# WhatsApp Messenger vs GettingOut

The clearest difference is review sentiment: WhatsApp Messenger at 51% against GettingOut's 5%. WhatsApp Messenger also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.9) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). GettingOut's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11). On price, ads, 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. GettingOut asks for nothing beyond the download.

WhatsApp Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhatsApp Messenger has 19M ratings behind it against 2.1K, 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 5% of GettingOut's.

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, GettingOut every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhatsApp Messenger | GettingOut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (19M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997/reviews)** | [1.9 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gettingout/id907226423/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19M** | 2.1K |
| Positive reviews | **50.5% of reviews** | 5.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | #41 |
| Size | 361 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [WhatsApp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/310634000) | [Telmate, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/907226426) |

## 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


### GettingOut

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gettingout/id907226423)

**Currently charting:** #41 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Stay connected with incarcerated loved ones through easy communication. Send messages, photos, and videos, and manage contacts directly from your mobile device. This app facilitates reliable connections, helping to maintain relationships.

**Highlights:** Send and receive messages, Send photos and videos, Make deposits, Manage contacts, Stay connected on the go

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🙌 Ability to communicate with loved ones
- 🙂 Convenient messaging feature
- 👀 Video call option

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and glitches
- 💰 Expensive messaging and call costs
- 🤯 Unreliable and inconsistent performance
- 🔍 Difficulty depositing funds and managing accounts
- 🤖 Poor customer service and lack of support

**Reported bugs**

- Messages disappearing or not sending properly
- Inability to log in or access accounts
- Incorrect time stamps and sync issues
- Repeated prompts for app updates

**Requested features**

- Notification system for new messages
- Ability to save message drafts
- Improved photo and video sharing capabilities
- Easier account management and fund transfers


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhatsApp Messenger free?

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

### Is GettingOut free?

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

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

WhatsApp Messenger is rated higher. WhatsApp Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19M ratings, while GettingOut averages 1.9 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do WhatsApp Messenger or GettingOut have ads?

Both WhatsApp Messenger and GettingOut show ads.

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

WhatsApp Messenger ships an update every 3 days, and GettingOut every 2 months. Most recently, WhatsApp Messenger was updated on September 24, 2026 and GettingOut on September 22, 2026.

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

WhatsApp Messenger currently peaks at #2 in the App Store charts, and GettingOut at #41. 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.*