Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are two of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. Both apps allow users to send messages, photos, videos and make voice and video calls for free. They also have many similar features like group chats, stickers and reactions. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms that may make one better than the other depending on a user’s needs and preferences. This article compares Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp across several categories to help determine which messaging app is better overall.
User Base
One of the most important factors when choosing a messaging app is its user base – who else is using the platform you’re on? This allows you to connect and communicate with more people.
Facebook Messenger claims to have over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide across both its main Facebook app and Messenger app. It’s important to note that many Facebook users may not be actively using Messenger even if they have an account.
WhatsApp, on the other hand, has around 2 billion monthly active users globally. Since WhatsApp requires a phone number to sign up, most of its user base consists of active users who use the app regularly to message others.
Overall, WhatsApp has a significantly larger global user base of active monthly users compared to Messenger. This gives it the advantage in terms of being able to reach and connect with more contacts around the world.
Group Chats
Group chats are an essential feature of any messaging app. They allow users to communicate with multiple people at once in the same conversation.
Both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp support group chats with up to 256 participants. Users can name groups, customize notifications, add or remove participants, etc.
However, one advantage Facebook Messenger has is that it allows public groups of up to 10,000 members. These open groups act more like discussion forums than private chats. WhatsApp only has closed group chats for now.
Overall for group messaging though, both apps are very capable and have similar features.
Messaging Features
Beyond basic messaging, many users look for apps that offer rich features to enhance conversations – like stickers, reactions, emojis, gifs, etc.
Facebook Messenger comes with a wide selection of stickers, emojis and gifs built right in. Users can easily search and find the perfect visual content to express themselves. It also has Reactions allowing users to react quickly to any message with an emoji.
WhatsApp also provides stickers, gifs and emojis but the default content library is more limited compared to Messenger. However, users can download free or paid sticker packs from third-party creators to add more options. WhatsApp also supports text Reactions.
When it comes to interactive messaging features, Messenger seems to have the edge over WhatsApp. But WhatsApp makes up for it by allowing custom stickers.
Multimedia Sharing
Sharing photos, videos and voice messages is another essential part of a messaging app experience.
Facebook Messenger supports sharing all common media types – photos, videos, audio, GIFs, documents, contacts etc. File sizes up to 25MB can be sent through Messenger.
WhatsApp also allows sharing the same range of multimedia up to a maximum file size of 100MB. This gives it the edge for sending larger files like long videos.
Both apps automatically compress photos and videos during sending to save data usage. Users can tap to view files in full quality after downloading. Overall, WhatsApp edges out Messenger for multimedia sharing thanks to its larger 100MB file send limit.
Messaging Speed
The speed of message delivery and notifications is critical for a seamless messaging experience.
Facebook Messenger relies on an internet connection for messaging. So delivery speed can vary based on the quality of your internet connection. Messages generally send instantly over WiFi but may be slightly delayed over mobile data.
WhatsApp, on the other hand, uses a customized mobile data protocol to transmit messages directly between devices more efficiently. This allows messages to deliver almost instantly regardless of network quality.
As a result, WhatsApp offers faster messaging speed and lower latency compared to Messenger. This gives it an advantage for real-time communication.
Read Receipts
Read receipts allow senders to see when the recipient has viewed their message. It adds a level of confirmation that your message has been successfully delivered and read.
Facebook Messenger has optional read receipts that can be turned on or off per conversation. If enabled, you will see when your messages have been read by the recipient.
WhatsApp takes a different approach. Read receipts are enabled automatically for all new conversations. There is no option to disable them. Many users consider this a privacy issue.
If you prefer having control over read receipts, Messenger provides that flexibility while WhatsApp forces read receipts on for all chats.
Typing Indicators
Along with read receipts, typing indicators show when the other person is typing a message to you in real-time.
Facebook Messenger displays animated typing indicators by default when the other user is composing a message. They help convey the back-and-forth flow of conversations.
WhatsApp also shows typing indicators by default. However, a user can disable them in Settings > Notifications > Show Typing Indicator. This gives users more control over when to display typing statuses.
The handling of typing indicators is very similar between Messenger and WhatsApp. Both enable them by default but WhatsApp provides an option to hide them if desired.
Voice and Video Calling
Voice and video calling allow users to communicate verbally in real-time rather than just through text.
Facebook Messenger supports high-quality video calling over WiFi or mobile data. Calls can be made to individuals or groups up to 8 participants. It also provides clear voice calling marketed as HD Voice.
WhatsApp also provides free voice and video calling. Video call quality reaches up to 720p HD resolution. WhatsApp allows conference video calls with up to 8 people. Voice calls use the internet and are high quality.
For calling features, Messenger and WhatsApp are nearly identical in their offerings. Both provide free, high-definition video and voice calls to individuals and groups.
User Profiles
User profiles help showcase your personality and share info about yourself with others on messaging platforms.
Facebook Messenger connects directly to your Facebook profile and uses the same profile picture, name and other info. You can customize a ‘Messenger Day’ status that expires after 24 hours. But overall customization is limited since it inherits your Facebook profile.
WhatsApp gives users much more profile flexibility. You can set a profile photo, name, About status and choose privacy settings for your status, profile photo and more. It doesn’t rely on another social network.
For user profiles, WhatsApp provides more customization and privacy control over exactly what you share compared to Messenger’s reliance on Facebook profiles.
User Privacy
User privacy has become a major concern when evaluating messaging apps. People want to know their conversations and data are kept private and secure.
Facebook Messenger uses the same account login as Facebook. Your existing profile info, friends, data and advertising profile are leveraged. Facebook has faced many controversies over its handling of user privacy and data over the years.
WhatsApp, in contrast, does not share any user data with parent company Facebook. It uses end-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls and backups. WhatsApp cannot see your conversations or metadata. The app has remained staunchly pro-privacy.
Overall, WhatsApp provides much stronger privacy assurances and encryption standards for your personal data compared to Messenger.
Backups
Having backups of your chat history in case you lose your phone or switch devices is important.
Facebook Messenger automatically backs up your messaging history on Facebook’s servers (iCloud on iOS). You can restore your messages if you lose your device or reinstall the app. Backups are encrypted but Facebook holds the keys.
WhatsApp also provides encrypted backups of chats to your Google Drive or iCloud account. Only you hold the encryption keys to restore your backup. WhatsApp cannot access your backed up conversation data.
Both apps provide convenient backups to avoid losing your chat history. WhatsApp backups give you more control through personal encryption keys that only you control.
Desktop Apps
Having an official desktop app allows you to continue messaging even when you don’t have your phone handy.
Facebook Messenger offers full-featured Windows and Mac desktop apps. You can install Messenger on your computer to message people from your desktop. Syncing is cross-device.
WhatsApp also provides desktop apps for Windows and Mac OS. You can scan a QR code from your phone to sync your chats to WhatsApp Web and Desktop. Messaging is synced in real-time across devices.
When it comes to desktop support, both messaging platforms offer similar capabilities to extend messaging to your computer.
Third-Party App Integration
Some messaging apps allow third-party services to integrate their features and tools for easier access.
Facebook Messenger supports over 40,000 bots and services like GIPHY, Booking.com, weather alerts and more that users can interact with through messaging. It provides an ecosystem for businesses and developers.
WhatsApp takes a more private, encrypted approach and currently does not allow any third-party bots or integrations. Everything goes through normal chats.
If you want access to third-party bots and services within messaging, Messenger provides that, while WhatsApp focuses solely on private messaging.
Cost
Price and payment model play a role when evaluating messaging options.
Facebook Messenger is free to download and use with no subscription fees or hidden charges. Being ad-supported, there are ads within the Messenger app.
WhatsApp is also 100% free to download and use with no ads at all. The company charges business users to message customers but individual use has no fees.
For individual messaging purposes, both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are completely free apps. WhatsApp provides a clutter-free ad-free experience while Messenger contains some ads.
Ease of Use
An easy-to-use, intuitive interface makes messaging simpler for users of all ages.
Facebook Messenger has a straightforward interface with three tabs – Chats, Stories, and People. Navigation is simple with large buttons and icons. Anyone used to messaging apps can start using it right away.
WhatsApp also focuses on simplicity and ease-of-use. Its clean, uncluttered design makes it easy for new users to start chatting. Tabs for Calls and Camera make all features very accessible.
When it comes to user experience, both Messenger and WhatsApp prioritize simplicity and intuitive interfaces that work seamlessly for users of all ages.
Extra Features
Unique extra features outside of core messaging can give some apps an advantage.
Facebook Messenger comes with a few other modes beyond chatting. Messenger Rooms facilitates video calls of up to 50 people. You also get Facebook friend integration, message requests and stories/feed updates from friends.
WhatsApp focuses closely on being just a messaging app. Beyond chatting, it just includes statuses, calls and camera. The simplicity can be seen as an advantage or limitation depending on user preferences.
For those who want more integrated social network-style features, Messenger provides that added functionality. WhatsApp stays more straightforward as a private messaging app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing Facebook Messenger vs WhatsApp, there are strong cases to be made for both messaging apps.
WhatsApp tends to have advantages when it comes to user base, privacy controls, security and speed. The sheer number of active users globally gives it a networking edge. Its pro-privacy stance, end-to-end encryption and low latency messaging also appeal to many users.
Messenger offers a wider range of messaging features like reactions, bots and robust creative content. Integrating directly with Facebook gives it a built-in social graph. Video calling parity with WhatsApp makes it equally useful for visual communication.
Ultimately the best messaging app comes down to an individual user’s priorities and needs. But both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp excel in different areas and are widely used worldwide. Most people are likely to find compelling benefits in either platform for staying connected with their contacts through messaging.