Olvid vs WhatsApp
Olvid
olvid.ioSide by side
| Figure | Olvid | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €82.50/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#6) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#9) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Calls | Secure audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted; video calls support up to two contacts and group audio calls have no participant limit. | 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. |
| Founded | 2019 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Paris, France | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Product | Olvid is a secure instant messaging application for exchanging text messages and attachments. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
| Support | Olvid lists [email protected] as its support address and provides a Paris office at 26 rue Vignon. | The developer hub lists troubleshooting, FAQs, API status, a developer community forum and contact support. |
Plans
Olvid
- FreeFree
- Business€990 a year
- Enterprise€990.50 a year
- In-app purchasePrice not published
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
Olvid
Olvid is an instant messaging app for text messages and attachments, available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Olvid says it does not require identifying details such as a phone number, email, name, address, or birth date. It also says messages and metadata are end-to-end encrypted, so it cannot know who is communicating with whom. Each message and file uses a single-use ephemeral key, intended to protect message history if a key is compromised. The app supports synchronization across devices without a master device. Secure audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted; video calls support up to two contacts, while group audio calls have no participant limit. Receiving calls is free, and initiating them is free during a one-month trial that ends without billing or automatic subscription. The free plan includes unlimited messages and attachments, group discussions, ephemeral messages, multiple profiles, and inbound calls. Business costs €990 a year; Enterprise costs €990.50 a year.
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.