In its current state, WhatsApp is almost ubiquitous on every smartphone in India.
The communication app handles texting and video calls exceptionally well. The platform can handle everything from casual group chats to business broadcasts and even payments in some markets, almost flawlessly.
However, it’s also becoming harder to manage (because of non-stop advertisement messages), difficult to trust (because of being open to everybody), and increasingly difficult to control.
That’s why millions of users are actively searching for apps that are similar to WhatsApp but offer tighter privacy, more flexible communication, and local relevance, especially in a fast-changing market like India.
This guide will help you find the perfect WhatsApp alternative.
Why Are Users Actively Looking for Apps Like WhatsApp?
In early 2021, WhatsApp’s new privacy policy sparked a global backlash.
For the first time, the platform openly stated that it would share user metadata (which includes contact info, phone numbers, and device details) with its parent company Meta. While WhatsApp messages still remained end-to-end encrypted, the damage was done.
People no longer felt fully in control. And while some accepted the changes and moved on, a significant portion of the user base didn’t.
Over 500 million users downloaded Signal and Telegram in the weeks following the update, and that migration trend hasn’t fully reversed.
And to date, the reasons people seek WhatsApp alternatives have evolved well beyond privacy:
1. Data Fatigue and Meta Dependency
Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This ecosystem now overlaps more than ever. If you’ve seen an ad on Instagram for something you casually mentioned on WhatsApp, you’re not alone.
While Meta denies reading your messages, the metadata it collects, including your location, device, who you message, and when, is often enough to build a behavioral profile.
2. Too Many Features, Not Enough Control
WhatsApp’s original charm was simplicity. Now it’s layered with Channels, Communities, Payments, Business Catalogs, Status updates, and AI chatbots. These features may work for some, but for many users, they create clutter and confusion.
The app feels bloated and looks like a product suite. This complexity makes it harder for less tech-savvy users to navigate and for privacy-conscious users to maintain control over what’s being shared.
3. Lack of Personalization
WhatsApp still doesn’t allow multi-device login for more than one phone number per app instance. You can’t easily customize the user experience beyond basic settings. Features like scheduled messages, flexible groups, or integrated video caller ID are either missing or limited.
Users today expect more from a messaging app, especially when alternatives offer things like regional language support, high-quality video calls, or caller control without compromising privacy.
What’s lacking on WhatsApp currently?
Even though people face multiple problems with WhatsApp, most users still have the app on their phones.
But many are reducing usage, exploring other options for different needs, or using secondary apps for sensitive conversations.
From our analysis of App Store trends, Reddit threads, and community feedback, here’s what most users want in a WhatsApp alternative:
- A clean, modern interface with fewer distractions
- Reliable voice and video calls, even in poor network zones
- Privacy-first infrastructure (no Meta-level tracking)
- Useful additions like call recording, smart filters, or backup control
- Lightweight app size with fast performance across older devices
These needs aren’t outrageous, but they’re still unmet on WhatsApp.
That’s why new entrants like FaceCall are gaining traction. Not just because they offer something different, but because they offer something deliberately better in areas WhatsApp has ignored.
Quick glance: WhatsApp alternatives compared
| Feature | FaceCall | Signal | Telegram | Discord | Threema | Session | Element |
| Requires Phone Number | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| End-to-End Encryption (Default) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Video Calling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voice Calling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Text Messaging | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multilingual Support | ✅ (India) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Group Chats | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (200K) | ✅ (Unlimited) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud Sync | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Optional) |
| Bots/Automation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom Server Hosting | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Paid or Free | ✅ (Free) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (Paid) | ✅ | ✅ (Self-hosted) |
| Data Monetization | ❌ | ❌ | ❓ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Special Features | Video caller ID, call scheduling | Screen security | Massive groups, bots | Voice servers, screen share | GDPR, compliance | Fully anonymous, onion routing | Self-hosting, federated rooms |
The 7 Best WhatsApp Alternatives in 2025
1. FaceCall
FaceCall is built from the ground up for users across the world. However, India is quickly becoming one of the biggest markets for FaceCall.
This AI-powered communication app is not trying to be the “next WhatsApp”. The goal is to fix what WhatsApp never bothered to address. The platform is designed to deliver crisp calls and messages even in low-bandwidth environments, and it reflects how people actually communicate across India’s cities, towns, and rural regions.
Instead of bloating the app with flashy features, FaceCall focuses on clean UX, low data consumption, and personalization where it matters most – like video caller IDs and multilingual support.
Why it’s gaining traction fast in India:
- Smooth video and voice calls even on 3G
- Built-in video caller ID to reduce spam
- Lightweight performance across all Android devices
- Call scheduling and smart call reminders
- Full support for Indian regional languages
- No third-party ad tracking or data mining
2. Signal
Signal is the go-to choice for privacy purists. It looks simple on the surface, but under the hood, it’s built on one of the most secure communication protocols available. Used by journalists, activists, and security professionals globally, Signal offers end-to-end encryption, no ads, and no data collection.
It’s not flashy. There are no broadcast channels or bots. But for anyone concerned about surveillance, Signal is the default.
Signal’s encryption protocol is so solid that WhatsApp itself adopted it. The difference? Signal doesn’t monetize your metadata.
What makes Signal different:
- End-to-end encrypted chats, calls, and media
- No contact syncing or usage tracking
- Open-source and nonprofit-backed
- Disappearing messages and additional privacy controls
- No ads, no business model based on data
3. Telegram
Although numerous secure Telegram alternatives are emerging, Telegram remains one of the most feature-rich messaging ecosystems on the market.
With its broadcast Channels, massive group support, bot infrastructure, and cloud sync, it’s a favorite among creators, educators, and large communities.
It’s not the most private messenger (since chats aren’t end-to-end encrypted by default), but it excels in terms of reach, scalability, and flexibility.
Telegram now handles over 900 million monthly users, with major traction in markets like Brazil, Russia, and India, but Telegram alternatives for Android are also gaining quite a traction.
Why Telegram works for power users:
- Groups with up to 200,000 members
- Unlimited cloud storage and cross-device sync
- Channels for one-way broadcasting
- Bots for automation, support, and engagement
- Scheduled messages and large media sharing
Also Read: Best Telegram Alternatives For iOS
4. Discord
Discord has evolved significantly over any regular messaging app.
It’s now a persistent communication platform. While it was initially built for gamers, it now powers communities, classrooms, and even remote teams. If you need topic-based channels, voice rooms, screen sharing, and customizable roles, Discord delivers.
More than 40 million people across India use Discord. It’s best suited for organized group communication rather than casual one-on-one messaging.
Discord servers can become mini social networks, complete with their own rules, bots, and engagement tools.
Where Discord shines:
- Server-based structure with unlimited channels
- Voice rooms that stay live 24/7
- Screen sharing and live streaming
- Role-based access and moderation tools
- Rich integrations and bot customizations
5. Threema
Threema is a privacy-focused messenger from Switzerland that prioritizes security without relying on phone numbers, ad networks, or cloud backups.
Threema is a paid app, but it also means that there are no ads, no data selling, and no tracking.
It’s widely used in Europe by governments, enterprises, and schools that need secure, compliant messaging.
Why security-first users trust Threema:
- End-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and group chats
- Anonymous usage with no phone number required
- Self-hosted enterprise version available
- GDPR-compliant by design
- One-time paid app. No freemium model or ads
6. Session
Session is what you get when you take Signal’s privacy approach and add full decentralization. It doesn’t use phone numbers, emails, or even central servers. You get a randomly generated Session ID and use the app anonymously.
Session is built on the Oxen Service Node network, meaning not even the developers can see your metadata.
While the interface isn’t as refined as mainstream apps, it’s ideal for people who want total anonymity.
Where Session sets itself apart:
- No signup using phone number or email
- Anonymous Session ID for communication
- Fully decentralized infrastructure
- End-to-end encryption with onion routing
- Open-source, nonprofit-backed platform
7. Element
Element is not just a messaging app. It’s a secure, enterprise-grade collaboration tool built on the Matrix protocol.
It’s used by companies and governments that need full control of their data, including the option to host their own server infrastructure.
It’s a bit technical for casual users, but for serious teams, it offers unmatched autonomy.
The French government adopted Matrix-based communication for internal use, via a custom Element implementation.
What makes Element ideal for enterprise:
- Federated communication with self-hosted options
- Encrypted chats and calls with session verification
- Room-based structure for internal teams
- Secure file sharing and role-based access
- Used by governments, NGOs, and regulated sectors
Which Category Fits You The Best?
With so many WhatsApp alternatives available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Some apps lean heavily into privacy, others emphasize flexibility, while a few are designed for specific types of communication, like group chats or anonymous messaging.
Instead of just providing a laundry list of features, let’s break this down by use case. This way, you can choose the app that best fits your needs without hesitation.
1. For Privacy-First Users
If your main concern is digital privacy, think metadata collection, surveillance, or data resale—then Signal, Session, or Threema are your top picks.
- Signal offers industry-leading encryption and is backed by a nonprofit foundation. It doesn’t store metadata, supports disappearing messages, and is trusted by journalists and security experts globally.
- Session takes things a step further by removing the need for phone numbers entirely. You’re assigned a random Session ID and all communication routes through a decentralized network using onion routing.
- Threema, while not free, is GDPR-compliant, doesn’t use cloud storage, and offers fully anonymous usage. It’s also the only one in this group with strong traction in European enterprise settings.
Use one of these if:
- You want zero data shared with parent companies
- You communicate sensitive or regulated information
- You don’t want your chats associated with a phone number
2. For People in Low-Bandwidth or Rural Areas
WhatsApp works decently in most areas, but for many rural users, even “decent” isn’t good enough. Packet loss, call drops, and slow text delivery are everyday annoyances in tier 2 and tier 3 regions.
This is where FaceCall clearly wins.
It’s built for India’s network realities. FaceCall uses adaptive bitrate calling to keep voice and video clear even on patchy 3G. It also reduces resource usage on older phones and offers full multilingual support, including regional Indian languages that most apps overlook.
FaceCall is the clear choice if:
- You often travel to rural areas or use slower data plans
- You want calls to work reliably, not just ideally
- You care about language support beyond just Hindi or English
3. For Creators, Communities, and Power Users
If you manage a large community, run a digital course, moderate a public channel, or operate a meme page, Telegram and Discord offer unmatched flexibility.
- Telegram gives you broadcast channels, bots, scheduled messages, and group sizes that can scale to 200,000 users. No other app comes close in terms of reach.
- Discord supports always-on voice rooms, screen sharing, private threads, and advanced moderation. It’s perfect for segmented conversations and growing online communities.
Choose Telegram or Discord if:
- You run a public-facing or community-driven channel
- You want automation and bots to handle communication
- You need multiple roles or chat streams within one space
4. For Enterprise and Team Use
Enterprise use cases are radically different from personal chat. You need role-based permissions, internal compliance, data ownership, and clear access controls.
That’s exactly what Element (built on Matrix protocol) and Threema Work are built for.
- Element is already in use by governments and large organizations in Europe. It allows complete server control and federated setups, which means your data stays in-house.
- Threema Work offers a lightweight but secure mobile-first experience ideal for distributed teams.
Choose these if:
- You manage communication at a startup, agency, or government body
- You need end-to-end encryption and hosting control
- You care about compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
5. For Everyday Communication, but Not Meta
Many users don’t need bots or zero-knowledge cryptography. They just want a clean, functional app that respects their boundaries and isn’t tied to Meta.
If that’s you, then FaceCall or Signal offer two distinct flavors:
- FaceCall offers feature-rich communication (call reminders, video caller ID) in a privacy-aware structure. It’s built for everyday users who want simplicity, but smarter
- Signal is minimal and elegant. If you want something that “just works” and doesn’t compromise your data, this is your pick.
| Use Case | Best Apps |
| Privacy-first messaging | Signal, Session, Threema |
| Rural or low-bandwidth regions | FaceCall |
| Community & channel management | Telegram, Discord |
| Enterprise & compliance | Element, Threema Work |
| General use without Meta | FaceCall, Signal |
Towards the end…
WhatsApp isn’t going anywhere, but it’s no longer enough.
If you’re looking for privacy, control, or just a cleaner way to communicate, better options exist.
FaceCall stands out for everyday users in India by being fast, reliable, regional, and spam-free.
FaceCall leads that shift in markets like India. It’s fast, clean, and built for how people actually communicate today.
No clutter.
No data trade-offs.
Just solid calling, multilingual support, and caller control that WhatsApp never prioritized.
You don’t have to ditch WhatsApp entirely. But it’s time to use something better. And speaking about better, you can download one of the best WhatsApp alternatives – FaceCall right away.
