FluffyChat vs WhatsApp
FluffyChat
fluffychat.imSide by side
| Figure | FluffyChat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.0 (#15) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.0 (#14) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Calls | FluffyChat supports direct calls and video conferences with Matrix RTC-compatible encryption. | 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 | End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for private chats, and the app uses Vodozemac. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| Messaging | Users can send private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and their location. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | The FAQ lists Android, iOS, web, and Linux desktop; Windows and macOS builds are not yet supported. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Support | The project asks users to support it through Ko-fi or Liberapay donations. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
| What it does | FluffyChat is a user-friendly, free, ad-free open-source messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. | WhatsApp is a messaging and voice-over-IP service for text, voice and video calls, media, files and locations. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
FluffyChat
FluffyChat is a free, ad-free open-source messaging app built on the Matrix protocol. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, and the web, supporting private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and location sharing. The feature list also includes polls, custom stickers, spaces, moderation tools, multi-device support, and public chats with tens of thousands of participants. Direct calls and video conferences use Matrix RTC-compatible encryption. Private chats have end-to-end encryption enabled by default through Vodozemac. The app works with other Matrix clients such as Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat. FluffyChat caches server data locally and attempts SQLCipher encryption, keeping the key in device secure storage. Push notifications use Firebase Cloud Messaging or UnifiedPush. FluffyChat does not host messaging servers, so the chosen server’s data-protection terms apply.
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.