Head-to-head · Encrypted Calling Apps
Linphone vs WhatsApp
Linphone leads on 1 check, WhatsApp on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreLinphone · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresLinphone · 1 of 5
Linphone scores higher on our rubric for encrypted calling apps: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Linphone offers open source; WhatsApp doesn't.
Linphone is the better fit for SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support. WhatsApp is the better fit for free encrypted personal and group calls.
- Linphone fits best
SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support
- WhatsApp fits best
Free encrypted personal and group calls
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Linphone 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | WhatsApp 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Encrypted Calling Apps | #8 in Encrypted Calling Apps |
| Best for | SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support | Free encrypted personal and group calls |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Linphone 1/5 · WhatsApp 0/5 | ||
| Video calling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Screen sharing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Self-hosting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Team admin controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Group call limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Platform coverage | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Linphone is an open-source softphone from Belledonne Communications for internet-based voice and video calls, messaging and conferences. Its SIP support makes it a fit for individuals and organizations working with third-party SIP accounts… Read the review → |
WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling app for people who want personal conversations across phones, computers, and web browsers. Personal messages and calls use end-to-end encryption by default, and the app supports voice and video… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Linphone — where it wins
- Supports encrypted SIP audio and video calls, group calls and conferencing
- Connects with third-party SIP systems, IP-PBXs, proxies and SBCs
- Available on desktop and mobile, with LDAP and CardDAV sync
Where it doesn't
- Calling regular phone numbers requires a third-party SIP trunking service
- Free SIP service is for individuals and has no guaranteed support
- No browser calling or SMS/MMS support
WhatsApp — where it wins
- Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Voice and video calls work across web, desktop, and mobile platforms
- Group chats support up to 1,024 members
Where it doesn't
- Linked-device support is limited to four devices
- Business and Meta AI conversations can have different privacy properties
- It is not open source
- Linphone8.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source SIP client for encrypted calls and PBX-connected telephony.
Visit LinphoneFull verdict → - WhatsApp8.6/10 · Free plan
A free calling and messaging app for encrypted personal conversations across devices.
Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Signal vs Linphone
- Threema vs Linphone
- Threema vs WhatsApp
- Wire vs Linphone
- Jami vs Linphone
- Linphone vs Element
- Linphone vs Proton Meet
- Proton Meet vs WhatsApp
All encrypted calling apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update