Status vs WhatsApp
Status
status.appSide by side
| Figure | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 7.6 (#25) | 8.2 (#11) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 7.7 (#25) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Founded | 2017 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Zug, Switzerland | LinkedIn lists WhatsApp headquarters at Menlo Park, California. |
| Messaging | The messenger offers decentralised messaging with metadata privacy and end-to-end encryption. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Product | Status combines a wallet, messenger and browser in one app. | WhatsApp provides messaging and calling for free, with data charges potentially applying. |
Plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
In their own words
Status
Status combines a cryptocurrency wallet, messenger, and browser in one application. The wallet supports sending, swapping, and bridging crypto, with a live token list synchronized from decentralized exchanges across multiple chains. Messaging is decentralized and provides metadata privacy with end-to-end encryption by default. Status says users need no phone number, email, bank card, or social media account. It supports token-gated communities, and the desktop app can create and administer them. Running Status Desktop contributes to decentralizing the Waku peer-to-peer messaging network. The Status Wallet Connector extension links the wallet to decentralized applications while keeping keys inside Status; Keycard is a compatible secure contactless hardware wallet. Status runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and as an extension. The free plan costs nothing, with no ads, paid tier, or imposed limits. The project is open source.
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.