WhatsApp

At a glance

• Editor score
  9.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free mainstream messaging with encryption
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Encryption coverage
  Default
• Founded
  2009 · Mountain View, California
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• 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

Our verdict on WhatsApp

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 video calls into one service. Personal messages and calls use end-to-end encryption by default. It is available on Android, iPhone, WhatsApp Web, Windows, Mac, and tablet devices, making it a practical fit for people who need the same conversations across phones, browsers, and computers.

Its breadth is a central strength. Group chats support up to 1024 participants, while linked devices, screen sharing, disappearing messages, and encrypted chat backups extend the service beyond basic text messaging. The platform also includes Meta AI chat and image-generation features, and it integrates with Facebook and Instagram. That combination gives WhatsApp a broad communications scope, but it also makes the product a less privacy-focused choice than Signal for buyers who prioritize a more privacy-centered ecosystem.

For everyday communication, WhatsApp covers a wide range of needs without a paid tier: messaging, voice and video calls, group conversations, file sharing, and encrypted backups are included in the free service. The main trade-off is transparency and ecosystem fit. WhatsApp is not open source, and its Meta integrations may be a drawback for users seeking a narrower, privacy-first messaging environment. Choose it if broad device support, familiar communication features, and default encryption matter most. Consider an alternative if open-source status and a stronger privacy focus are higher priorities than platform breadth and feature range.

Your product? Our editors can test WhatsApp in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

WhatsApp pricing

WhatsApp fact sheet

Alternatives to WhatsApp

• SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
• ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1
• WireA broad encrypted workspace with free essentials and enterprise administration options.8.9

See all WhatsApp alternatives →

WhatsApp vs the competition

• WWhatsApp vs Signal
• WWhatsApp vs Element
• WWhatsApp vs Wire
• WMWhatsApp vs Messenger
• WWhatsApp vs Delta Chat
• WWhatsApp vs SimpleX Chat

Compare WhatsApp with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

WhatsApp is listed in our Encrypted Messaging Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update