My mother currently uses WhatsApp but really doesn’t like the way it looks and feels.
She’s not very tech-savvy, so I want to find a messaging app that is:
Easy to use for someone older
Similar core functionality (text, voice, video)
Privacy-friendly if possible
She originally got into WhatsApp because while using regular texting, random messages wouldn’t go through, due to the whole ios/android wars.
I’ve looked at Signal, Threema, Session, and a few others, but I’m not sure which would be the smoothest transition from WhatsApp for her.
What would you recommend for older users who are coming from WhatsApp but want something simpler or more pleasant to use?
My family has all switched to Signal, including family overseas in Europe (non-English speaking, varying age groups). It has all the features you mentioned, as well as gif responses my aunt and parents are into. Personally I find the look and feel of it to be preferable to whatsapp as well. It’s not as visually cluttered imo and has none of the spam/scams I had been getting on whatsapp.
I also use signal now as my primary messenger over sms or anything else. I love being able to edit responses and emoji react even tho I don’t have an iphone anymore. Plus all the added security of encryption of course.