imo vs Messenger

imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. It offers HD audio and video calls, including international calls, and group video calls for up to 20 participants with no fixed time limit. Chats support real-time messages, photos, videos, voice recordings, and group conversations; its Big Group feature supports up to 5,000 members. Stories hold photos, videos, and text updates for 24 hours. Listed privacy features include end-to-end encryption, Time Machine, and disappearing messages, while account controls include two-step verification and spam blocking. Encryption coverage is mixed. Instant message translation is available, and the privacy policy says Google Translate may provide it. That policy also says imo collects usage data, including communication partners, times, and message content. On iOS, imo integrates with Siri and can access iCloud Drive for file sharing. The app is free, though mobile carrier data charges may apply to internet calls.

Messenger is Meta’s free messaging app for chatting and calling friends and family on Facebook and Messenger without needing a phone number. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Alongside messages and voice and video calls, it supports high-definition photos, animated stickers, GIFs, reactions, and chat themes. Stories photos and videos and shared Notes disappear after 24 hours, while sent messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes. Meta AI can answer questions, give advice, and help with homework, but is available only in select languages and countries. Meta says personal messages are becoming end-to-end encrypted by default, protecting message and call content in transit from Meta seeing or hearing it. Encrypted chat history can be saved in secure storage and accessed with a six-digit PIN or a key stored in Google Drive or iCloud. Disappearing messages are available only in end-to-end encrypted conversations and last 24 hours. The desktop apps for Windows and macOS offer group video calls, notifications, and chats synced across mobile and desktop.