Ever wondered which is better, WhatsApp or Messenger?
Here we are trying to answer this question for you.
This article is essentially the battle between WhatsApp and Messenger, where we will compare both platforms against each other on some parameters to crown the ultimate winner.
We compared WhatsApp and Messenger on a few parameters, and WhatsApp is clearly a winner because of these reasons:
– WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption of messages and calls.
– You can use WhatsApp on a weak internet connection.
– WhatsApp accounts are easy to create with just your phone number.
– You can share a status on WhatsApp.
– You can send documents on WhatsApp.
– WhatsApp seamlessly integrates your phone’s contacts and allows you to share contacts with others.
– WhatsApp is more popular with more users and is available in more languages.
– You will not find ads on WhatsApp.
If you enjoy comparing content, then you would love this article where we compare WhatsApp and Messenger to finally give our verdict on why (if) WhatsApp is superior to Messenger. Let’s find out!
- Comparing WhatsApp and Messenger
- The Round Up
Comparing WhatsApp and Messenger
WhatsApp is an OG messaging platform that has been around since 2009.
The platform is the biggest messaging platform in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users. Additionally, the platform is the third-biggest social media platform after Facebook and YouTube.
WhatsApp became so big that it lured Mark Zuckerberg to finally purchase it with his $19 billion in 2014.
Messenger is the standalone platform by Facebook that was once the built-in feature on Facebook.
Facebook decided to capitalize on this messaging platform and finally introduced separate Android and iOS apps. Messenger is a little behind WhatsApp with its 1.3 billion users.
Before we crown WhatsApp as the ultimate champion and superior to Messenger, we need to compare both of them on a few parameters to make solid foundations of our claim.
It is imperative to note that whatever you do, whichever platform you go for, in the end, the money will go into the pockets of Zuckerberg.
So, let’s begin with it!
Factor #1: Privacy
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. Let me simplify for you what it means.
It means that when you send any message or call on WhatsApp, only you and the recipient can read or hear them. There will be no third-party reading your private data as they are encrypted, so it is impossible to decode them.
On the other hand, on Messenger, not all messages and calls have end-to-end encryption support. If you want to encrypt your messages and calls, you need to look for the “Secret Conversations” option on Messenger.
Unfortunately, not all products support this feature, and you have to tweak the setting for each conversation to enable end-to-end encryption.
Winner
WhatsApp wins in this parameter as you need to do the hassle of switching to the Secret conversations in Messenger to get end-to-end encryption support.
Factor #2: Photo & Video Sharing
WhatsApp allows you to send 30 images at once with another WhatsApp user.
On the other hand, Messenger has no such limitations. You can select multiple images, and send them to your friends.
Winner
Messenger with flying colors.
Factor #3: Audio & Video Calls
Both platforms give equally superb audio and video call quality, but there are other things where WhatsApp takes the lead.
WhatsApp has another advantage in that it can work with a weak internet connection.
It recalibrates the video quality during the video call as per your internet connection. If you have a poor internet connection like 3G or 2G, WhatsApp will lower or scale down the video and audio quality but still keeps the call running.
Alternatively, Messenger will drop your call and does not scale down the call quality.
Winner
In terms of video quality, both are equally good. Overall, WhatsApp wins as it will enable you to make and sustain calls even with unstable or poor internet.
Factor #4: Account Creation Process
Creating a WhatsApp account is easy, as it only requires your active phone number to send you OTTP to verify. You do not need a password or other formalities to create a WhatsApp account.
Messenger, on the other hand, requires you to create a Facebook account and then use that to log in to the Messenger account.
So, it is impossible to create a Messenger account without a Facebook account.
Winner
I think WhatsApp is the winner here, as you need only a phone number to create your account. The Messenger account creation process is a tad bit longer.
You can create a WhatsApp account using any virtual phone number.
Factor #5: Status
WhatsApp allows you to create statuses and share them with whomever you want. You cannot set the status on Messenger.
Winner
WhatsApp with flying colors.
Factor #6: Video Conferencing
On WhatsApp, you can have 8 participants for video calls. On the other hand, Messenger allows you to have 50 participants for your group call.
Messenger also assigns the admin role to anyone who initiates the call to regulate the call.
On Messenger, you can enjoy games and videos with your friends on video calls. Additionally, the share screen feature enables you to share screens and watch movies with your friends. WhatsApp does not possess these things.
Winner
Messenger is clearly a winner here.
Factor #7: Contacts Sharing
WhatsApp integrates seamlessly with your phone contacts. Messenger does sync phone contacts, but its main focus is to connect you with your Facebook connections.
Similarly, on WhatsApp, you can send any contact saved on your device directly to other contacts in your WhatsApp. Messenger does not offer you any such option.
Winner
WhatsApp wins this one as well.
Factor #8: Documents Sending
WhatsApp allows you to send documents by tapping the plus icon next to the message input, while Messenger does not.
Winner
WhatsApp.
Factor #9: Popularity
WhatsApp is more popular as more people use it. So, the chances of you finding your friend active on WhatsApp are higher. Messenger is the third most used messaging platform.
Additionally, WhatsApp is available in 40 languages on iPhone and 60 on Android. Messenger is available for up to 43 languages only.
Winner
WhatsApp takes this category as well.
Factor #10: Other Honorable Mentions
Messenger has ads, so people who find ads irritating will hate it on Messenger. WhatsApp does not show you any ads.
Similarly, WhatsApp is a light app that can work even in 3G or 4G, while Messenger is a heavy app.
Moreover, it is easier to view each message timestamp (the date and time when it was sent) on WhatsApp than Messenger, which only shows the timestamp of the first message for the chat in a particular period.
Winner
WhatsApp is clearly a winner in these all factors.
The Round Up
Clearly, WhatsApp is the winner. We compared both on 10 plus factors. WhatsApp won the majority of them.
WhatsApp is more private and requires less internet to work on, the account creation process is easy, and you can also share contacts in WhatsApp and easily view the timestamp for each message sent.
Additionally, you can share documents and statuses on WhatsApp, not Messenger. Moreover, WhatsApp is more popular and available in more languages than Messenger.
Now, the choice is yours to go for whatever platform your heart desires. Whatever you choose, know that it will ultimately add to the net worth of Mark Zuckerberg, so nothing really matters!
