Ranked 2 of 7 in best messaging apps
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.
Best for Messaging family, friends and groups already on it
About WhatsApp
WhatsApp covers one-to-one chats, group conversations, voice and video calls, voice messages, stickers, GIFs and Status updates. Its site says personal messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, so only the people in the conversation can read or listen to them. The mobile app is the main client, and the Mac and Windows apps and WhatsApp Web sit alongside it.
The app is free to download, though the site notes that data charges may apply. The same company also offers WhatsApp Business for shops and service providers, which is a separate app. WhatsApp is closed source, so its security depends on the company's design and outside review rather than on public code. That makes it a good fit for everyday contact with family and friends, while Signal and Element suit readers who want the code to be public.
Key features
- End-to-end encrypted chats and calls
- Group chats and voice or video calls
- WhatsApp Web and desktop apps
- Status updates and channels
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption for personal chats and calls
- Voice and video calls with groups
- Works in a browser through WhatsApp Web
Limits
- Closed source, so the code cannot be inspected
- Accounts are tied to a phone number on the mobile app
Where WhatsApp ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Messaging apps | 2 of 7 | 90.0 | Messaging family, friends and groups already on it |
Alternatives to WhatsApp
All 6 alternatives
Questions about WhatsApp
- Is WhatsApp free?
- WhatsApp can be used without paying: Free to use; mobile data charges may apply. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is WhatsApp open source?
- No. WhatsApp is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does WhatsApp support?
- WhatsApp is available on: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web.
- What is WhatsApp best for?
- Messaging family, friends and groups already on it. In our ranking of messaging apps it is number 2 of 7 with a score of 90.0.
- What are the best alternatives to WhatsApp?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Signal, Telegram, Messages, Element.