack

 

 

After its initial launch in 2009, Slack quickly gained popularity as an instant chat platform that also operates as an organisational and coworking tool.

While Slack is often compared to Microsoft Teams, it was actually developed first and in many regards, it functions more like a combination of a forum and messaging software.

The platform is able to work with a variety of different types of content, as well as allowing for voice and video calls and more.

It’s not quite as geared towards businesses as some competitors as it still requires integration with Zoom, for instance, to enable video calling, and it’s also generally not recommended for anybody who’s specifically hoping to work on monetisation.

However, for small businesses and community organisation, it can be super effective.

 

5. Twitch

 

 

Twitch has been touted as an excellent broadcasting app both in competition with Telegram and now as an alternative.

Now, Twitch isn’t a traditional messaging app, although it does have a chat feature. Rather, the primary purpose of the app is to provide a channel for live streaming, and it was actually initially developed as a gaming platform.

If you’re purpose is to gain followers and monetise your business activity, Twitch is an excellent option with plenty of features available for mass streaming.

 

6. Snapchat

 

 

Most people know Snapchat for its original purpose as an image-sharing app that later developed a chat feature, but these days, it’s regained popularity as a messaging platform.

One of its most popular identifying features was, and still is, its disappearing images and videos, which was initially launched as a direct challenge to fears surrounding the permanency of content on the internet.

Snapchat is still very popular, especially among younger users, but its basic functions make it best for simple uses, including one-to-one messaging and image sharing.

 

7. Microsoft Teams

 

 

Microsft Teams was initially launched and developed as a corporate communication and messaging solution. It allows for both individual and group chats, and is super conducive to work-style chats and communication.

MS Teams is obviously integrated with other Microsft features, most notably MS Office, allowing for things like event scheduling, video calls, and in-meeting chats, among other things.

Teams gained significant popularity during and leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming an effective and popular platform for remote workers.

While it’s not designed with monetisation or community building in mind, MS Teams is a great tool for professional organisation and communication.

 

8. Mighty Pro

 

 

Might Pro offers a slightly different alternative to the other options on this list, as it provides a way for individuals to create their own apps, so to speak.

This platform is geared towards people and businesses whose aim is to have their own app that enables community building, development organisation and chatting

Essentially, Mighty Pro allows you to create your very own app that includes features like live streaming, live events, activity feeds, discussion forums, messaging, various content options and more.

The cool thing about Mighty Pro is that it allows you to create a broadcasting app that ticks all your boxes, so that you can give your community a way to communicate and interact with each other.

 

9. Discord

 

 

Discord is a forum builder along with a plethora of live-streaming features. It was initially designed and launched for gaming purposes, allowing users to chat about games and create communities and channels.

While its use isn’t exactly broad or universal by any means, it can be great for those specifically looking for a gaming-related forum or community chat option. While it does allow for some opportunities for monetisation, the options are fairly limited, so Discord is probably best used for social rather than business purposes.

 

10. Geneva 

 

 

Geneva is all about creating and facilitating effective group video chats. It gives users a way to create and organise chat rooms that may be video, text or audio-specific, depending on the users’ needs.

Not only is it known for its user-friendly interface, but Geneva is also useful for scheduling and it provides options for discussions and even blog posting too, although these features are fairly basic.