# WhatsApp Messenger vs Crait Lite

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Crait Lite at none against WhatsApp Messenger's 11. Crait Lite also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12 vs 15.1). WhatsApp Messenger's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (19M vs 10). On price and rating there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for WhatsApp Messenger against 4.7 for Crait Lite. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, Crait Lite every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and July 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | Crait Lite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews) | [4.7 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crait-lite-secure-chat/id1450357437/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 50.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | — |
| 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:** #1 Top Free · Social Networking, #18 Top Free, #35 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 Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crait-lite-secure-chat/id1450357437)

This secure messaging tool enhances workgroup productivity with encrypted calls, self-destructing messages, and file sharing. It protects digital assets by offering end-to-end encryption for sensitive business communications.

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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is Crait Lite free?

Crait Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

WhatsApp Messenger and Crait Lite are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 19M and 10 ratings respectively.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or Crait Lite have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; Crait Lite does not.

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

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, and Crait Lite every 3 months. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on September 25, 2026 and Crait Lite on July 9, 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.*