WhatsApp has been the go-to messaging app for billions of users worldwide, thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and end-to-end encryption. However, third-party alternatives like WhatsApp Plus have emerged, promising additional features and customization. This raises the question: Is WhatsApp Plus better than the original WhatsApp? In this article, we compare both versions in terms of features, user experience, security, and legality.
WhatsApp Plus is a modified version (or “mod”) of the official WhatsApp application. It was created by independent developers who added new features and customization options not available in the original app. WhatsApp Plus is not available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store; instead, it must be downloaded as an APK file from third-party websites.
While WhatsApp Plus offers advanced features, it is not an official version and operates without approval or affiliation with WhatsApp.
Features: WhatsApp vs. WhatsApp Plus
Customization Options
One of the biggest advantages of WhatsApp Plus over the official WhatsApp is its customization capabilities. WhatsApp Plus allows users to change the appearance of the app, including themes, fonts, colors, and chat backgrounds. With thousands of themes to choose from, users can personalize their messaging experience in ways that are not possible with the standard WhatsApp.
In contrast, the official WhatsApp has limited customization. Users can only choose light or dark mode and basic wallpaper options, making it less appealing to those who prioritize personalization.
Privacy Settings
WhatsApp Plus offers additional privacy features, such as the ability to hide online status, blue ticks, and typing indicators. Users can also disable the “last seen” visibility for specific contacts while keeping it enabled for others.
While the official WhatsApp also allows users to hide their last seen and read receipts, these settings apply universally to all contacts, limiting flexibility.
Additional Features
WhatsApp Plus includes extra features like sending larger media files, increasing the video size limit, and forwarding messages to more contacts at once. It also supports automatic message scheduling and the ability to send uncompressed images, preserving original quality.
The standard WhatsApp imposes restrictions on file sizes and forwarding limits to reduce spam and maintain server performance.
User Experience
The user interface of WhatsApp Plus is similar to the official WhatsApp, ensuring familiarity for new users. However, the additional features can sometimes make the app feel overwhelming or cluttered, especially for users who prefer simplicity.
The official WhatsApp, on the other hand, provides a clean and streamlined experience, making it ideal for users who value ease of use and minimalism.
Security and Legality Concerns
One of the most significant drawbacks of WhatsApp Plus is the lack of security. Unlike the official WhatsApp, which uses end-to-end encryption to protect messages, WhatsApp Plus does not guarantee the same level of protection. This puts users at risk of data breaches, hacking, or unauthorized access.
Additionally, WhatsApp Plus is not an official app, and using it violates WhatsApp’s terms of service. Users who download and use WhatsApp Plus run the risk of having their accounts temporarily or permanently banned.
Conclusion: Which One is Better?
Whether WhatsApp Plus is better than the original WhatsApp depends on individual preferences. If you prioritize advanced customization and additional features, WhatsApp Plus may seem more appealing. However, these advantages come at the cost of security, reliability, and potential account bans.
For most users, the official WhatsApp remains the better choice due to its robust security, end-to-end encryption, and official support. While it may lack the extensive features of WhatsApp Plus, its reliability and compliance with legal standards make it the safer and more practical option.