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Comparison · Messaging apps

Messages vs WhatsApp: which is better in 2026?

Messages84.0#4 in best messaging appsWhatsApp90.0#2 in best messaging apps

WhatsApp ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#2 against #4, score 90.0 against 84.0).

  • 84.0
    Editorial score
    90.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    5
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Messages if you want

Texting people who use Apple devices.

Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac at no cost, with end-to-end encrypted iMessages and search across conversations. It only reaches other Apple users in iMessage form, so mixed groups fall back to SMS.

Choose WhatsApp if you want

Messaging family, friends and groups already on it.

Encrypts personal chats and calls by default and has the broadest contact reach of this list, with free voice and video calls. The client is closed source, so the code cannot be checked as Signal's can.

The main differences

  • Only WhatsApp runs on Windows.
  • Only WhatsApp runs on Android.
  • Only WhatsApp runs on Web.

Side by side

MessagesWhatsApp
Score84.090.0
Rank in list#4 of 7#2 of 7
PriceFreeIncluded with iPhone, iPad and Mac at no extra costFreeFree to use; mobile data charges may apply
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsiOS, iPadOSmacOSiOS, iPadOS, macOSAndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWebAndroid, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web
Made byAppleWhatsApp LLC
End-to-end encrypted by defaultYesYes
Best forTexting people who use Apple devicesMessaging family, friends and groups already on it
Strengths
  • Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac at no cost
  • Searches text across conversations on iPhone
  • Recovers deleted messages and whole conversations
  • End-to-end encryption for personal chats and calls
  • Voice and video calls with groups
  • Works in a browser through WhatsApp Web
Limits
  • iMessage works only between Apple devices
  • No official Windows, Android or Linux app
  • Closed source, so the code cannot be inspected
  • Accounts are tied to a phone number on the mobile app
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Messages vs WhatsApp

Is WhatsApp better than Messages?
WhatsApp ranks higher in our list of messaging apps (#2 against #4, score 90.0 against 84.0). Messages is best for: texting people who use Apple devices. WhatsApp is best for: messaging family, friends and groups already on it.
Which is cheaper, Messages or WhatsApp?
Messages: Included with iPhone, iPad and Mac at no extra cost. WhatsApp: Free to use; mobile data charges may apply.
Do Messages and WhatsApp run on the same platforms?
Messages supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS. WhatsApp supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web.