Threema vs WhatsApp

Threema9.2Visit WWhatsApp8.6Visit

Higher score Threema #2 in Encrypted Calling Apps 9.2/10 30-day trial ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Threema

vs

W WhatsApp #8 in Encrypted Calling Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit WhatsApp

• Threema fits best

  Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support

• WhatsApp fits best

  Free encrypted personal and group calls

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Side by side

Feature	Threema 9.2/10 Visit ↗	WWhatsApp 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.6
Ranking	#2 in Encrypted Calling Apps	#8 in Encrypted Calling Apps
Best for	Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support	Free encrypted personal and group calls
Pricing model	Paid	Free
Starting price	$7.49/unit one-time	Free plan
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Tickets, Docs	Docs
Compliance	GDPR	2FA
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Threema 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	End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members	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
Cons	There is no free plan Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop Support channels are tickets and documentation	Linked-device support is limited to four devices Business and Meta AI conversations can have different privacy properties It is not open source
Our verdict	Threema is an encrypted messaging and calling app for individuals, organizations, and security-sensitive teams. It supports end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, polls, and emoji… 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

• Threema — where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members

  Where it doesn't

  • There is no free plan
  • Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop
  • Support channels are tickets and documentation

• 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

• Threema9.2/10 · 30-day trial

  A paid, multi-device app for private calls, messaging, and encrypted backups.

  Visit ThreemaFull verdict →
• WWhatsApp8.6/10 · Free plan

  A free calling and messaging app for encrypted personal conversations across devices.

  Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →