10 Best Telegram Alternatives In 2025: Find Your Perfect Messaging App

Messaging apps are a huge part of how we talk to friends, family, and work colleagues every day. Telegram has been popular because it’s fast, easy to use, and offers group chats and channels. But in 2025, many people want more from their chat apps. Some want better privacy, others want more features, and some want apps that work better on all their devices.

That’s why knowing the best alternatives to Telegram is important. You want an app that keeps your messages safe, lets you share photos and videos easily, and connects you to the people who matter most — without confusion or security worries.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler — a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. I understand how important trust and proof are — whether in a portfolio or a messaging app. Just like your portfolio shows what you can do, the messaging app you choose shows how you communicate and protect your connections. This article will guide you through the best Telegram alternatives of 2025 that combine ease, security, and features you really need.

1. Signal — The Ultimate App for Privacy and Security

If you care deeply about your privacy, Signal is hands down the best choice. Unlike many apps that promise security but collect your data, Signal truly puts your privacy first. It uses end-to-end encryption by default, which means every message, call, video, or photo you send is locked tight so that only you and the person you’re communicating with can access it. Even Signal’s own servers can’t read your messages — it’s like sending a letter that only the receiver can open, no matter what.

People like journalists, activists, and privacy experts recommend Signal because it’s open-source, meaning the app’s code is public and anyone can verify its safety. This transparency makes it one of the most trustworthy apps for secure communication in the world today.

Why might you choose Signal?

• You want to ensure your private conversations stay exactly that — private.
• You want simple, clear interfaces that don’t overwhelm you with extra features you don’t need.
• You want an app that’s constantly updated to keep up with new security challenges.
• You want disappearing messages for sensitive chats that vanish automatically.

Signal supports group chats, voice and video calls, sending files, and even encrypted stickers — all without compromising on speed or usability. If security is your number one priority, you can’t go wrong with Signal.

2. WhatsApp — The Most Popular and Easy to Use

WhatsApp has become the default messaging app for billions of people worldwide, and for good reason. It’s simple, fast, and nearly everyone you know probably already uses it. WhatsApp also uses end-to-end encryption to keep your chats secure, so your messages and calls can’t be intercepted by hackers or even WhatsApp itself.

One of the biggest strengths of WhatsApp is its enormous user base. Because nearly everyone has WhatsApp installed on their phones, it’s incredibly easy to connect with family, friends, or coworkers without asking them to download a new app.

Key reasons people choose WhatsApp:

• It works on almost every smartphone, tablet, and computer.
• It allows sending photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and even live locations.
• You can create groups with up to 1024 people, perfect for large family chats or work projects.
• It supports video and voice calls with high-quality audio.
• You can share status updates that disappear after 24 hours — similar to stories on Instagram.

However, some users worry about WhatsApp’s privacy because it is owned by Meta (the parent company of Facebook), which has a mixed reputation around data use. Still, it’s a reliable choice if you want an easy, all-around app with wide reach and solid security for everyday conversations.

3. Element — Secure, Open-Source Team Messaging

Element is a secure and open-source messaging app built on the Matrix protocol. It’s designed for both personal and professional communication, offering strong end-to-end encryption and full control over your data.

Unlike Telegram, which is centralized, Element allows you to choose or even host your own servers. This decentralized approach means no single company controls your messages or data. It supports group chats, voice and video calls, file sharing, and integration with other platforms like Slack.

Why Element is a top Telegram alternative:

• End-to-end encryption ensures your conversations stay private.
• Open-source code means anyone can verify its security.
• Decentralized servers give users control over their data and reduce censorship risks.
• Works across mobile, desktop, and web with smooth syncing.
• Great for teams, communities, and individuals wanting secure and flexible communication.

Element combines privacy, security, and flexibility, making it a better alternative for users who want trustworthy and professional-grade messaging without sacrificing control.

4. Wire — Secure Messaging for Both Work and Personal Use

Wire is a powerful messaging app designed to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses. It focuses on security and privacy, making it an excellent choice if you want an app that can handle both casual conversations and professional teamwork.

Wire encrypts all messages, calls, and files end-to-end, so no one except the people involved in the conversation can access your data. Unlike many other apps, Wire also supports timed messages that disappear after you set a timer, which is perfect for sensitive information you don’t want to keep forever.

Why Wire stands out:

• It supports group chats with rich features like file sharing, voice messages, and video conferencing.
• It offers multi-device support, so you can switch between your phone, tablet, or computer seamlessly.
• The app has a clean, modern interface that makes it easy to organize conversations for work and personal life.
• Wire complies with strict European data protection laws, giving users an added layer of legal privacy protection.

If you want one app that can double as your secure workplace chat and your private messenger, Wire is definitely worth a look. It combines security, versatility, and professional tools in one package.

5. Element — Decentralized Chat with Full Control

Element is a messaging app built on the Matrix protocol, which means it’s decentralized. Unlike Telegram or WhatsApp, where one company controls the entire platform, Element lets you join or create your own servers. This gives you full control over your data and how the app works.

Element uses end-to-end encryption for privacy and supports group chats, voice, and video calls. It also allows bridging with other platforms like Slack and IRC, meaning you can chat with people on different apps all in one place.

What makes Element special?

• You can choose to host your own chat server, so your messages stay private and under your control.
• It’s open-source, so the community helps improve it and verify its security.
• It supports rich chat features, such as threaded conversations, file sharing, and customizable notifications.
• Element works across devices including mobile, desktop, and web browsers.

Element is perfect if you want to avoid trusting a big company with your data and want to be part of a fully open, customizable communication system. It’s ideal for communities, organizations, or tech-savvy users who want maximum control.

6. Discord — A Community-Focused Chat with Tons of Features

Discord started as a gamer’s paradise but has grown into one of the largest platforms for group communication in 2025. It’s not just for gamers anymore — from hobby groups to study teams and even work projects, Discord offers a rich and flexible environment for chatting.

Discord organizes conversations into “servers,” which are like mini-communities or groups. Inside servers, you have different channels dedicated to specific topics. You can send text messages, voice messages, and share videos or images easily.

Why Discord works as a Telegram alternative:

• It supports voice channels where you can hang out in live conversations without needing to call everyone individually.
• You can share your screen or stream games and videos to groups.
• Discord has powerful moderation tools, like roles and permissions, so admins can manage large groups easily.
• It supports bots that can automate tasks like welcoming new members, playing music, or running polls.

If you want a place to connect with many people in a lively, interactive way, Discord’s combination of voice, video, and text chat makes it unique and fun.

7. Viber — Easy and Secure Calls Plus Messaging

Viber is a popular chat app especially for those who want to combine messaging with high-quality calls. It offers end-to-end encryption on both texts and calls, ensuring your conversations are safe.

Viber lets you make free calls and send messages to other Viber users worldwide. It also supports group chats, video calls, and even public chats where you can follow celebrities or brands.

Key features that make Viber appealing:

• Crystal-clear voice and video calls that work on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Group chats can include up to 250 people, making it great for families or workgroups.
• Fun stickers, GIFs, and the ability to send files keep chats engaging and expressive.
• Viber Out lets you call any phone number, even if they don’t have the app, for a small fee.

Viber is a solid alternative if you want a combination of a messaging app and a reliable international calling service, especially for keeping in touch with friends or relatives overseas.

8. Skype — The Classic for Video Calls and Messaging

Skype has been a household name for video calling for years. Although newer apps have appeared, Skype remains one of the best apps for video conferences, especially on desktop computers.

Skype supports text messaging, voice, and video calls with up to 50 people at once. You can also share files, screen share during calls, and use subtitles for better communication.

Why Skype is still relevant:

• It works smoothly on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Linux.
• You can call regular phone numbers through Skype Credit.
• It offers live subtitles, which helps in understanding conversations in noisy environments or when participants speak different languages.
• Skype integrates with Microsoft Office and Teams, making it ideal for business use.

If you often need high-quality video calls alongside messaging, especially for professional meetings, Skype remains a powerful and trusted tool.

9. Signal Private Messenger — Why It’s Gaining Popularity Fast

Although I mentioned Signal earlier, it’s worth diving deeper into why it’s growing so fast and becoming a serious competitor to Telegram in 2025. Many people are switching to Signal because it’s truly designed around protecting user privacy.

Signal doesn’t collect metadata — the data about who you talk to, when, and how often. This is unlike many other apps that store and analyze this data for marketing or other purposes.

Signal’s unique advantages:

• Uses the strongest end-to-end encryption for all communication.
• Offers disappearing messages to keep conversations private.
• You can blur faces in images to protect identities before sending.
• It’s nonprofit and funded by donations, so it doesn’t sell your data.

Signal is especially recommended for users who want to completely avoid data tracking and advertising, and who value transparency and security above all else.

10. Line — Popular in Asia with Rich Features

Line is especially popular in countries like Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan but has a growing global user base. It combines free messaging with social networking features, making it a full social platform.

Line supports text, voice, and video messages. It also offers timeline posts where you can share updates, similar to Facebook or Instagram stories.

Why Line could be your next messaging app:

• Offers group calls with up to 200 participants, ideal for big meetings or family calls.
• Has a huge variety of fun stickers and emojis to personalize chats.
• Includes a built-in digital wallet for sending money or making purchases.
• Provides official accounts for brands, celebrities, and public services you can follow.

If you want a messaging app that feels like a social network and lets you do much more than just chat, Line’s rich features make it a compelling Telegram alternative.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right messaging app in 2025 is about balancing what matters most to you: privacy, features, user base, or ease of use. Whether you want ultimate security with Signal, a fun community space with Discord, or professional tools with Wire, there’s a Telegram alternative ready to fit your lifestyle.

Remember, the best app is the one that matches your communication style, keeps your data safe, and helps you connect effortlessly. And if you want to see how these communication tools can help professionals get hired by showing real work, check out Fueler — a platform that helps companies find talent through assignments and work samples, making hiring smarter and easier.

FAQs

1. What is the safest alternative to Telegram for private messaging?

Signal is considered the safest alternative due to its strong end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection.

2. Which app offers the best group chat features besides Telegram?

Discord offers powerful group and community chat features with voice channels, screen sharing, and moderation tools.

3. Can I use these apps on multiple devices at the same time?

Apps like Wire, Element, and Discord support multi-device use, allowing seamless chatting on phone, tablet, and desktop.

4. Which messaging app is best for international calls?

Viber is popular for high-quality free international calls and secure messaging.

5. Are there Telegram alternatives that don’t require a phone number?

Yes, Threema lets you sign up without a phone number or email, ensuring more privacy and anonymity.

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