Encrypted chats, voice notes and group calls with the people already in your phone's contacts
by WhatsApp Inc. · listed Nov 3, 2026
Quick verdict
For most people WhatsApp is close to essential simply because everyone else is on it, and its default encryption makes it a solid choice. If you are wary of Meta's data practices, Signal is the more private alternative.
Best for Anyone who wants free, encrypted messaging and calls with the friends and family who already use it
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 3, 2026. How we review
WhatsApp review
WhatsApp is Meta's messaging and calling app, built around your phone number rather than a username. It covers one-to-one and group chats, voice notes, photo and document sharing, live location and voice or video calls with up to 32 people. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. It suits almost anyone, and in many countries it is simply how people text, so the main reason to install it is that your contacts are probably already there.
Day to day it is quick and predictable. You sign up with your number and it shows which contacts already use it. You can link other devices such as a tablet, computer or Wear OS watch, and calls hold up reasonably well on weak connections. Status posts that disappear after 24 hours, plus channels and communities, sit in their own tabs, which adds some clutter if you only want to message people.
Why we picked it: It costs nothing to use, encrypts chats and calls by default, runs on nearly every phone and connects you with a huge share of the world's phone users.
Watch out for: Meta still collects metadata such as who you talk to and when, and chat backups to iCloud or Google Drive are only end-to-end encrypted if you switch that option on.
What we like
- End-to-end encryption on chats and calls by default
- No username or password, just your phone number
- Group voice and video calls with up to 32 people
- Works on tablets, desktop and Wear OS watches as linked devices
- Copes well with slow or patchy connections
What could be better
- Owned by Meta, which collects usage metadata
- Requires a phone number to sign up
- Status, channels and communities add clutter to a simple messenger
- Encrypted backups are opt-in rather than the default
Questions about WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp free?
Yes, messaging and calling are free and there is no subscription. Calls and messages use your internet connection, so mobile data charges may apply. The Google Play listing mentions in-app purchases, but the core app does not require them.
Which devices does it run on?
It is available for iPhone and Android, and you can link a tablet, a computer or a Wear OS watch to the same account.
Can WhatsApp read my messages?
Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, so the content is not readable by WhatsApp or Meta. Meta can still see metadata such as who you contact and when.
Does it work offline?
No, you need an internet connection to send messages or make calls, though it is designed to work on slow connections. Previously received chats stay readable on your device.
What are the alternatives?
Signal offers similar encrypted messaging with less data collection, and Telegram adds large groups and channels but does not encrypt regular chats end to end by default. The best choice often depends on what your contacts use.
From the developer: how WhatsApp describes itself
WhatsApp from Meta is a free messaging and calling app used by over 2 billion people across 180+ countries. It's super simple, reliable and private, making it perfect for staying in touch with your friends and family worldwide. WhatsApp works across mobile, tablet, and desktop even on slow connections, with no subscription fees*.
Private messaging and calls across the world
Your privacy is our priority. With end-to-end encryption, you can be sure that your personal messages and calls stay between you and who you send them to. And no one, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
Simple and secure connections, right away
All you need is your phone number - no usernames or logins needed. Easily view your contacts on WhatsApp and start messaging. And what's more, you can easily link your other devices, including iPads, for seamless connectivity.
High quality voice and video calls
Enjoy free, secure video and voice calls with up to 32 people for free. Your calls work across devices, even on slower connections, using your phone or tablet’s Internet service.
Group chats to keep you in contact
Stay close to friends and family through end-to-end encrypted group chats and calls. Share messages, photos, videos and documents across mobile, tablet, and desktop. You can also use call links and screen-sharing to make group calls and collaboration easy.
Stay connected in real time
You can share your location with those in your individual or group chats while using WhatsApp on your mobile phone. Or record a voice message for those moments when just text isn't good enough.
Share daily moments through Status
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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