# WhatsApp Messenger vs KingsChat

The clearest difference is rating: WhatsApp Messenger at 4.7 against KingsChat's 4.2. WhatsApp Messenger also leads on ratings volume (19M vs 127) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). KingsChat's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (75% vs 50%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 KingsChat sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

WhatsApp Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 127, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of WhatsApp Messenger's written reviews are positive against 75% of KingsChat'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, KingsChat every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | KingsChat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews)** | [4.2 (127 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kingschat/id895560991/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 127 |
| Positive reviews | 50.4% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 398 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 15.8 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [KingsChat](https://appshunter.io/developer/895560994) |

## What reviewers say

### WhatsApp Messenger

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Social Networking, #28 Top Free, #58 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

This app offers free private messaging and high-quality voice/video calls for groups of up to 32 people. It ensures your conversations are secure with end-to-end encryption and works across multiple devices, even on slow connections.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, High-quality voice and video calls, Group chats and calls, Cross-device compatibility, 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


### KingsChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kingschat/id895560991)

Connect globally for free with instant messaging, HD voice and video calls, and social timeline features. Share multimedia, create group chats, and even use a QR code for events. Stay connected without any hidden fees.

**Highlights:** Free messaging, HD voice and video calls, Timeline stories, Multimedia and file sharing, Group chat up to 100, QR code for events

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stickers Pack 2 | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Efficient communication features
- 💡 Unique Christian-focused platform
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption on some devices
- ⚠️ Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- 🤔 Inconsistent functionality across platforms

**Reported bugs**

- Login and verification issues
- Blank screen and app not opening
- Inability to delete contacts/friends
- Problems with video/voice call functionality

**Requested features**

- Add Arabic language support
- Implement bulk message deletion
- Introduce temporary/disappearing messages
- Improve search and discovery features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is KingsChat free?

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

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

WhatsApp Messenger is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while KingsChat averages 4.2 from 127 ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or KingsChat have ads?

WhatsApp Messenger shows ads; KingsChat does not.

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

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 4 days, and KingsChat every 2 weeks. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on November 1, 2026 and KingsChat on November 1, 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.*