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WeChat

Tencent's super-app that combines messaging with payments, mini programs and services, centred on China.

FreeMessaging apps
Visit WeChatSee 5 alternatives
Verified facts
4 of 4
Alternatives ranked
5
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About WeChat

WeChat, known as Weixin in mainland China, is Tencent's messenger and much more. Alongside chats, voice notes, calls and Moments (a friends-only feed), it bundles WeChat Pay, mini programs for ordering food, booking taxis and paying bills, and official accounts for brands and media. For anyone with family, friends or business contacts in China it is close to unavoidable, because most other Western messengers are blocked there. It is free to use and supported by payments, advertising and services. Apps exist for Android and iPhone, with desktop apps for Windows and Mac that link to your phone. The trade-offs are significant: chats are not end-to-end encrypted, accounts are subject to Chinese content rules and monitoring, and registration can require verification by an existing user. Use it when you must reach people in China, and keep more sensitive conversations on an encrypted app.

Best for: Anyone who needs to reach family, friends or business contacts in mainland China.

Pros and cons

What works

  • The main way to reach people in mainland China
  • Payments, mini programs and services in one app
  • Moments feed keeps sharing private to friends

Why people leave

  • No end-to-end encryption for chats
  • Content subject to Chinese censorship and monitoring
  • Sign-up can require verification by another user

Top WeChat alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1WhatsApp logo
    WhatsApp

    The global default for people outside China, with encryption by default.

    66.5
  2. 2Telegram logo
    Telegram

    Large groups, channels and bots without being tied to Chinese regulation.

    62.6
  3. 3LINE logo
    LINE

    A similar app-plus-services messenger popular in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

    59.6
  4. 4KakaoTalk logo
    KakaoTalk

    Korea's equivalent everyday messenger with built-in services.

    57.2
  5. 5Signal logo
    Signal

    For sensitive conversations that need end-to-end encryption.

    55.3

Why people left WeChat

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from WeChat, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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WeChat: common questions

Is WeChat free?

Yes, WeChat is free to use.

Is WeChat open source?

No, WeChat is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Signal.

What platforms does WeChat run on?

WeChat is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to WeChat?

The highest-ranked WeChat alternatives right now are WhatsApp, Telegram and LINE. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 WeChat alternatives