The Best WhatsApp Alternative
Private and independent from Big Tech
WhatsApp is one of the world’s most widely used messengers, deeply connected to Meta’s data ecosystem. Despite offering encryption, it still depends on centralized servers, phone-number identities, and extensive metadata processing.
The EXTRA SAFE app is designed with anonymity at its core. Instead of sign-ups linked to your personal data, you receive a unique number and communicate without leaving a massive digital footprint.
EXTRA SAFE vs WhatsApp
Video Calls
Peer-to-peer calls, E2EE
Uses P2P connections by default, so video and audio streams travel strictly between devices. All call sessions are protected with asymmetric cryptography. Your device generates a key pair to sign and secure your call, so only you can access the data. Your call data isn’t processed or retained – the storage is always minimal, temporary, and fully encrypted.
E2EE, P2P calls or relayed via WhatsApp servers
Сalls may be P2P or relayed through WhatsApp servers, depending on connection quality. Users can enable “Protect IP address,” which forces all calls through relay servers to hide IP information. Calls use E2EE with keys generated on the device, though WhatsApp’s infrastructure processes signaling and some metadata.
Messaging
E2EE chats, disappearing messages by default
E2EE chats allow you to securely exchange messages, share images, and files. They are encrypted on your device, remain secure in transit, and are decrypted only on your contact’s device. Chat history clears by default on the timer you set.
E2EE, disappearing chats (optional); no E2EE for group chats
Default E2EE for 1:1 chats, securing texts, media, and documents so only the sender and recipient can read them. Encryption is automatic, but group chats and cloud backups use different security and storage policies. Disappearing messages are available for 1:1 chats.
Encryption & Security
E2EE by default, locally managed keys, ephemeral chats
Asymmetric E2EE protects all communication: messaging, file transfer, calls. Private keys stay on users’ devices, and public keys secure every session. Servers don’t have access to content or critical metadata, and nothing is retained: chats auto-clear on your timer, and in-call messages disappear the moment the session ends.
E2EE for chats; the backups are not E2EE by default
WhatsApp uses E2EE (Signal Protocol) for 1:1 and group chats, keys stored locally. However, messages are routed through WhatsApp’s servers, and metadata may be processed and shared within Meta’s infrastructure. Cloud backups aren’t E2EE by default – enabled manually.
Anonymous Access/Login
Seamless access, account-free, no personal data required
Keeps your privacy intact: choose a display name in the app and receive a unique EXTRA SAFE number. In the browser, you can start a meeting with one click and invite others via a link – they can join instantly, even without installing the app.
Requires a phone number for registration
Requires a phone number for registration and identity management, and it syncs your contacts to link you with other users. Anonymous access isn’t supported – a valid number is mandatory.
Privacy & Data Collection
Privacy by default, zero data collection
No collection of user identities, metadata, or message history: storage is encrypted and temporary by default, following your timer.
Metadata can be processed and shared with the Meta infrastructure
Doesn’t collect message content but gathers extensive metadata – phone numbers, hashed contacts, device info, IP addresses, timestamps, and usage logs. Some of this data is shared across Meta services for operations and targeting outside the app.
Pricing & Limits
Free and unlimited
Completely free, without subscriptions, time limits, or hidden fees. Every feature, from video calls and messaging to screen sharing and file transfer, is available without restrictions.
Free to use, with no subscription fees
Free to use, with no subscription fees. However, file size limits apply, and certain features — such as large video sending, cloud backups, or multi-device sync — depend on platform constraints and service policies.
Ads & Data Ecosystem
Fully independent – ad-free, no profiling, or data funnel
No ads, profiling, data-sharing ecosystem, or tracking across services.
Part of Meta’s ad ecosystem – metadata can inform targeting elsewhere
No in-app ads, but metadata contributes to Meta’s advertising and analytics ecosystem across other platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
The Ultimate Privacy-Focused Communication Comparison
| Features | | |
|---|---|---|
Anonymous Access | ||
Asymmetric Encryption | ||
Peer-to-Peer Calls | ||
Peer-to Peer Chats | ||
Disappearing messages | ||
No Data Collection | ||
Free |
Get Started With EXTRA SAFE
E2EE Anonymous Chat App
Available for iOS and Android
FAQs
It offers end-to-end encryption without tying your identity to a phone number, storing metadata, or routing data through Meta-controlled infrastructure. No backups, no logs, no trace.
EXTRA SAFE uses asymmetric encryption, generating keys locally on your device. This means only your chat partner can decrypt your messages — not us, not third parties, and not even the platform itself.
Nope. Just open the browser and start. EXTRA SAFE doesn’t ask for emails, phones, or downloads.
No. Once the chat ends, everything — messages, keys, session info — is permanently erased.
Yes. Share the link with multiple people and chat together — still encrypted and private.