Recent headlines have put Telegram in the spotlight. The app’s CEO, Pavel Durov, is facing legal charges in France, accused of allowing criminal activity to thrive on the platform.
Rest assured, Telegram isn’t shutting down. However, some users may feel now is a good time to consider other messaging options. If you’re considering a switch, here are three messaging apps that might be a better fit.
1 Signal
If privacy is your top priority, Signal is the go-to app. Signal uses end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring that your messages, calls, and attachments are accessible only to you and the intended recipient.
Signal’s encryption protocol, the Signal Protocol, is widely regarded as the gold standard in secure messaging. It’s the same protocol adopted by other apps, including WhatsApp, but Signal takes it a step further by not collecting any user metadata.
Beyond security, Signal offers a clean, straightforward interface that focuses on functionality rather than flashy features. If you’re coming from Telegram, you might miss features like channels or bots. However, Signal does support secure messaging, voice, and video calls. Signal also includes useful features like disappearing messages and screen security.
Signal doesn’t currently support chat export from other apps like Telegram, so you’ll need to start fresh with your conversations.
2 Viber
Viber is an excellent alternative for users who want a mix of robust security and a rich set of features. Like Signal, Viber offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring your private messages stay private. However, Viber offers a unique range of additional features that enhance the overall messaging experience.
Viber features include free voice and video calls, group chats, a wide variety of stickers and GIFs, and even the ability to make international calls (to non-Viber contacts) at reduced rates through Viber Out. It also has a Hidden chat feature that allows you to hide specific conversations behind a PIN, adding an extra layer of security.
When it comes to chat export, transitioning from Telegram to Viber isn’t seamless, as Viber doesn’t support direct chat imports from other apps. However, you can manually save important conversations from Telegram before making the switch. Once you’ve moved to Viber, setting up your groups and contacts is quick and easy.
3 WhatsApp
WhatsApp needs no introduction. With nearly 3 billion users worldwide, it’s one of the most popular messaging apps available. While it didn’t always offer end-to-end encryption, this feature was introduced in 2016, bringing it on par with Signal and Viber in message security.
What sets WhatsApp apart is its simplicity and widespread adoption. The app’s interface is intuitive, making it accessible even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. It also supports a wide range of media types, including photos, videos, documents, and voice messages, with a relatively high file size limit.
WhatsApp’s group chat functionality is another strong point. It supports large groups with tools for managing members and conversations. The app also offers encrypted backups on Google Drive or iCloud, allowing you to easily restore your chats if you switch devices.
However, WhatsApp’s ownership by Meta (formerly Facebook) may tick off privacy-conscious users. While the messaging is secure, Meta’s broader data collection practices could be a drawback if you prioritize privacy above all else.
It’s important to mention that while WhatsApp allows you to export chats to Telegram, the reverse isn’t possible—meaning you can’t import your Telegram chats directly into WhatsApp. As with Signal and Viber, you’ll need to start fresh with your conversations if you decide to make the switch.
Telegram isn’t going anywhere for now. However, there’s no shortage of secure, feature-rich alternatives. While none of these apps offer a direct chat export from Telegram, starting fresh might not be a bad thing—especially if you’re looking to enhance your security or explore new features.
