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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

WhatsApp vs Mattermost

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score WhatsApp #1 in Instant Messaging Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit WhatsApp
Mattermost #8 in Instant Messaging Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Mattermost

WhatsApp leads on 0 checks, Mattermost on 0, and 2 are 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 scoreWhatsApp · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMattermost · 1 of 2

WhatsApp scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

WhatsApp is the better fit for broad personal messaging and calling. Mattermost is the better fit for open-source team messaging with automation.

  • WhatsApp fits best

    Broad personal messaging and calling

  • Mattermost fits best

    Open-source team messaging with automation

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Side by side

Feature WhatsApp 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Mattermost 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.7
Ranking #1 in Instant Messaging Software #8 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Broad personal messaging and calling Open-source team messaging with automation
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Tickets, Community, Docs
Compliance 2FA ISO 27001, GDPR
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 0/2 · Mattermost 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
Max group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encrypted personal messages and calls by default
  • Groups support up to 1,024 members with voice and video calls
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps support up to four linked devices
  • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
  • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
  • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.
Cons
  • Business and Meta AI conversations can have different privacy properties
  • Support is provided through documentation
  • The software is not open source
  • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
  • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
  • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.
Our verdict

WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling application for personal communication across web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports text, photo, video, document, and location sharing, plus voice and video calls, status…

Read the review →

Mattermost brings public and private channels, direct and group messaging, searchable message and file history, and calls into one collaboration platform. It is aimed at technical, operational, defense, government, and…

Read the review →
  1. WhatsAppInstant Messaging Software 9.4Free plan
  2. MattermostInstant Messaging Software 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • WhatsApp — where it wins

    • End-to-end encrypted personal messages and calls by default
    • Groups support up to 1,024 members with voice and video calls
    • Web, desktop, and mobile apps support up to four linked devices

    Where it doesn't

    • Business and Meta AI conversations can have different privacy properties
    • Support is provided through documentation
    • The software is not open source

  • Mattermost — where it wins

    • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
    • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
    • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
    • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
    • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update