Increasingly instant messaging is as much a part of work as in person social interaction. Increasingly people ask each other questions over instant messaging for a variety of reasons instead of simply calling them or even going to see them on the other side of the room. In Europe, many people rely on instant messaging service Whatsapp for its ability to quickly create groups and perceived encryption. However, Whatsapp alternatives are now increasingly becoming popular.
Since being taken over by Facebook, there have been growing concerns about Whatsapp’s privacy changes and their turn towards a a more social media orientated app, some are looking for a Whatsapp alternatives that has professionalism written all over it in order to really separate their personal from the professional. You can see what other productivity apps we reccomend to boost your office experience.
Whatapp alternatives are growing fast in popularity. So we’ll make sure to update you on the latest Whatsapp alternatives trends.
Signal as a Whatsapp alternatives
Signal fulfils most of Whatsapps function, including the creation of groups, but also offers layers of security that Whatsapp does not have. For one, Signal’s servers are encrypted in addition to the messages. Signal also has the group function but a less social media orientated feel to it, instead preferring a stripped down, simple application that does what Whatsapp used to do : replace the text message function on your phone.
Increasingly integrating more media and sharing functions, Signal may be the way to go if you’re concerned about privacy. Its recent decision to tie accounts to phone numbers though has attracted some anger from more privacy orientated users.
Telegram
Telegram is more of a social media app than one that is adequate for work but it works as an alternative for Whatsapp thanks to its group function and ease of use with a clean UI.
Telegram though is mainly advantageous because of its public groups, which are not that relevant to working life. Nevertheless they could be useful for when you are networking remotely.
Slack
Slack is an interesting application that combines the more casual functions of the instant messaging system above with other good productivity functions. Slack uses a channel system with hashtags, the hashtags representing projects. This way you don’t have to file through a ton of different contacts and groups, private and professional, to get to the group that you want.
It also is increasingly integrated with other services allowing cloud hosting and sharing. Slack is quickly becoming a favourite for fast-paced tech teams looking to work on several projects. Questions remain however when it comes to privacy and what Slack does with your data. With many leaving WhatsApp due to its new privacy terms, Slack is not really the privacy alternative. Rather it is the productivity alternative.
Skype and Teams as Whatsapp Alternatives
Skype instant messaging has recently found itself marginalised within the Microsoft Teams application also taking on some of its functions. Nevertheless, it still has its uses and functions that can easily replace Whatsapp on your phone and PC.
Skype is maybe the best best bet if your company integrates their office suite with Windows. Other apps might be better if you want to take a decentralised approach to your office suite. Consult what office suite your company is using and re-evaluate what you need.
Wire
Wire is an interesting choice due to its combination of privacy and productivity functions. Wire combines some of the privacy features of Signal with the productivity and professional, team-based approach of a Slack.
Wire also has a self-host function which makes your communications extra secure.