With over 2.8 billion active users, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. While it may not be as well-known in the US, it’s a key communication tool in many countries, especially for voice and video calls. So, why do people prefer WhatsApp over traditional texting or other apps?
The main advantage is that WhatsApp is a free messaging app. Unlike SMS, which can incur charges, WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi to send messages, make calls, and share media, making it especially cost-effective in areas with high data fees. It also works on all devices—Android, iOS, and desktop.
WhatsApp’s popularity also comes from its security features, including end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy. It offers more than just basic texting, with features like group chats, voice messages, video calls, and easy international communication without extra fees.
WhatsApp is customizable and user-friendly, making it a fun and practical app for everyday use with an internet connection. For over 2 billion people, it’s the top choice for communication, offering a richer, more secure experience than traditional texting.
Why Use WhatsApp for Voice and Video Calls?
Why do users choose WhatsApp over iMessage or other messaging apps with an internet connection? There are several key reasons:
First, WhatsApp offers a variety of communication features, including personal messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, polling, and contact management—all in one app.
Second, it’s completely free. All calls and messages are sent through the Internet, so you don’t have to worry about extra fees for international communication. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi or a data plan, as long as you have an internet connection, you’re set.
WhatsApp is also a third-party app, which means you can download it on any device, including laptops via WhatsApp Web. Unlike FaceTime, which is limited to Apple devices, WhatsApp works seamlessly across platforms, offering versatile messaging services.
Privacy is another strong point, with features like end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, image and chat locks, password-protected chats, and secure voice or video calls.
Now, let’s compare WhatsApp to other messaging platforms:
- iMessage: Only available on Apple devices (iPhone, Mac, or iPad).
- Standard texting (SMS): While most plans include unlimited domestic texts, international messages can be costly, and traditional SMS lacks advanced features like video chat and calls.
- Facebook Messenger: Requires a Facebook account and doesn’t offer the same level of privacy as WhatsApp, particularly when it comes to protecting WhatsApp contacts.
- Signal: Offers strong security features similar to WhatsApp but with a smaller user base, making it less practical for connecting with friends and family on your mobile phone.
Despite its many advantages, WhatsApp does have some limitations, such as being prone to scams due to its mass messaging capabilities, and occasional drops in video and image quality after sending, with only the sender being able to notice the quality loss. However, WhatsApp is continually improving its features, including adding new controls to combat spam and unwanted messages, making it an excellent and evolving communication tool.
How Does WhatsApp Function?
WhatsApp’s main appeal is that it allows you to send messages and make calls using only an internet connection, making it essentially free and perfect for international communication. There are no sign-up fees or data plan limits, and setting up a WhatsApp account is quick and easy.
While similar to other messaging apps like iMessage or Google Messages, WhatsApp stands out with its cross-platform functionality, supporting both Android and iOS, unlike regular text messages, which are limited to traditional mobile networks.
Here’s a quick overview of WhatsApp’s key features:
- Voice and Video Calls: Offers voice and video calls, including group calls with up to eight participants.
- Voice Messaging: Send voice messages in individual or group chats.
- Secure Messaging: WhatsApp users use end-to-end encryption to ensure only the intended recipients can read the messages.
- Media Sharing: Send photos, videos, and GIFs without losing quality.
- Document Sharing: Share PDFs, spreadsheets, and slideshows directly within chats.
- Desktop Access: Available on both Mac and PC through WhatsApp Desktop, allowing users to view and update WhatsApp statuses as well.
- WhatsApp Business: Provides a platform for businesses to engage with customers, showcase products, and streamline business communication in a convenient and familiar setting.
WhatsApp provides a variety of features and a user-friendly interface, making it much more than simply a messaging app.
Is WhatsApp Safe? Here’s What You Should Know
WhatsApp is known for its strong security features, but how secure is it?
Why WhatsApp Is Secure
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to keep your messages, calls, and files private:
- Encrypted Messages: Your sensitive conversations are scrambled into unreadable data before being sent.
- Unique Decryption Keys: Only the recipient has the key to unlock and read the message.
Automatic Protection: This security is built-in, so you don’t need to do anything extra.
The Biggest Risk: Scammers
Despite its encryption, WhatsApp is a target for scammers. They may pretend to be someone you know or a trusted organization to steal information or money.
How to Stay Safe
- Enable Two-Step Verification: Add extra security to your account.
- Keep the App Updated: Regular updates fix security issues.
- Stay Alert: Be cautious of unknown senders and suspicious messages, and customize notifications to stay alert to potential threats.
By following these tips and relying on the robust security measures WhatsApp supports, you can enjoy the app while keeping your account secure.
How WhatsApp Dominated Global Messaging: User Numbers by Country
WhatsApp is quickly closing in on 3 billion users worldwide, with 91.3 million users in the United States, ranking it as the third-largest WhatsApp user base. However, its growth in the U.S. may be slower due to the widespread use of iPhones, where many users prefer iMessage for its convenience and similar features, especially for long-distance communication.
On a global scale, WhatsApp’s reach is far more extensive. Here’s a breakdown of its user base by country:
- India: 535.8 million
- Brazil: 139.3 million
- Indonesia: 86.9 million
- Mexico: 69.7 million
- Russia: 66.7 million
WhatsApp’s widespread popularity can be attributed to its free messaging services and ability to work across various devices, making it a top choice for communication worldwide. Notably, China is missing from the list, as the Chinese government banned WhatsApp in 2017 to enforce strict censorship and content control policies.
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp offers a free, user-friendly platform to stay connected with friends and family, combining the convenience of SMS texting with robust security measures to keep your conversations private. All it takes is a cellular data connection or WiFi. As its popularity grows, so does the number of people you can connect with.
Most smartphones with internet access can use WhatsApp either through the app or a web browser. However, older devices might not support its full range of features. If you’re considering an upgrade, use our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder to discover the best smartphone deals available today.
