A cross-platform instant messaging service allowing users to send text messages, voice calls, video calls, images, documents and user location free over an internet connection, owned by Meta.
WhatsApp is a freeware, cross-platform centralized instant messaging (IM) and voice over IP (VoIP) service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to send text messages, voice messages, video calls, images, documents, and user location for free over an internet data connection.
Originally launched in 2009, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014 for US$19 billion. As of 2022, WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, making it the most popular messaging app globally along with Meta's other chat apps Messenger and Instagram.
WhatsApp uses standard cellular mobile numbers as login IDs, verifies identities through one's phone number, and provides end-to-end encryption for voice calls and messaging. This allows users to communicate securely and privately across borders. WhatsApp supports sending messages to both individuals as well as groups of up to 256 people.
WhatsApp is available for smartphones with iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Symbian, and BlackBerry OS operating systems. An official desktop app is also available for Windows and macOS allowing text messaging through one's computer. WhatsApp Web provides similar features to the desktop apps in a web browser.
Key features of WhatsApp:
17 reviews
Once a simple, reliable app, WhatsApp has become an intrusive and frustrating platform. The constant privacy policy changes and data-sharing concerns with Meta (Facebook) are a major red flag, making me question my data's security. The app has also become …
While WhatsApp makes staying in touch easy with free messaging and calls, it's a serious battery hog and feels increasingly intrusive. The app runs constantly in the background, and mandatory data-sharing with Meta raises real privacy alarms. For a service …
WhatsApp is my go-to messaging app. I use it daily to stay in touch with family across the globe—the video and voice call quality is consistently clear, and sharing photos and documents is a breeze. It's simple, reliable, and completely …
It's almost impossible to avoid WhatsApp because everyone uses it. For group chats and sharing media with friends and family, it just works. The voice notes and group calling are fantastic. The interface is clean and the basics are easy …
It's basically the global standard for messaging—free, reliable, and works on any phone. However, the constant push for Meta account linking and the lack of proper multi-device support for tablets is frustrating. I also wish the backup system for media …
View all WhatsApp alternatives with detailed comparison →
Here are some alternatives to WhatsApp:
Suggest an alternative ❐