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Delta Chat vs WhatsApp

Delta Chat scores 24 out of 30 and WhatsApp scores 14. Delta Chat is ahead on footprint, lock-in, self-direction, power and longevity. WhatsApp is ahead on delivery.

Delta Chat

The small tool

24/30 · Leaning convivial

A chat app that runs on ordinary email, with no phone number needed.

The giant

14/30 · Mixed

The chat app three billion people can't easily leave.

Footprint

Lock-in

Self-direction

Power

Longevity

Delivery

Price

Free

Source

Open source

Closed source

Runs on

Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, web

Maker

M · Medium

XL · Extra large

What you give up by switching

Delta Chat sends messages over ordinary email, so it reaches anyone with an address, but your friends need to install it for the full chat experience, and the circle you can reach is small next to three billion.

How to move

Install it, add a friend by scanning their QR code, and keep WhatsApp running until your closest group follows.

Scores are our opinion on six questions from Ivan Illich, based on public sources and dated October 2026. Read the full reviews of Delta Chat and WhatsApp, or see how we score.

Also instead of WhatsApp: Signal.

Visit Delta Chat More tools for “chat with people”