Instagram is the better app overall, scoring 8.6 to 8.2. Instagram wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Threads on 2, with 1 tied.
Creators and small shops who post photos and short videos
People who like short text posts and already use Instagram
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Threads | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Media & Creator Tools | Social Media & Creator Tools |
| Category rank | #3 of 17 | #13 of 17 |
| Developer | Meta | Meta |
| Pricing | Free + paid plans | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Instagram better than Threads?
Instagram is the better app overall, scoring 8.6 to 8.2. Instagram wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Threads on 2, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, Instagram or Threads?
Instagram: Free with ads; optional Instagram Plus is $3.99 a month for Story and profile extras. Threads: Free with ads; you do not need a paid plan to post, reply or message. On value for money, Threads scores higher.
Do Instagram and Threads work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Instagram or Threads?
Threads scores higher on privacy (5.4/10). The App Store label links a long list to you: location, contacts, browsing and search history, purchases, and health and other sensitive info. It lists no data used to track you. The app shows ads.
Strengths and weaknesses
Instagram
- Huge audience for almost any topic
- Photos, video, Stories and chat in one app
- Strong free editing tools and music
- Feed is full of ads and suggested posts
- Collects a lot of data and tracks you
- Some Story and profile extras now cost $3.99 a month
Instagram is the all-rounder. You can post photos, carousels, Reels and Stories, go live and message friends in one app, and most of your friends are likely there already. Reels can run up to 20 minutes, but only Reels of three minutes or less get shown to new people. It is free, yet the feed is packed with ads and suggested posts, and Meta collects a lot of data about you.
Full Instagram review
Threads
- Quick to find people you know from Instagram
- Calmer feel than X for everyday chat
- Free to post, reply and message
- No direct pay program for creators
- Links a lot of personal data to you
- Feed leans on suggested posts
Threads is the friendliest of the big text apps. Posts are short, up to 500 characters, and you can add photos, videos or a longer block of text. It grew out of Instagram, so finding people you know is quick, and it now has 500 million monthly users. It is free with ads. Threads does not pay creators directly, and Meta links a lot of data to you.
Full Threads review
