We know there are plenty of alternatives out there to Whatsapp. Don’t bother trying them all—we’ve made it easier for you and sieved out five of the only ones worth checking out.
1. Viber
Around since: December 2010
User base: 200 million
Especially popular in: USA
Pros: Unlike Whatsapp, it gives you the ability to make free calls to your friends as long as there’s an Internet connection (with Wi-Fi and 3G network all around these days, not a problem). It also has a desktop version for Windows, Mac and Linux and recently released Viber Out, a new feature that gives you the ability to make low-cost calls to even non-Viber users.
Cons: No video calls/messages. Plus, the account is only exclusive to the phone you use.
Download Viber
2. WeChat
Around since: January 2011
User base: 600 million
Especially popular in: China
Pros: It matches Whatsapp on virtually every aspect and more—it has tons of emoticons available for download, video calls and “drift bottle” feature that allows you to send out a random message to the world wide web and people can “pick a drifting bottle” to reply. Trust the Chinese to come up with a behemoth.
Cons: Although popular, the bulk of its users are based in China and have yet to penetrate other markets like Singapore.
Download WeChat
3. Skype
Around since: August 2003
User base: 300 million
Especially popular in: Europe
Pros: This application is often taken for granted since it’s been around for so long, often synonymous with making overseas calls to loved ones (it’s become one of the most popular lexicons of the 21st century, too). Available in virtually every platform imaginable, Skype is robust and stable unlike anything else. In other words, it’s a proven alternative.
Cons: Isn’t as expressive compared to the competition out there with the lack of stickers and limited emoticons.
Download Skype
4. Kik
Around since: October 2010
User base: 90 million
Especially popular in: Canada & USA
Pros: Text messaging is no-nonsense and minimalist—it’s brings users swift text messaging and that’s simply it. However, they are the first to incorporate a browser in the app so that you can surf and share links with your contacts easily.
Cons: It’s essentially a one-trick pony.
Download Kik
5. LINE
Around since: June 2011
User base: 340 million
Especially popular in: Japan
Why it’s worth it: On top of the standard fare of text messaging, video calls and file sharing, this giant offer users group chats of up to 100 people at a time, a desktop app, games and also a cool “timeline” for people to post their thoughts and images similar to Facebook.
Cons: It drains your battery life.
Download LINE
