Delta Chat vs WhatsApp
Delta Chat
delta.chatSide by side
| Figure | Delta Chat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#4) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#11) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Calls | Audio and video calls on Android and iOS use peer-to-peer WebRTC with signaling through Delta Chat messages; the March 2026 post says the feature was still behind a debug setting. | 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. |
| Encryption | All messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, and attachments and their metadata are included in the encryption. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| Headquarters | Freiburg, Germany | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Messaging | The app supports multi-profile and multi-device use, and relays messages through secure, interoperable chatmail relays. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Android, iPhone/iPad, macOS, Windows, GNU/Linux, and a community-driven Ubuntu Touch effort. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Product | Delta Chat is a reliable, decentralized and secure instant messaging app for mobile and desktop. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Support | The site links to a Delta Chat forum for support and feedback. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
Delta Chat
Delta Chat is a free, open-source instant messaging app for mobile and desktop, with support for self-hosting. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and supports multiple profiles and devices. Messages travel through secure, interoperable chatmail relays and are end-to-end encrypted by default, including attachments and their metadata. Delta Chat uses a subset of OpenPGP with Secure-Join and Autocrypt. Servers can still see sender and receiver addresses and message size; other message, contact and group metadata is encrypted. Chats can include interactive web apps for gaming and collaboration. Android and iOS audio and video calls use peer-to-peer WebRTC, but a March 2026 post said the feature was still behind a debug setting. A classic email address can act as a relay only if used exclusively by chatmail clients, and classic email providers generally do not support push notifications. The FAQ says there are no immediate plans for a web client. The project links to a forum for support and feedback.
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.