Alternatives to WhatsApp

End-to-end encrypted messengers from Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. No phone-number requirement, no metadata sharing with Meta, open-source clients and GDPR-compliant data-processing agreements for organisations.

4 European providers GDPR compliant

Context

WhatsApp compared to European messengers

WhatsApp has belonged to Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.) since 2014. Message contents have been end-to-end encrypted by default since 2016 (Signal protocol), but the metadata are not. Meta processes information on contact lists, communication frequency, location, device, IP addresses and group memberships, and uses this data within the Meta corporate family (Facebook, Instagram, Meta advertising platform).

The WhatsApp privacy update of January 2021 made this metadata sharing explicit for users outside the EU. Inside the EU a restricted version applies due to the GDPR. In 2021 the Irish Data Protection Commission imposed a fine of 225 million euros on WhatsApp Ireland, and a further 5.5 million euros in 2023 for transparency and information-duty violations.

WhatsApp requires a phone number for registration. For users who for professional or personal reasons do not disclose their number (journalists, activists, victim support, medical staff), this is a barrier. European messengers such as Threema, Olvid and Element operate anonymously: Threema requires neither a phone number nor an email address, Olvid identifies users via cryptographic identities, and Element uses Matrix handles.

WhatsApp is a closed, proprietary system. European alternatives are predominantly open source (Element/Matrix, Olvid), which allows the source code to be independently audited. Olvid is CSPN-certified by the French cybersecurity agency ANSSI and is recommended for members of the French government.

Quick Compare

Provider	Country	Open Source	Price (From)
Element	United Kingdom (EU subsidiaries in DE/FR)	Yes	Community free (self-hosted) · Enterprise on request
Threema	Switzerland	Yes	One-time €6 · Threema Work from €3/user/mo
Olvid	France	Yes	Free (personal use) · Business plans on request
Delta Chat	Germany	Yes	Free (open source)

European alternatives

4 alternatives in detail

Element

United Kingdom (EU subsidiaries in DE/FR)

Decentralized messenger based on the Matrix protocol

Federated Matrix protocol, no central control
End-to-end encryption (Olm/Megolm)
Self-hosting or managed EU cloud available

Open Source

Community free (self-hosted) · Enterprise on request

Visit Website → View details →

Threema

Switzerland

Messenger without mandatory phone number registration from Switzerland

No phone number required, fully anonymous
End-to-end encryption for all messages
No metadata storage

Open Source

One-time €6 · Threema Work from €3/user/mo

Visit Website → View details →

Olvid

France

ANSSI-certified messenger without central user database from France

ANSSI-certified (CSPN)
No phone number or email required
Proprietary cryptographic protocols, independent of Signal protocol

Open Source

Free (personal use) · Business plans on request

Visit Website → View details →

Delta Chat

Germany

Open-source messenger using the email protocol from Germany

Email protocol as transport, no dedicated account or phone number
End-to-end encryption by default (OpenPGP/Autocrypt) since version 2
Federated: works with any email server or Chatmail relay

Open Source

Free (open source)

Visit Website → View details →

Frequently asked questions

Do these messengers require a phone number?

Threema and Olvid work entirely without a phone number. Element (Matrix) uses usernames or a self-chosen handle.

Can I use these apps with friends who are still on WhatsApp?

No. Messages cannot be exchanged directly between different messengers. People who switch typically bring over their closest contacts or use several messengers in parallel.

Are group chats and video calls supported?

Yes. All three messengers support group chats and voice/video calls. Element additionally integrates video conferencing via Jitsi.

Is open source a security advantage?

Open source allows independent security audits. It does not automatically mean more security, but it increases verifiability. Threema and Element have been audited by external security firms.

Which messenger suits organisations?

Threema Work and Element offer enterprise editions with Active Directory integration, audit logs and self-hosting options. Olvid is ANSSI-certified and well suited to organisations with heightened security requirements.

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