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Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

WhatsApp vs Jami

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score WhatsApp #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit WhatsApp
Jami #8 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Jami

WhatsApp leads on 0 checks, Jami on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWhatsApp · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresWhatsApp · 3 of 3

WhatsApp scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.3 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

WhatsApp is the better fit for free mainstream messaging with encryption. Jami is the better fit for long-established free peer-to-peer calling.

  • WhatsApp fits best

    Free mainstream messaging with encryption

  • Jami fits best

    Long-established free peer-to-peer calling

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. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature WhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Jami 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.4
Ranking #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #8 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Free mainstream messaging with encryption Long-established free peer-to-peer calling
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 Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 3/3 · Jami 2/3
Desktop app ✓ ✓
Voice and video calls ✓ ✓
Disappearing messages ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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 Not checked yet
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
  • Free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms
  • Supports messaging, group calls, file sharing, and screen sharing
  • Links multiple devices and supports SIP and plugins
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
  • Encryption is not explicitly classified for every communication type
  • Integration support is centered on SIP
  • No paid tiers or plan-based feature expansion
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 →

Jami is free/libre communication software for individuals, teams, and organizations that need messaging and calling across desktop and mobile devices. It supports text messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, conference calls,…

Read the review →
  1. WhatsAppEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. JamiEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.4Free plan

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
  • Jami — where it wins

    • Free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms
    • Supports messaging, group calls, file sharing, and screen sharing
    • Links multiple devices and supports SIP and plugins

    Where it doesn't

    • Encryption is not explicitly classified for every communication type
    • Integration support is centered on SIP
    • No paid tiers or plan-based feature expansion

More comparisons

Guides on encrypted messaging apps

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update