SMS or WhatsApp?
Two channels that answer different needs.
SMS runs on the mobile operators' network and works on every phone, including the oldest ones. WhatsApp is an app that travels over the internet, offers end-to-end encryption and far more features, but requires both parties to have installed it.
Point-by-point comparison
| Criterion | SMS | |
|---|---|---|
| What the recipient needs | A mobile phone, no app and no account | The app installed and an active account |
| Connection required | The mobile network alone, no data needed | An internet connection, over Wi-Fi or mobile data |
| Privacy | Not end-to-end encrypted; the operator can access it | End-to-end encrypted by default |
| Message format | 160 characters, text only | Long text, photos, video, documents, calls |
| Read rate | Direct notification, generally read very quickly | Depends on notifications and on app usage |
In short: which should you pick?
Choose SMS when you want certainty of reaching someone without knowing what they use, including on poor data coverage: an alert, a reminder, a short message to someone who is not in your contacts. Choose WhatsApp for an ongoing conversation, for sharing media, or when privacy comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMS encrypted like WhatsApp?+
No. SMS offers no end-to-end encryption: its content travels in the clear across the operator's network.
Does SMS work without an internet connection?+
Yes. SMS uses the operator's signalling network and arrives even when mobile data is switched off.
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