Threads is the better app overall, scoring 8.2 to 8.0. Threads wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Snapchat on 2.
People who like short text posts and already use Instagram
Teens and friends who like to chat with photos
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Threads | Snapchat |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Media & Creator Tools | Social Media & Creator Tools |
| Category rank | #13 of 17 | #16 of 17 |
| Developer | Meta | Snap Inc. |
| Pricing | Free | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Threads better than Snapchat?
Threads is the better app overall, scoring 8.2 to 8.0. Threads wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Snapchat on 2.
Which is cheaper, Threads or Snapchat?
Threads: Free with ads; you do not need a paid plan to post, reply or message. Snapchat: Free with ads; Snapchat+ is listed at $4.99 a month on the US App Store. On value for money, Threads scores higher.
Do Threads and Snapchat work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Threads or Snapchat?
Snapchat scores higher on privacy (5.8/10). The App Store label says contact info and identifiers may be used to track you. Location, contacts, purchases, search history and your content are linked to you. The app shows ads.
Strengths and weaknesses
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
Snapchat
- Great for quick, private chats with friends
- Fun face and camera effects
- Free, with all the main features
- Creator pay is invite-only and needs 50,000 followers
- Free Memories storage is capped at 5GB
- Layout can confuse new users
Snapchat is built for close friends, not crowds. You send photos and videos that vanish, keep streaks going, and play with Lenses that change your face or the world around you. Spotlight and Stories let you post to everyone, but the bar to get paid is high at 50,000 followers. It is free with ads. Free Memories storage is now capped at 5GB, and the layout can confuse new users.
Full Snapchat review
