# WhatsApp Messenger vs Linktree

The clearest difference is ads: Linktree at none against WhatsApp Messenger's shown. WhatsApp Messenger's advantage is ratings volume (19M vs 63K) and chart position (#4 vs #48). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WhatsApp Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.00 per month and Linktree sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 4.8 for Linktree. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 63K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 51% positive.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 4 days, Linktree weekly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | Linktree |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews) | **[4.8 (63K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linktree-link-in-bio-creator/id1593515263/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 63K |
| Positive reviews | 50.4% of reviews | **50.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | #48 |
| Size | 397 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 15.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [Linktree](https://appshunter.io/developer/1593515265) |

## 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, #36 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


### Linktree

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linktree-link-in-bio-creator/id1593515263)

**Currently charting:** #48 Top Grossing · Social Networking, #69 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Consolidate all your online content into a single, customizable link. Easily share your social profiles, products, music, videos, and more from one central hub. Track audience engagement with detailed insights.

**Highlights:** Create a single link for all online content, Add links, music, videos, products, and more, Customize design with colors, fonts, and backgrounds, Track audience engagement and clicks, Generate QR codes for offline sharing, Discover saved, bought, and downloaded items

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Linktree Starter | $4.99 | per month |
| Linkstree Starter | $7.99 | per month |
| Linktree Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| Linktree Pro | $14.99 | per month |
| Linktree Premium | $23.99 | per month |
| Linktree Premium | $34.99 | per month |
| Linktree Starter | $47.99 | per year |
| Linktree Starter | $69.99 | per year |
| Linktree Pro | $129.99 | per year |
| Linktree Pro | $143.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🏆 Excellent for consolidating online presence
- 👍 Easy to use and customize
- 🚀 Streamlines sharing of links
- 💡 Innovative tool for influencers and businesses
- ⭐ Fantastic app with great features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches and bugs with recent updates
- 🤯 Difficult to reorganize links
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🤔 Limited free features
- 🤖 Poor customer support and unresponsive

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to log in or create new account
- Inability to edit or remove links
- Inconsistent performance and UI issues
- Broken link sharing and analytics features
- Accounts being banned without clear explanation

**Requested features**

- Add ability to group links
- Improve analytics and insights
- Allow more customization options
- Integrate with more social platforms
- Fix issues with login and account management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is Linktree free?

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

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

Linktree is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while Linktree averages 4.8 from 63K ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or Linktree have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; Linktree does not.

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

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 4 days, and Linktree weekly. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on November 6, 2026 and Linktree on November 6, 2026.

### Which is more popular, WhatsApp Messenger or Linktree?

WhatsApp Messenger currently peaks at #4 in the App Store charts, and Linktree at #48. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*