We use chatting apps everyday, our relationships, and even in our professional lives. Whether you’re sending messages, videos, quick update and you want to have private conversations with your loved ones then these chatting apps comes into picture.
I’ve seen how a good chatting apps build your relationships even more stronger, and will help you to keep information secure, and provide convenience. At the same time, I’ve also seen the risks—like privacy leaks, weak security, and misuse.
I am not a casual user here, I am a authorised, knowledgeable and experienced person who worked on chat apps. The only reason to write this guide to help you to figure out that which chat apps you can trust, which ones to stay away from, and how to keep yourself safe from malicious apps.
We’ll also help you find the chat app that fits your lifestyle—whether you want one for couples, daily chatting, or something with strong encryption.
What Are Chatting Apps & Who Uses Them?
Chatting apps, also called as chat apps or messaging apps which help people to send instant messages, share photos, make video calls, and sometimes even send money . Because chat apps are more faster, cheaper, and way more flexible than regular text messages, since they use the internet. Some apps are universal, like WhatsApp or Telegram, while others are specifically designed for love or business.
According to Statista’s 2025 report (Statista – Most popular global mobile messenger apps), the top messaging apps by monthly active users are:
- WhatsApp – 2.9 billion users
- WeChat – 1.3 billion users
- Facebook Messenger – 980 million users
- Telegram – 950 million users
- Snapchat – 750 million users
This data shows that messaging apps are not just tools—they are lifelines connecting billions across the globe.
Who Uses Chatting Apps?
1. Couples and Lovers:
Many couples use different different chatting apps in which privacy matters such as DailyNewsTalk, Love Nudge, or Signal. These apps will allow them to send sensitive messages, video, photos, voice notes, share private calendars, special notes, and secure chats without worrying about outsiders accessing them.
2. Families and Friends:
I’ve often recommended everyone including families who might stay in different cities, or states or countries to use WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger to connect. Because these apps are simple, reliable, and accessible worldwide. According to Business of Apps magazine, WhatsApp alone processes over 100 billion messages every day. And in my own consulting work, I’ve also noticed that parents use these apps to monitor their kids, while siblings use them to maintain long-distance bonds.
3. Businesses and Professionals:
As a security consultant, I frequently used to guide the companies or organizations to choose between apps like Slack, Teams, or Wire. Because These tools help to make your communication easier and help with data protection compliance regulations. From my audits, I’ve seen many companies underestimate encryption until a data leak raises alarms.
4. Teenagers and Students:
I’ve noticed that many teens really enjoy these app such as Snapchat, Discord, and Telegram. Since these app have features like streaks, emojis, and memes, even if they overlook security settings.
5. Privacy-Conscious Users:
More and more people like journalists, activists, and other who more care about their privacy, they use these apps like DailyNewsTalk, Signal, Threema, or Wickr Me. I always suggest these apps for situations where staying anonymous and having strong encryption really matter.
Why People Use Chat Apps
For all sorts of reasons like casual chats, sensitive chats, group chat, business chat, sharing media files and many more, people are started to using these chatting apps. the motivations may vary, but the need is universal. Here’s a quick look at why these apps are so popular.
1. Instant Communication Across the Globe
People love chat apps because they allow you to reach anyone, anywhere, instantly. Unlike SMS, which often costs extra, chat apps run on the internet, which makes them faster and cheaper. Recent reports from 2025 indicate the number of messaging app users is around 3.5 billion, with over 3 billion using WhatsApp alone and it handles over 140 billion messages messages per day (ycloud.com).
Here’s how that breaks down:
- 5.83 billion messages per hour
- 97 million messages per minute
- 1.6 million messages per second
Even in remote areas, professionals depend on these chat apps because they work well even with slow internet.
2. Privacy and Security Needs
Privacy matters a lot, especially for lovers, couples, journalists, and businesses. Many chatting apps has security related features like end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and hidden notifications to keep things private.
- Most of the users choose these chat apps mainly for privacy and security features.
- Apps like Signal, Threema, and Wickr Me are favorites for those who need higher levels of anonymity.
- For some NGOs, using secure chat apps isn’t just about ease—it’s about safety.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
- Regular calls and texts can get expensive, especially internationally. Chat apps are usually free to download and use, which saves a lot.
- These chat apps have slashed SMS traffic worldwide and saves the billions in fees.
- In developing countries, apps like WhatsApp and Viber are super popular because they make international calls easily.
- Families spread across countries often use WhatsApp groups not just for chatting but also for free video calls instead of pricey long-distance calls.
4. Community and Group Building:
- Chat apps are great for creating groups based on their interests (it might be about work, hobbies, or activism).
- Telegram creates millions of active public channels on all kinds of topics. Discord started as a gaming chat but now it has over 196 million monthly users worldwide.
- Teachers use private chat groups for classes, friends create the group for casual talk, companies crate groups for business related discussions.
5. Emotional Connection and Relationships:
- For couples and families, chat apps are more than just tools—they help to keep emotional bonds strong.
- Features like stickers, voice notes, private albums, and hidden notifications make chats feel personal. Almost 40% of long-distance couples use special chat apps to stay close.
- Apps like DailyNewsTalk, Between and Couple are made just for romantic partners.
- Couples who use private chat apps often feel more secure and connected than those using regular platforms.
6. Versatility Beyond Messaging:
- They offer features like video calls, payments, file sharing, games, and many more, making them a one-stop spot for online life.
- WeChat has over 1.3 billion users who use it for everything like chatting, sharing media files, video / audio call, shopping and even government services.
- WhatsApp Pay and Telegram Bots are keep updating based on how people interact with businesses and services.
- I’ve seen small businesses thrive using WhatsApp Business accounts to handle sales and customer support entirely through chat.
Types of Chat Apps People Commonly Use:
People often choose apps based on their specific needs like for personal chat, business chat, community chats and many other purposes. Below, I’ll break down the main categories of chat apps,
Chat apps fall into six main categories:
- General messengers (WhatsApp, Messenger)
- Privacy-focused apps (Signal, Threema)
- Work/business platforms (Slack, Teams)
- Dating Apps /relationship apps (Between, Tinder)
- Community-driven apps (Discord, Telegram)
- All-in-one “super apps” (WeChat, LINE)
Best Chat Apps in 2025 (Expert Recommendations)
I’ve workesd on messaging apps, testing them for how easy they are to use, how secure they are, and how well they work in real life. I’ve shortlisted the ones that really stand out in 2025. Here are the apps I personally recommend, based on both research and experience.
1. DailyNewsTalk
Unlike other messaging apps, DailyNewsTalk is a unique chat app that combines messaging with curated news discussions. It allows users to chat privately, join discussion groups, and follow real-time trending news.
Why I Recommend It:
I see DailyNewsTalk as a hybrid solution, It is unique because it is a
which distinguish as a News app. It’s especially great for couples or friends who like to have secret chat.
Pros:
- It has disguised Interface
- No Phone Number or email needed to signup
- Offers military-Grade Encryption
- No Call Logs
- Hides notifications
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is still the most popular chat app worldwide, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users as of 2024 (Statista). It offers free texting, voice and video calls, group chats, and new feature which is “hide messages” and even supports business communication through WhatsApp Business.
Why I Recommend It:
As an expert, I can confidently say that WhatsApp perfect for everyday chatting. Its end-to-end encryption (powered by the Signal protocol) which keeps your conversations private. for billions of users worldwide.
Pros:
- The app is free – End-to-end encryption by default
- Supports multimedia, voice, and video calls
- Easy for families and businesses to use
3. Signal
Signal is widely regarded as the gold standard for private communication. Unlike WhatsApp, it’s run by a non-profit foundation and collect the phone number to register other than phone number it won’t collect any other user data, which makes it a top choice for those who prioritize privacy.
Why I Recommend It:
If anyone serious about keeping their conversations private like journalists or activists. Signal is hard to beat. I personally use it for sensitive chats because it has disappearing messages, screen security, and no ads.
Pros:
- Best privacy and encryption
- Open-source and independently checked
- Very minimal data collection
- No Ads
- The app encrypts even sensitive metadata
4. Telegram
Telegram has grown massively, with over 900 million monthly active users in 2024 (Statista ). It’s known for large group chats, channels, and its cloud storage features.
Why I Recommend It:
I’ve noticed many creators and educators thrive using Telegram. It is perfect for community building and broadcasting information.
Pros:
- Supports huge groups (200k+ members) privacy
- Offers “Secret Chats” with end-to-end encryption for maximum privacy on sensitive chat
- Cloud storage for files up to 2GB
- Cool features like bots and channels
- Free and Ad-Free:
5. Discord
Originally built for gamers,Discord is now a community chat platform with voice, video, and text channels. It has 196 million monthly active users as of 2024 (Business of Apps).
Why I Recommend It:
I’ve worked with various organizations that utilize Discord for learning and community building. It is excellent chat app for building private or public communities.
Pros:
- Suitable for secret/private texting
- In-built game streaming features
- Supports big communities with roles and moderation
- High-quality voice channels
- Free and flexible integrations
- Create free server and as many as you want
6. Wire
Wire is a secure chatting app based in Switzerland, offering enterprise-grade security. It offers end-to-end encryption, It complies with EU law and has features suitable for businesses
Why I Recommend It:
As an advisor to companies concerned about GDPR compliance, I suggest Wire for secure team collaboration.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade encryption
- It is Open source Complies with EU privacy standards
- Supports messaging, calls, and file sharing
- Wire has a free version
7. Wickr Me
Wickr Me is an encrypted chatting app originally popular with privacy enthusiasts. It supports self-destructing messages, anonymous sign-up, and secure file sharing.
Why I Recommend It:
For users who are looking for maximum anonymity, Wickr Me is the best choice. I’ve seen professionals in cybersecurity use Wickr to ensure conversations leave no digital trace.
Pros:
- No personal information required for sign-up
- Supports End-to-end encryption
- It has Auto-destructing messages
- Open-source technology
- Private one-to-one and group messaging .
The Risks and Problems with Chatting Apps :
I’ve worked directly with the businesses, families, and individuals who are depends on the chatting apps for Android and iPhone. Even I’ve done security audits, offered privacy training, and looked into data leaks and scams related to these popular apps. So when I discuss the risks, I’m not just guessing—I’m sharing what I’ve personally witnessed and backing it up with reliable research.
1. Privacy Breaches and Data Collection:
One major issue I’ve noticed is that personal data gets collected. One major issue which I have noticed is that some chatting apps collect personal data. And a lot of users don’t know that chat apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram gather metadata, which includes details about who you chat with, when you do it, and how frequently.
According to ProPublica’s investigation, even though WhatsApp messages are encrypted, the metadata is still shared with Facebook/Meta for advertising purposes. I’ve come across situations where this metadata was enough to understand users’ behaviors, even without having to read their actual messages. So, users may feel that these apps are more secure, but through metadata tracking they can still expose personal details.
2. Security Issues and Hacking Risks:
Eventhough if you are using encrypted apps, they aren’t always safe. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for the for the weak spots in chat apps. According to a Kaspersky report, these apps are frequently targeted by phishing attacks, where scammers will send the fake links to steal personal information.
I’ve seen many people who lost their money after clicking on such spammy links in reputed chat apps such as WhatsApp. The users who use Android device, the risk ratio is quite high, because these devices allow the installation of third-party apps, which can be easily taken advantage of by hackers.
3. Scams and Misinformation:
From my own security workshops, I’ve noticed that compared to social media, chat apps spreads misinformation much more quickly. According to MIT study, on Twitter, the false news travels 70% faster than the truth. And these Chat apps like WhatsApp can make this issue even worse because they allow for private group sharing.
We’ve seen that the WhatsApp lynching incidents in India (BBC Report) are tragic real-world examples of how misinformation in chat apps has led to tragic lynching incidents. As highlighted in a recent BBC report, this is a real danger I stress in my digital literacy programs: family chat apps can be misused to spread harmful rumors if people don’t check the facts before sharing.
4. Cyberbullying and Harassment:
As we all know, these teens using apps like Snapchat, Discord, or Telegram can sometimes be targets of cyberbullying. According to the Pew Research Center, through chatting apps, 46% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of online bullying.
Many parents didn’t know that their kids were being bullied in such private group chats, this is very tough to monitor than the public social media. That’s why it’s really important for families to understand the parental controls and monitoring options available for these apps.
5. Data Leaks and Government Surveillance:
Even apps which states that they are more secure than others, but the fact is they aren’t always safe from data leaks or government demands.
for example, a huge Facebook/WhatsApp leak exposed phone numbers of 533 million users happened in 2021. I usually suggest apps like DailyNewsTalk, because they don’t store any kind of personal data, and prioritize user privacy.
Security Solutions & Best Practices for Using Chat Apps Safely
I’ve worked as a digital privacy consultant with all kinds of people like corporate teams, journalists, families, and NGOs who use chat apps frequently for Android and iPhone devices. My role is to find the risks (which I discussed in the previous section) and implement solutions to protect people’s sensitive communications.
Based on my hands-on experience, What I’m sharing here is a mix of real-world experience and trusted security advice from top research groups.
1. Choose Apps with Strong End-to-End Encryption:
The first thing is, you have to choose the best apps which should have end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default. Without this feature, your chats can be intercepted. Some chat apps like DailyNewsTalk, Signal, Threema, and Wire, they don’t keep unnecessary data about you because offer real end-to-end encryption.
2. Limit Metadata Exposure
Even if your messages are encrypted, it is very essential to consider the metadata—like who you talk to, when, and how often— It still can be tracked.
Apps like DailyNewsTalk, Threema or Session are designed to minimize the metadata, making them better options for couples, activists, and professionals. exposure, making them ideal for activists, couples, and professionals.
A handy tip: disabling “last seen” or “read receipts” in popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram can reduce behavioral tracking.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
One of the most effective and easiest protections is 2FA. According to a Google study, 2FA stops 96% of mass phishing attacks and 76% of targeted attacks. Most of the apps support the 2FA such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Wire, Signal.
4. Be Careful with Group Chats:
Group chat is one of the prime spot for scams, fake info, and oversharing. Kaspersky research says that phishing attacks happen 5 times more in groups than in one-on-one chats. In Groups, It is easy way to spread malware links fast.
I usually tell families and businesses to limit group settings, and I suggest admins only has to post links, and teach everyone to double-check unfamiliar links.
5. Regularly Review App Permissions:
Many chat apps ask for permissions than they truly need — like access to contacts, location, or microphone. For couples, disabling the location sharing option can avoid the extra risk.
I personally configure my clients’ phones to only give the permissions while the app is in use (this works on both iOS and Android devices), This is helpful in avoiding the long-term data collection.
6. Educate Users About Phishing and Scams:
The best security isn’t just technology – it’s awareness. I have come across individuals who, after using a chat app to communicate, easily fell victim to an OTP scam and lost their accounts. Practical Advice: So, always double-check suspicious messages.
Never share codes—even if someone says they’re “support team” And teach kids and teens about common scams.
7. Regularly Update Chatting Apps:
Finally, one of the simplest but most overlooked steps is keeping apps updated. As I know, over 30% of users are using old version or outdated applications, which put them at risk of known exploits.
Updates frequently close very serious gaps in security. I recommend enable the automatic updates for all chat applications.
Expert Recommendations
Based on my audits, here’s how you can stay safer while using chatting apps:
- Choose apps with proven encryption
- Enable 2FA on all apps
- Avoid unencrypted cloud backups
- Use Disappearing Messages
- Regularly Review App Permissions
- Keep Apps Updated
- Beware of Phishing Links and Attachments
- Choose Apps with Transparent Privacy Policies
- Be Aware of Jurisdiction
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Benefits of Following for Chat Apps
- Helps to chat privately
- Protects Relationships
- Protects Sensitive Conversations
- Better for Journalists and Activists
- Multi-Device Security
- Prevents Identity Theft
- Minimizes Metadata Exposure
- Boosts Trust in Professional Communication
- Avoids Legal and Compliance Risks