WhatsApp vs Delta Chat

WWhatsApp9.3Visit Delta Chat8.6Visit

Higher score W WhatsApp #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit WhatsApp

vs

Delta Chat #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Delta Chat

• WhatsApp fits best

  Free mainstream messaging with encryption

• Delta Chat fits best

  Open-source messaging with email interoperability

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Side by side

Feature	WWhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Delta Chat 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.6
Ranking	#2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps	#6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for	Free mainstream messaging with encryption	Open-source messaging with email interoperability
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 3/3 · Delta Chat 3/3
Desktop app	✓	✓
Voice and video calls	✓	✓
Disappearing messages	✓	✓
Specs
Encryption coverage	Default	Default
Maximum group size	1024 members	Not checked yet
Linked device limit	4 devices	Not checked yet
Encrypted backups	End_to_end	None
Our review
Pros	End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing	Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps
Cons	The app is closed source rather than open source Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience	Exported backups are not encrypted Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
Our verdict	WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling application for individuals, groups, and organizations. It brings text messaging, voice notes, photo and video sharing, documents, status updates, group chats, and one-to-one or group voice and… Read the review →	Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for private conversations, groups, channels, and one-to-one audio or video calls. It is designed for people who want default end-to-end encryption across mobile and desktop while retaining… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• WhatsApp — where it wins

  • End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default
  • Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices
  • Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing

  Where it doesn't

  • The app is closed source rather than open source
  • Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users
  • Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience

• Delta Chat — where it wins

  • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
  • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps

  Where it doesn't

  • Exported backups are not encrypted
  • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
  • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers

• WWhatsApp9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.

  Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →
• Delta Chat8.6/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source messenger that combines default encryption with email interoperability.

  Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →