# WhatsApp Messenger vs Crait

The clearest difference is monetization model: WhatsApp Messenger at free with in-app purchases against Crait's subscription. WhatsApp Messenger also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (19M vs 94). Crait's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (81% vs 51%). On price, rating and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WhatsApp Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.00 per month and Crait sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for WhatsApp Messenger against 4.7 for Crait. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 94, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 51% of WhatsApp Messenger's written reviews are positive against 81% of Crait's.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, Crait every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | Crait |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews)** | [4.7 (94 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crait-secure-communication/id1227620003/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 94 |
| Positive reviews | 50.5% of reviews | **81.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | — |
| Size | 361 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **12** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [Crait Technology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1375280315) |

## What reviewers say

### WhatsApp Messenger

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

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Social Networking, #24 Top Free, #43 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with friends and family globally through private messaging and high-quality calls. Share moments, documents, and stay in touch across devices, even on slow connections. Your conversations are secured with end-to-end encryption.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, High-quality voice and video calls, Group chats and calls, Cross-device connectivity, Status updates, Location sharing

**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


### Crait

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crait-secure-communication/id1227620003)

This app offers a secure platform for workgroups to communicate and collaborate. It features end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and secure file sharing. Protect your business's digital assets with enhanced communication security.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted communication, Self-destructing messages, Secure one-on-one and group calls, Large group chat support (up to 1000), Secure file sharing, Secure email for users

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Automatically Renew | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is Crait free?

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

### Which has better reviews, WhatsApp Messenger or Crait?

WhatsApp Messenger is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while Crait averages 4.7 from 94 ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or Crait have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; Crait does not.

### Which is updated more often, WhatsApp Messenger or Crait?

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, and Crait every 2 months. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on September 27, 2026 and Crait on July 17, 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.*