# WhatsApp Messenger vs Messenger Gem Space

The clearest difference is rating: WhatsApp Messenger at 4.7 against Messenger Gem Space's 3.9. WhatsApp Messenger also leads on ratings volume (19M vs 152) and chart position (#4 vs unranked). Messenger Gem Space's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WhatsApp Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.00 per month and Messenger Gem Space sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

WhatsApp Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 152, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of WhatsApp Messenger's written reviews are positive against 71% of Messenger Gem Space's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 4 days, Messenger Gem Space weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | Messenger Gem Space |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews)** | [3.9 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messenger-gem-space/id1032387040/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 152 |
| Positive reviews | 50.4% of reviews | **70.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | — |
| Size | 397 MB | 478 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [Marketspace Solutions OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1856875726) |

## What reviewers say

### WhatsApp Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997)

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Free · Social Networking, #17 Top Free, #38 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with friends, family, and groups through messaging, voice, and video calls. Share moments, make plans with events and polls, and keep organized with pinned messages. Enjoy end-to-end encrypted conversations and share files up to 2GB.

**Highlights:** Group messaging and calling, End-to-end encryption, Live location sharing, Event creation and polls, HD photo and video sharing, Disappearing messages, Status updates

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No ads (1 account) | $4.00 | per month |
| No ads (4 accounts) | $21.99 | per month |
| No ads (5 accounts) | $26.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 💬 Great communication tool
- 🌍 Connects people globally
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 📱 Versatile features (calls, video, groups)
- 🆓 Free to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches (freezing, crashing, notification issues)
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with data sharing
- 🙈 Lack of customization and control (status, groups)
- 📤 Backup and restore issues
- 🚫 Arbitrary account bans

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing issues
- Notification problems (missing, delayed)
- Backup and restore failures
- Arbitrary account bans with poor support

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Improve group management features
- Allow more customization of status and notifications
- Enhance backup and restore functionality
- Provide better customer support and appeal process


### Messenger Gem Space

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messenger-gem-space/id1032387040)

Connect with friends, family, and like-minded individuals through secure chats and calls. Discover content, join communities, and create your own channels. Ideal for personal, professional, and business communication.

**Highlights:** Encrypted chats and secure calls, Smart news feed with personalized content, Public and private communities by interest, Free video and audio calls for up to 1000 people, Channel creation for bloggers and content creators, Business tools for team collaboration and management, API integration for corporate services

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gem Space Premium (1 Month) | $2.99 | per month |
| Gem Space Premium (6 Months) | $14.99 | per 6 months |
| Gem Space Premium (1 Year) | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

WhatsApp Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Messenger Gem Space free?

Messenger Gem Space is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, WhatsApp Messenger or Messenger Gem Space?

WhatsApp Messenger is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while Messenger Gem Space averages 3.9 from 152 ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or Messenger Gem Space have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; Messenger Gem Space does not.

### Which is updated more often, WhatsApp Messenger or Messenger Gem Space?

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 4 days, and Messenger Gem Space weekly. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on November 5, 2026 and Messenger Gem Space on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*