Messenger vs WhatsApp

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.

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.