WhatsApp vs SimpleX Chat

WWhatsApp9.3Visit SimpleX Chat8.5Visit

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

vs

SimpleX Chat #7 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit SimpleX Chat

• WhatsApp fits best

  Free mainstream messaging with encryption

• SimpleX Chat fits best

  Privacy-focused users avoiding phone numbers

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Side by side

Feature	WWhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗	SimpleX Chat 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.5
Ranking	#2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps	#7 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for	Free mainstream messaging with encryption	Privacy-focused users avoiding phone numbers
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Email, Live chat, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 3/3 · SimpleX 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	End-to-end encrypted messages, media, groups, and calls Open-source apps for mobile, desktop, Linux, and self-hosting Disappearing messages and portable encrypted database export
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	The same profile cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices Desktop linking is supported locally rather than across simultaneous devices Self-hosted relay support may require additional technical administration
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 →	SimpleX Chat is an open-source encrypted messaging application for people who want private conversations without user profile identifiers. It supports end-to-end encrypted one-to-one and group messaging, file, image, and video sharing,… 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

• SimpleX Chat — where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted messages, media, groups, and calls
  • Open-source apps for mobile, desktop, Linux, and self-hosting
  • Disappearing messages and portable encrypted database export

  Where it doesn't

  • The same profile cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices
  • Desktop linking is supported locally rather than across simultaneous devices
  • Self-hosted relay support may require additional technical administration

• WWhatsApp9.3/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit WhatsAppFull verdict →
• SimpleX Chat8.5/10 · Free plan

  A privacy-focused, open-source messenger that avoids user profile identifiers.

  Visit SimpleX ChatFull verdict →