Dino vs WhatsApp
Dino
dino.imSide by side
| Figure | Dino | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#5) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#12) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Audience | The site describes Dino as a desktop chat client for people seeking a private Jabber/XMPP experience. | WhatsApp says more than 3 billion people in over 180 countries use it to stay in touch with friends and family. |
| Calls | Dino supports audio and video calls, including group calls; its release announcement describes calls as end-to-end encrypted and peer-to-peer where possible. | 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 | Dino supports end-to-end encryption using OMEMO or OpenPGP; the site says only the user and chat partners can read encrypted messages. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| End-to-end encryption | The site says chats stay unencrypted only on the user’s computer and that OMEMO or OpenPGP encryption lets only the user and chat partners read them. | WhatsApp states that personal messages, calls, photos and other content are protected with end-to-end encryption. |
| File sharing | The Dino 0.5 release added previews or file details before downloading and upload or download progress; the new transfer method is currently used only for unencrypted transfers. | WhatsApp allows free document transfers up to 2GB without compression. |
| Messaging | Dino is built on XMPP, a decentralized standard for instant messaging, and supports communication through a federated network. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | The distribution packages page lists release packages for Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Ubuntu, Alpine, Gentoo, Guix, NixOS, Void Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Privacy controls | Users can disable read and typing notifications globally or for specific contacts. | Privacy features include locked chats, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, controls for online visibility, and options to block unknown callers. |
| Product | Dino is an open-source desktop chat client for Jabber/XMPP focused on a clean, reliable experience and privacy. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Support | Users can ask questions or share ideas in the XMPP chat room at [email protected] and report bugs or feature requests on the issues page. | 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
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.