Jami vs WhatsApp
Jami
jami.netSide by side
| Figure | Jami | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.8 (#1) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Encryption | Jami states that its communications use end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| File sharing | Users can exchange files and media directly between Jami peers. | WhatsApp allows free document transfers up to 2GB without compression. |
| Founded | 2004 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Platforms | Official documentation lists GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV and web access. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 3.7 out of 5 from 90 ratings | 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings |
| Rating on Capterra | 0.0 out of 5 from 0 reviews | 4.7 out of 5 from 16,467 reviews |
| Rating on Google Play | 3.7 out of 5 from 2.46K reviews | 4.6 out of 5 from 245M reviews |
| Self-hosting | Jami documentation includes a server setup path and Jami Web can be run on a user's own machine. | The documented Business Platform is hosted by Meta and the official materials describe direct API access or solution-provider integration rather than self-hosting. |
| Support | Jami directs users to its forum for questions and lists [email protected] as a contact address. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
| What it does | Jami is a free, peer-to-peer communication platform for private messaging and calls without a central authority. | 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
Jami
Jami is free/libre software for private messaging and calls, with end-to-end encrypted communications and peer-to-peer connections. It offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, group chats, and recorded audio and video messages. Users can hold video conferences and create rendezvous points without third-party hosting, as well as share files or screens and stream media. Jami says it does not require a server to relay data between users; it also states that communications use perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. One account can link multiple devices, and account creation does not require personal information. Jami can also function as a regular SIP client. Optional extensions include green screen, watermark, auto answer, local AI transcription, audio filter, and video segmentation. These extensions are unavailable to iOS users, and features vary by client. Platforms listed include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, along with API and extension access. Jami also provides an OpenClaw channel plugin; bot accounts and API access are supported on desktop Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project is led by Savoir-faire Linux Inc. and supported by a global community of free software contributors.
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.