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WhatsApp vs Messenger: catalog facts
WhatsApp	Messenger
Free Free to use for personal messaging and calls.	Free Free to use with a Meta account.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web	Web
End-to-end encrypted messages and calls Available on phones, desktop and the web	Reaches people who already use Facebook Messaging and video calls in one place
Proprietary and tied to a phone number account Relies on a central service run by the developer	Requires a Meta account Closed source and run by an advertising company
Downloadable app, Web application	Web application
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.