A lot of users love Whatsapp for being able to access it both on their phones and laptop. But then, Facebook Messenger does exactly the same! No wonder the two competing platforms who once built themselves a huge base of users in no time for multiple reasons, butt heads. Even if Facebook Messenger was an app launched much later than Whatsapp, they fought well enough to acquire WhatsApp to give themselves breathing space. If you’re unsure about what to use, here are some differences between Facebook Messenger vs Whatsapp. 

Facebook Messenger vs Whatsapp: Here’s How They Differ

1. Facebook Messenger is no Messenger Chat App

FB Messenger is not an actual app but it’s actually more of an extension as it requires a Facebook account to get started. On the other hand, WhatsApp is a standalone chat platform that requires just a mobile device and a mobile number, making it much easier for the general audience, gaining a better reach.

2. WhatsApp degrades the image quality

One of the major reasons behind WhatsApps success was the benefit of sharing images. With the ability to click and send photos instantly, the messaging app was able to do this by compressing content. 

While instant gratification satisfies all of us, the image compression led to no visible deterioration in the image files. But after a recent update, the photos sent through WhatsApp are blurry and pixelated. Initially, the photos were reduced to 1024*768 or 1600*900 from the original resolution. But now, images with 16:9 aspect ratios are reduced to about 800*450 while all 4:3 images have a maximum resolution of 800*600, making the transferred images compromised.

3. WhatsApp requires less bandwidth

When it comes to connectivity, Whatsapp has a much simpler configuration of mobile devices to function properly. On the other hand, Facebook messenger on the Facebook app, is a heavier application that requires better connectivity and a good smartphone to function without any technical hiccups. 

4. Privacy

The WhatsApp software within our phones, uses end-to-end encryption to keep your messages private. End-to-end encryption promises the user that only the participants of a conversation can see the messages and content that it contains. That being said, WhatsApp makes phone numbers public thereby raising several privacy-related issues. It’s convenient for any random person to get access to your personal phone number and profile pic via WhatsApp messenger. 

Facebook Messenger, on the other hand, encrypts messages by default from the sender to its server, and then encrypts them again between the server and the recipient.  

5. Image transfer

WhatsApp puts a limit on the number of images you can send at a time. On the other hand, there is no such limit on Messenger. FB Messenger is well integrated with Facebook and uses facial recognition to identify your friends in the photos. This does not exist on Whatsapp.

6. Calling

To call someone through WhatsApp is preferred by most because it lets you place calls even in places where signal strength is weak. WhatsApp works smoothly on 3G, Wi-Fi, and even 2G networks. 

However, WhatsApp limits you to start a group call with not more than 4 people. Meanwhile, group calling is better on Facebook Messenger, especially when you need to call 30 – 40 people! 

Now that you’ve seen the comparison between WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, pick the one you feel is right for you.