WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web are very similar messaging platforms, but there are some key differences between the two. At a high level, WhatsApp is a mobile app used on smartphones, while WhatsApp Web is accessed through a web browser on a computer. However, their functionality overlaps in many ways.
How WhatsApp Works
WhatsApp is a messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook) that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, voice messages, make video and voice calls, and share locations with contacts. It operates using an internet data connection like Wi-Fi or mobile data on smartphones. Some key features of WhatsApp:
- End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
- Group chats with up to 256 participants
- Ability to make voice and video calls
- Share locations, documents, contacts
- Supports sending messages internationally
WhatsApp is used by over 2 billion people worldwide and is one of the most popular messaging platforms globally. It is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones. The app must be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to use WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web provides desktop browser access to WhatsApp on computers. It mirrors the features and functionality of the WhatsApp mobile app through a web interface. With WhatsApp Web, users can send and receive WhatsApp messages, make calls, share media and do everything else they can on mobile on their computer’s web browser.
Some key aspects of WhatsApp Web:
- Accessed by going to web.whatsapp.com on a web browser
- Needs to scan a QR code using WhatsApp mobile app to link devices
- Syncs chat history and messages with mobile app in real-time
- Encrypted end-to-end, like WhatsApp mobile app
- Only one device can be active on WhatsApp Web at a time
WhatsApp Web provides a convenient way to use WhatsApp on a computer in addition to a smartphone. It is helpful for responding to messages when a phone is not accessible.
Major Differences
While WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web provide the same functionality, there are some key differences between the two platforms:
| WhatsApp Web | |
|---|---|
| Mobile app for smartphones | Web-based, used on computers |
| Runs as standalone app on device | Runs in web browser tab |
| Downloaded from app store | Accessed through web.whatsapp.com |
| Actively used on one mobile device | Mirrors phone app – messages sync in real-time |
| Uses mobile data or Wi-Fi | Requires computer with internet connection |
A few other notable differences:
- WhatsApp can be used independently on a smartphone without WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp Web requires linking to mobile app.
- Mobile has more features like doodling on images, stickers, payment services. Web has fewer multimedia features.
- WhatsApp Web cannot be used if phone has no connectivity. Mobile app can work over SMS if no internet.
- Mobile notifications are native. Web shows browser notifications.
- Calling on mobile uses phone’s mic and speaker. Web requires computer mic and speaker.
Advantages of WhatsApp Web
Here are some of the major advantages of using WhatsApp Web compared to just the mobile app:
- Larger screen – Easier to type messages and view media
- Faster typing – With a physical keyboard on computer
- Easy to share files from computer
- Can access WhatsApp without looking at phone
- View WhatsApp on multiple devices
- Use WhatsApp without consuming phone battery
WhatsApp Web provides a seamless way to extend WhatsApp to a desktop environment. It mirrors all notifications in real-time and lets users carry on conversations across devices.
Limitations of WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web also comes with some limitations compared to the mobile app:
- Requires an active internet connection on computer and mobile
- Mobile app has to be on and connected for Web to work
- Only one device can stay connected at a time
- No native desktop notifications, have to check browser tab
- Missing some mobile-only features like stickers or payment
- Can’t make or receive calls without computer mic and speaker
While WhatsApp Web expands WhatsApp to desktop, it still needs a smartphone to function. The mobile app provides the fuller range of features and flexibility as a standalone service.
Security
In terms of security, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web are identical. They both use end-to-end encryption to secure messages, calls, shared media, and information. Only the sender and recipient can read messages, not even WhatsApp or Meta can access message content.
Both platforms use the same Signal Protocol encryption standard developed by Open Whisper Systems. Keys are exchanged directly between devices when setting up WhatsApp. All data transferred is encrypted during transit and messages are encrypted on the sender and recipient devices.
The QR code scan during WhatsApp Web setup transfers encrypted data between the mobile device and browser. This allows seamless syncing without compromising security. Users do not have to worry about privacy when using WhatsApp Web.
Using WhatsApp Web
To use WhatsApp Web, follow these simple steps:
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer’s browser
- On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > WhatsApp Web
- Point the phone’s camera at the QR code on the Web screen and scan it
- Confirm the pairing on your phone. WhatsApp Web will now start syncing
- Any new messages will appear on both phone and computer
- To unlink, go to WhatsApp Web > Log Out From All Computers on your phone
Using WhatsApp Web is quick and easy. It allows seamless messaging between mobile and desktop environments.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web offer the same functionality, there are some differences in their platform, features and usage. WhatsApp is a standalone mobile app while WhatsApp Web mirrors the mobile experience on desktop browsers. Both platforms offer encrypted messaging and calling with seamless syncing.
WhatsApp Web expands WhatsApp to PCs but still relies on a mobile device connection. The mobile app has some exclusive features but Web offers larger screens and desktop keyboards for easier use. Both serve different purposes and usage scenarios for messaging through WhatsApp.