Cinny vs WhatsApp
Cinny
cinny.inSide by side
| Figure | Cinny | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#8) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Encryption | Cinny’s site describes its interface as protected by end-to-end encryption. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| License | Cinny is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3, AGPL-3.0-only. | WhatsApp Messenger is proprietary software distributed under an end-user license agreement. |
| Product | Cinny is a Matrix client focused on a simple, elegant, and secure interface for instant messaging. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Self-hosting | Users can self-host by serving the release tarball’s dist files or using the Docker image from Docker Hub or GitHub Container Registry. | The documented Business Platform is hosted by Meta and the official materials describe direct API access or solution-provider integration rather than self-hosting. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling app for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Users can exchange text, photos, videos, documents, and location, and make voice calls. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, have no time limits, and work one-to-one or in groups across iOS, Android, and web; group calls support up to 32 people. Calls can also be made in a browser. WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption keeps personal messages and calls private from others, including WhatsApp. Privacy controls include locked chats, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, online-visibility settings, and blocking unknown callers. Users can report messages, people, or businesses, and block contacts. Up to four devices can be linked to a primary phone, which is required to register an account and link new devices. Minimum requirements listed include Android OS 6.0, iOS 15.1, macOS 12.1, and Windows 10 or newer; iPadOS 15.1 is also listed. Data charges may apply, and calls use an internet connection. WhatsApp Business helps businesses showcase products and services and build customer relationships.