# WhatsApp Messenger vs Loop Messenger

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Loop Messenger at 90% against WhatsApp Messenger's 51%. Loop Messenger also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). WhatsApp Messenger's advantage is ratings volume (19M vs 40) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WhatsApp Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.00 per month. Loop Messenger asks for nothing beyond the download.

Loop Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 40, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of WhatsApp Messenger's written reviews are positive against 90% of Loop Messenger's.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, Loop Messenger every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | Loop Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews) | **[4.9 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-messenger/id1258695795/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | 50.5% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | — |
| Size | 361 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [Collaborative Tools Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537219329) |

## What reviewers say

### WhatsApp Messenger

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

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Social Networking, #17 Top Free, #33 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


### Loop Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-messenger/id1258695795)

Organize your group conversations with this secure and spam-free messaging app. It offers streamlined chat, direct messaging within groups, and extensive customization options. Ideal for various communities seeking efficient and private communication.

**Highlights:** Streamlined group messaging, Direct messaging in groups, Customizable chat experience, Industry-leading security, Intuitive interface, Robust group controls

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is Loop Messenger free?

Loop Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Loop Messenger is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while Loop Messenger averages 4.9 from 40 ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or Loop Messenger have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; Loop Messenger does not.

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

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, and Loop Messenger every 10 days. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on September 24, 2026 and Loop Messenger on August 13, 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.*