Currently ranked as the world's most popular instant messaging app, WhatsApp needs no introduction. The app can be used both on mobile and PC. Unlike mobile, however, WhatsApp can be used on a computer in two different ways: WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop. Both are efficient for accessing WhatsApp on a PC, but which should you use, and why?
For starters, WhatsApp Web is the web interface of the instant messaging platform that can be accessed on a computer using a web browser. WhatsApp Desktop is a standalone app that you can install on your Windows or Mac. Summarily, WhatsApp Web is a browser-based version of WhatsApp while WhatsApp Desktop is the WhatsApp app for computers. But what's more?
WhatsApp Messenger: More than 2 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world. FreeChat for WhatsApp uses the WhatsApp web app to its advantage, and allows you to have all of your WhatsApp conversations on your desktop in the form of a native application that runs in the OS X environment. According to the app description, the following features are supported:. Drag and drop photos and enjoy group conversations. WhatsApp Notifications for Windows 10 or MAC os. Windows 10 start to support notification feature like MAC os. WhatsApp already integrated this notification feature with their WebApp. Turn on Desktop notification option can be found at the left side bar of the WhatsApp web version. Download WhatsApp Desktop for Windows. Download WhatsApp Desktop for Mac. Which One Uses More Memory. Comparing the memory usage of both the interfaces produced some interesting results.
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Read MoreInterface and Functionality
Both the WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop are designed similarly such that they both have (almost) the same design, features, and messaging experience. On both interfaces, buttons, tools, and icons are arranged similarly. Design-wise, the WhatsApp Web offers the same aesthetics as WhatsApp Desktop.
In terms of functionality, WhatsApp Desktop trumps WhatsApp Web. For the latter, keyboard shortcuts are limited and not supported. Only users of the WhatsApp Desktop app will be able to utilize WhatsApp keyboard shortcuts to change message read status, mute chats, move between chats, and lot more.
Keyboard shortcut aside, every other thing (design and functionality) remains the same.
Availability: Where Can You Get Them
WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop are usable by anyone with a WhatsApp account. To use WhatsApp Web, all that's required is to visit the WhatsApp Web portal on your browser and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
For WhatsApp Desktop, you'd have to download and install the app's setup file on your computer. After installation, the next step is to link your WhatsApp account to the desktop app by scanning a QR code using the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
Download WhatsApp Desktop for WindowsDownload WhatsApp Desktop for MacWhich One Uses More Memory
Comparing the memory usage of both the interfaces produced some interesting results. For WhatsApp Web, the Microsoft Edge browser was used to experiment because it generally uses less memory than Chrome. With my WhatsApp account running actively on a single tab on the Microsoft Edge browser, an average of 260 - 300MB was used.
Note: It is important to state that ongoing activities (e.g., Status update, incoming messages, etc.) within the WhatsApp Web on your browser could interfere with the level of memory consumption. For this experiment, however, messaging activities were kept minimal and constant.For WhatsApp Desktop, memory usage average between 210 - 260MB. Albeit the margin isn't too wide, the memory consumption of the WhatsApp Desktop app is relatively lower than WhatsApp Web.
Requirements: What Do You Need
Both the WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop interfaces require that you have WhatsApp installed on your mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) before you can use them. Additionally, your phone must have an active internet connection.
A web browser and an active internet connection are all you need to use WhatsApp Web on your computer. WhatsApp recommends Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browsers.
For the WhatsApp Desktop, only computers running the Windows 8 (or higher) or macOS 10.10 (or higher) will be able to install the app. You do not need to worry about the requirements. As soon as you visit the download section on WhatsApp's website, your computer's OS version will be automatically determined, and a download link for the WhatsApp Desktop app will be provided.
Download WhatsApp DesktopCompared to the WhatsApp app on your smartphone, here are some of the features missing on both the WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web.
- Voice calls.
- Video calls (Individual and Group video calls).
- Status Upload — you cannot upload/update status on the web interfaces of WhatsApp. However, viewing your contact's status update(s) is supported.
If you intend doing any of the above, you have to use the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
Which One Should You Use
Should you install the WhatsApp Desktop app on your computer, or should you stick to using WhatsApp Web on your browser? Well, it all depends on how often you use your PC, how often you use WhatsApp on your PC, and if you have special needs.
If you are a heavy WhatsApp user (on your PC, that is), installing the WhatsApp Desktop client makes more sense. One, you get access to keyboard shortcuts that can help boost your productivity. Secondly, your PC would have spare RAM to run other processes since WhatsApp Desktop consumes lesser memory. Lastly, WhatsApp Desktop is time-saving and convenient.
WhatsApp Web is perfect for one-time or occasional usage, say you need to send a file on your computer to a coworker via WhatsApp.
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Read More
Usage Frequency Is a Major Determinant
WhatsApp Desktop is recommended for individuals or businesses who heavily use WhatsApp on their computers for communication. That's said, it's not the perfect solution. A loophole in WhatsApp Desktop app allowed developers to fetch user details as the recent but known vulnerable version of Chrome 69, Google's Chrome browser engine, was used to make the app. The browser-based WhatsApp Web, on the other hand, would suffice for those who briefly or barely use WhatsApp on their computers.
Next up:Got a message from an unknown number on WhatsApp Web and want to save it? Follow the guide in the article below to learn how to add new contacts using WhatsApp Web.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Add New Contacts to WhatsApp Using WhatsApp WebAlso SeeHow to Send Screenshots on WhatsApp Web #comparison
Did You Know
Ray Tomlinson is credited as the first person to send an email message.
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Which One Should You Use
Should you install the WhatsApp Desktop app on your computer, or should you stick to using WhatsApp Web on your browser? Well, it all depends on how often you use your PC, how often you use WhatsApp on your PC, and if you have special needs.
If you are a heavy WhatsApp user (on your PC, that is), installing the WhatsApp Desktop client makes more sense. One, you get access to keyboard shortcuts that can help boost your productivity. Secondly, your PC would have spare RAM to run other processes since WhatsApp Desktop consumes lesser memory. Lastly, WhatsApp Desktop is time-saving and convenient.
WhatsApp Web is perfect for one-time or occasional usage, say you need to send a file on your computer to a coworker via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp vs WhatsApp Business App: What's the Difference
Read MoreUsage Frequency Is a Major Determinant
WhatsApp Desktop is recommended for individuals or businesses who heavily use WhatsApp on their computers for communication. That's said, it's not the perfect solution. A loophole in WhatsApp Desktop app allowed developers to fetch user details as the recent but known vulnerable version of Chrome 69, Google's Chrome browser engine, was used to make the app. The browser-based WhatsApp Web, on the other hand, would suffice for those who briefly or barely use WhatsApp on their computers.
Next up:Got a message from an unknown number on WhatsApp Web and want to save it? Follow the guide in the article below to learn how to add new contacts using WhatsApp Web.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Add New Contacts to WhatsApp Using WhatsApp WebAlso SeeHow to Send Screenshots on WhatsApp Web #comparison
Did You Know
Ray Tomlinson is credited as the first person to send an email message.
More in Windows
3 Best Fixes for Android MicroSD Card Not Showing up on PC
While the popular messaging system WhatsApp is specifically designed for use on mobile phones, it can also be used on the larger screen of your Mac. You will find below the steps to use WhatsApp on Mac.
Use WhatsApp on Mac
Whatsapp On Mac Desktop Vs Free Chat For Whatsapp Video Call
The main advantage of using WhatsApp on Mac is that you will be able to make use of the large storage capacity on your Mac to download WhatsApp Images and Videos.
Similarly, you will be able to send large documents, images and files directly from your Mac to others using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp on Mac is basically an extension or mirror image of your WhatsApp Account as available on your mobile Phone.
In other words, you will still require your iPhone or Android Phone running WhatsApp to be placed close to your Mac, in order to get WhatsApp running on your Mac.
Note: In case you do not have WhatsApp on iPhone, you can refer to this guide: How to Setup and Use WhatsApp on iPhone.
Steps to Get WhatsApp on Mac
Follow the steps below to get WhatsApp on Mac using either the default Safari or Chrome Browser on your Mac.
1. Open Safari or Chrome browser on your Mac and go to Web.Whatsapp.com
2. You will see a webpage with WhatsApp QR Code and instructions to Scan the QR Code using your smartphone.
3. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone > tap on Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop option in the slide-up menu.
4. On the next screen, you will be prompted to scan the QR Code. Tap on OK. Got it and use the Rear Camera of your iPhone to Scan the QR Code displayed on the screen of your Mac.
5. Once the QR Code is scanned by your iPhone or Android Phone you will immediately see all your WhatsApp Messages being populated on the screen of your Mac.
As mentioned above, you will basically see a large screen version of your entire WhatsApp Account and you will be able to send and receive WhatsApp Messages, just like you do on your smartphone.
How to Logout of WhatsApp on Mac
After using WhatsApp on Mac, make sure that you Log Out of WhatsApp on Mac. Just closing the browser tab on Mac will still keep you logged-in to WhatsApp, allowing others to see your WhatsApp Messages.
To Log Out of WhatsApp on Mac, click on the 3-dots menu icon and click on Log Out option in the drop-down menu.
In case you forget to Log Out of WhatsApp on Mac, you can use your iPhone or Android Phone to remotely Logout of WhatsApp on Mac.
1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone
2. Tap on Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
Whatsapp On Mac Desktop Vs Free Chat For Whatsapp Chat
4. On the next screen, tap on Log out from all Computers link.
