Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps
WhatsApp vs Olvid
WhatsApp leads on 0 checks, Olvid 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
- Free trialonly Olvid
WhatsApp scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.3 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #20.
WhatsApp is the better fit for free mainstream messaging with encryption. Olvid is the better fit for organizations needing identity-free secure chat.
- WhatsApp fits best
Free mainstream messaging with encryption
- Olvid fits best
Organizations needing identity-free secure chat
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Side by side
| Feature | WhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Olvid 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps | #20 in Encrypted Messaging Apps |
| Best for | Free mainstream messaging with encryption | Organizations needing identity-free secure chat |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | €4.99/user/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features WhatsApp 3/3 · Olvid 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 | End_to_end |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
Olvid is an encrypted messaging application for individuals, teams, and organizations that want private communication without linking an account to a phone number or email address. The Free plan includes messaging and attachments, secure… 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
Olvid — where it wins
- No phone number or email required
- Encrypted messaging, calls, backups, and ephemeral messages
- Apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Outbound calls require a paid plan
- Multi-device use is not included in the Free plan
- Advanced enterprise controls require the Enterprise plan
- WhatsApp9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.
Visit WhatsAppFull verdict → - Olvid7.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A privacy-focused chat app with broad platform support and paid business controls.
Visit OlvidFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- WhatsApp vs SimpleX Chat
- WhatsApp vs Jami
All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






