Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of October 2022. With so many people using Facebook, there are different versions and experiences available. Determining the “best” Facebook to use depends on your preferences and needs.
Facebook Blue
Facebook Blue, also known simply as Facebook, is the classic Facebook experience that most people are familiar with. This is the main Facebook app that you can access from your desktop or mobile device. Facebook Blue allows you to:
- Connect with friends and family
- Join Groups based on your interests
- Follow Pages for brands, public figures, artists, etc.
- Post text, photos, videos, and more to share updates
- Use Messenger for chatting
- See news feed with algorithmic ranking of posts
Facebook Blue is best for people who want the full Facebook experience with a focus on connecting personally with friends and family. The algorithmic news feed aims to show you the most relevant content, but has faced criticism for being opaque and emphasizing engagement over chronology.
Facebook Lite
Facebook Lite is a stripped-down version of Facebook designed for areas with limited internet connectivity and slower mobile networks. It is only available as a mobile app. Key features of Facebook Lite include:
- Smaller app size using less data
- Faster performance on 2G and 3G networks
- Simplified interface focusing on text-based posts
- Ability to switch to basic mode to save more data
Facebook Lite lacks some features such as games, videos, and AR filters. But the basic functionality is there for posting statuses, reacting to posts, messaging, etc. Facebook Lite is a good option for people with limited data plans or older phones that may struggle with the full Facebook app.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is the chat app from Facebook focused exclusively on messaging. Major features include:
- Text, voice, video chats with friends and groups
- Fun features like stickers, reactions, and AR effects
- Bots for tasks like payments or shopping
- End-to-end encrypted chats on Messenger (opt-in)
While you can access messaging through the main Facebook apps, using the standalone Messenger app provides a more streamlined messaging experience. It also allows messaging without all the other Facebook clutter. Messenger is a good option if you mainly use Facebook for convenient chats with friends.
Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is designed for live streaming and watching gaming content. Key features include:
- Browse and watch live streams from gamers
- Interact with streamers and other viewers in chats
- Follow your favorite streamers and games
- Go Live yourself to stream gameplay to viewers
- Play casual games right within the app
Facebook Gaming provides a one-stop hub for gaming content separate from the regular Facebook app. For people interested in streaming or discovering gaming content, Facebook Gaming provides a tailored experience.
Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating allows you to match with other Facebook users for dating purposes. Features include:
- Creating a separate dating profile
- Matching based on preferences and interests
- Suggested matches from wider Facebook network
- Ability to share Stories and use messenger
- Video chat for virtual dates
Facebook Dating gives you the ability to use your existing Facebook network and profile information for dating, while keeping your dating activities separate from your normal Facebook. For people comfortable using Facebook for dating, this can provide a large pool of potential matches.
Portal from Facebook
Portal from Facebook is the brand name for Facebook’s video calling devices. This includes:
- Portal – Smart display with camera
- Portal+ – Larger smart display with camera
- Portal TV – Video chat camera for your TV
- Portal Go – Portable smart display with camera
Portal devices support video calls on Messenger and WhatsApp. The smart camera automatically pans and zooms to keep you in frame during calls. Portal also has Alexa built-in for controlling smart home devices. For those wanting dedicated video chat hardware for Facebook calls, Portal provides robust options.
Workplace from Facebook
Workplace from Facebook provides a version of Facebook tailored for businesses and teams. Key features include:
- Private social network for your company
- Groups, chat, video calls, live video
- Integrations with third-party software
- Dashboard for managing content and users
- Tiered pricing plans for businesses
Workplace gives companies an internal social network with familiar Facebook features adapted to a business context. For organizations that embrace social collaboration, Workplace can provide a customizable platform.
Conclusion
The “best” Facebook to use ultimately depends on your use case and preferences. Here are some key things to consider:
- Facebook Blue for general social networking with friends/family
- Facebook Lite for basic Facebook on slower connections
- Messenger for focused chatting experience
- Facebook Gaming for live streaming and gaming content
- Facebook Dating for meeting dates in your network
- Portal for dedicated video calling hardware
- Workplace for internal social network in a business
Evaluate which features are most important to you and align best with how you want to use Facebook. Trying out the various options can also help determine which provides the best overall experience for your needs.