WhatsApp vs Session

WWhatsApp9.3Visit Session8.3Visit

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

vs

Session #9 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Session

• WhatsApp fits best

  Free mainstream messaging with encryption

• Session fits best

  Anonymous encrypted messaging with onion routing

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Side by side

Feature	WWhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Session 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.3
Ranking	#2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps	#9 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for	Free mainstream messaging with encryption	Anonymous encrypted messaging with onion routing
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$2.99/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 3/3 · Session 3/3
Desktop app	✓	✓
Voice and video calls	✓	✓
Disappearing messages	✓	✓
Specs
Encryption coverage	Default	Mixed
Maximum group size	1024 members (best)	100 members
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	No phone number or email required for pseudonymous accounts Onion-routed delivery, disappearing messages, and encrypted attachments Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
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	Encrypted attachments are limited to 10 MB Its encryption model is mixed rather than uniform Pro-only extras cost $2.99 USD per month
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 →	Session is a decentralized messaging app for private, pseudonymous communication. It supports end-to-end encrypted one-to-one messaging, group chats, disappearing messages, encrypted attachments, and peer-to-peer voice and video calls.… 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

• Session — where it wins

  • No phone number or email required for pseudonymous accounts
  • Onion-routed delivery, disappearing messages, and encrypted attachments
  • Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Encrypted attachments are limited to 10 MB
  • Its encryption model is mixed rather than uniform
  • Pro-only extras cost $2.99 USD per month

• WWhatsApp9.3/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →
• Session8.3/10 · Free plan

  A privacy-focused messenger with broad platform support and a 10 MB attachment limit.

  Visit SessionFull verdict →