WhatsApp review
Encrypted chats and calls with the people you already know
- Meta
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Web
Does it deserve #2?
The verdict
WhatsApp is the messenger most of your contacts already use, and that alone makes it hard to beat. Chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted, the apps are fast and reliable, and communities, channels and business chats cover nearly everything. The catch is Meta: it collects metadata, and the Updates tab now shows ads. Use it for everyday chats and keep Signal for anything sensitive.
- Encrypted chats and calls
- Communities and channels
- Desktop and web apps
- Disappearing messages and chat lock
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Almost everyone you know is already on it
- Messages and calls are encrypted by default
- Reliable on weak connections and older phones
What could be better
- Meta collects metadata like who you talk to and when
- Ads and promoted channels now appear in the Updates tab
Anyone who wants one free app to reach family, friends and local businesses
you want to keep your messaging away from Meta entirely
Questions about WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp free?
Yes, messaging and calls are free with no subscription. Meta makes money from business messaging and ads in the Updates tab, not by charging you.
Is WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted?
Yes. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but Meta can still see metadata such as who you contact and when.
What are the best alternatives to WhatsApp?
The closest alternatives are Signal, Telegram and Slack. See all of them ranked on our WhatsApp alternatives page.
Where does WhatsApp rank?
WhatsApp ranks #2 of 8 in our Messaging & Calls ranking, with an overall score of 9.0 out of 10.