imo vs WhatsApp
imo
imo.imSide by side
| Figure | imo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#10) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · VoIP calling apps | 8.2 (#7) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Calls | imo offers free HD audio and video calls over the internet, including international 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 | Group video calls support up to 20 participants and have no fixed time limit. | Group calls support up to 32 people. |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, United States | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Messaging | Chats support real-time messages, photo, video and voice-recording sharing, and group chat. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | imo lists Android, iOS, Windows and Mac downloads, and its FAQ also describes using imo Web in a browser. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Product | imo is an instant communication app for calls and messages. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Support | The download FAQ directs users who need help to [email protected]. | 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
imo
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.
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.