Both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are popular messaging apps owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). With over a billion users each, Messenger and WhatsApp have become essential communication tools for people around the world. But which one is better? Here is a detailed comparison of the two apps to help you decide.
Popularity
Facebook Messenger was launched in 2011 and was initially integrated into the Facebook app. It was spun off into a standalone app in 2014. As of 2022, Messenger has over 1.3 billion monthly active users worldwide.
WhatsApp was launched in 2009 as an alternative to SMS messaging. Facebook acquired it in 2014 for $19 billion. As of 2022, WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users globally across 180 countries, making it the most popular messaging app worldwide.
While WhatsApp has a bigger user base overall, Messenger dominates in North America. An estimated 56% of smartphone users in the US used Messenger as of 2021, compared to just 17% for WhatsApp. In other regions like Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia, WhatsApp has a commanding lead.
Features
Here is a comparison of major features offered by both apps:
| Feature | Facebook Messenger | |
|---|---|---|
| One-on-one messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Group chats | Yes, up to 250 people | Yes, up to 256 people |
| Multimedia sharing | Photos, videos, audio, documents | Photos, videos, audio, documents |
| Voice/video calls | Yes | Yes |
| Stories | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | Optional end-to-end encryption in Secret Conversations | End-to-end encryption by default |
| Apps/Games | Yes | No |
| Business features | Messenger API, Messenger ads, Click to Messenger | WhatsApp Business app, WhatsApp API |
As the table shows, both apps support standard messaging features. However, there are some differences:
- WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption by default for all chats, while Messenger only offers it as an option.
- Messenger supports third-party apps and games that can be used within chats.
- Messenger has more options for businesses to connect with customers.
Ease of Use
Both WhatsApp and Messenger are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They have clean, intuitive interfaces that make chatting easy.
Some key aspects related to usability:
| Facebook Messenger | ||
|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Very simple and easy to use | Very simple and easy to use |
| Navigation | Tabs for Chats, Stories, Calls, People | Tabs for Chats, Status, Calls |
| Settings | Robust set of settings and customization options | Limited settings |
| Contact integration | Directly syncs Facebook friends list | Upload phone contacts or search by number |
Overall, both apps are very easy to use for messaging, calls and sharing media. Messenger offers more customization options for personalizing chats and notifications. WhatsApp keeps things simpler with fewer settings to configure.
Privacy
Privacy has become a major concern for messaging apps. Here is how Messenger and WhatsApp compare on privacy protection:
- WhatsApp applies end-to-end encryption for all chats by default. This ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages.
- Messenger chats use transport layer encryption. Users have to enable an additional “Secret Conversations” mode for end-to-end encryption.
- WhatsApp does not store user chat history on its servers. Messenger may keep chat history on servers for backup purposes.
- WhatsApp has a minimal data sharing policy and does not use chat data for advertising.
- Facebook can collect data from Messenger to improve products and ads targeting.
- WhatsApp requires only a phone number to sign up. Messenger requires a Facebook account.
Overall, WhatsApp provides much stronger privacy protection out of the box. Messenger offers encryption as an option, but still collects more user data due to its integration with Facebook.
Cost
Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are both free to download and use for messaging and calls.
However, WhatsApp only allows free use for the first year. After that, it charges a nominal subscription fee of $1 per year. This fee is waived for users in some developing countries.
Messenger remains free for all users. But it earns revenue for Facebook by enabling targeted advertising and commercial messaging.
Ads and Business Messaging
Facebook Messenger allows businesses to connect with customers through sponsored messages and ads. Key options include:
- Sponsored Messages – Targeted ads in the message inbox.
- Click To Messenger Ads -Ads that open a Messenger chat with the business.
- Messenger API – Let’s businesses build chatbots and interact programmatically.
WhatsApp takes a firm stance against ads. It does not run any ads or sponsor messages on its platform. However, WhatsApp does provide some options for business communication including:
- WhatsApp Business App – Lets businesses manage conversations at scale.
- WhatsApp API – Enables automating replies and notifications.
So Messenger is better suited for commercial messaging at scale. WhatsApp focuses on private communication and restricts corporate messaging APIs.
Supported Platforms
Facebook Messenger has apps available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and the web. So it can be used across smartphones, tablets, computers and browsers.
WhatsApp is available for iOS, Android and KaiOS only. There is no native app for Windows or macOS. WhatsApp can be used via the web, but it mirrors the smartphone app.
In terms of cross-platform access, Messenger has the edge by supporting more platforms natively.
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp both excel at fast, convenient messaging and voice/video chat. Overall, WhatsApp has an edge when it comes to privacy and security. It offers true end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection by default. Messenger gives more flexibility to businesses for automated messaging and ads. But it shares more data with Facebook.
Messenger has a comfortable lead over WhatsApp in North America. But WhatsApp dominates globally in terms of monthly active users. Both apps have polished user experiences and are easy to use for everyday messaging.
For most individuals, WhatsApp may be the preferred choice due to its ironclad encryption and no-ads policy. Messenger offers deeper integration with Facebook’s ecosystem and more options for marketers and businesses. Both are great choices that serve complementary purposes.
The best app for you depends on your priorities – privacy vs commercial messaging, global reach vs North America user base. But it’s certainly possible to use both Messenger and WhatsApp based on your specific communication needs.