WhatsApp

Few apps need less introduction than WhatsApp Messenger, the messaging and calling service from WhatsApp LLC. It connects people through their phone numbers, carries text, voice and video over the internet, and protects personal chats with end-to-end encryption.

Sign-up uses a phone number instead of a username or password, and the app shows which contacts already have an account so conversations can start immediately. Personal messages and calls are encrypted end to end, so they cannot be read by anyone outside the chat. Voice and video calls work for up to 32 people at a time and use the phone's data connection, holding up reasonably on slow networks. Group chats let members share photos, videos and documents across phones and computers. Users can also send live location to selected chats and stop at will, record voice notes, and post Status updates of text, photos, video or GIFs that vanish after 24 hours, choosing which contacts see them. A Wear OS version brings chats to the wrist.

The figures are unmatched: 10,000,000,000+ installs and a 4.6 average from 244,254,921 ratings, with 82% five stars and only 4% one star. There are no ads, while in-app purchases range from $0.40 to $199.99 per item. It was updated on 2026-09-19, the Android requirement varies with device and it is rated Everyone. We list 103 versions; the newest, 2.26.33.76, is 134.0 MB.

Anyone whose friends, family or colleagues already use WhatsApp has an obvious reason to install it. Those who prefer not to tie a chat identity to a phone number should consider alternatives.