Ever since mobile data and wireless networks became commonplace, chat app development has grown with leaps and bounds. The mad rush to create a best messaging apps has gifted us with WhatsApp, BBM, WeChat and a host of other instant messaging apps that have literally pushed texting messaging to oblivion.
Coming to the topic of discussion – WhatsApp or BBM? Which is the best in chat app?
Ideally, a definite winner to this duel can never be found. WhatsApp and BBM are both instant messaging apps with their some common and some stark differences.
Let’s dissect each point of commonality and difference to find out which app serves the best in Real time Messaging?
Contents
WhatsApp vs BBM: How Each Fares in Registration & Setting up
WhatsApp is set up using a phone number. The setting up process begins be verifying a security code that is sent as a text message to the number to be registered. On verifying the security code, the app opens up and syncs all user contacts that are using WhatsApp. No passwords to log in or setting up saves time. There is a provision to change the number if desired.
BBM
BBM works on the concept of PIN numbers. Unlike WhatsApp which requires you give your phone number to others, BBM generates a unique PIN number other than your phone number. The downside of BBM is that you have to build your contacts list from ground up instead of the auto sync that WhatsApp provides. Contacts can be stored to the cloud for restoration when devices are swapped.
WhatsApp comes armed with tons of instant messaging capabilities like group chat, voice and video chat, emoticons, etc. WhatsApp’s evolution as a most preferred app for private communication owes to elaborate real-time messaging capabilities.
In WhatsApp, messages are indicated for delivery or read receipt as under:
● Timer: Message is being sent
● Single tick: Sent
● Double tick: Delivered but unread
● Double Tick in blue: Read
BBM
BBM steps up the competition with BBM Channels. Users can subscribe anonymously to specific channels from where content is streamed on a regular basis. Direct chat with channel owners and followers can also be enabled is desired.
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This is highly appreciated in a formal environment where users want to use the app exclusively for official and serious communication without much clutter. Unfortunately, BBM channels are currently unavailable on Android and iOS and are native only to BlackBerry devices.
BBM further builds muscle with other extra add-ons like to-do lists, event planning, larger group chats (more users can be added than WhatsApp).
As for message and read receipts, BBM offers a more or less similar visual hints like WhatsApp:
● Three signal bars: Message is being sent
● Tick Mark: Message successfully sent to server
● D: Message delivered to the receiver
● R: Message read by the receiver
The recent update in BBM also has a feature called Priority Messaging which shows messages sent as high priority in red.
WhatsApp vs BBM: Which is More Secure?
When it comes to security, WhatsApp seems to be at a loss. There were several instances when users found their private status, texts, etc. open to public viewing. Although the recent updates have plugged those security breaches and have also incorporate end-to-end encryption, the shadow of fear still lurks around in using WhatsApp.
As for BBM, it is reputed for its legendary security that is impregnable thanks to full encryption. BBM PIN further enhances the confidentiality of user by eliminating the need to share your contact number with a stranger.
WhatsApp vs BBM: What are the Available Platforms?
WhatsApp is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows and Symbian platforms. For Android phones, WhatsApp is compatible with phones running Android Eclair 2.1 and above. For iOS the version history is from 4.3. Further, WhatsApp cannot be installed on iPods or jailbroken iPhones. There is also a web version for WhatsApp that can be used on desktops, provided the user’s device stays connected to the network.
BlackBerry
Unlike WhatsApp, BlackBerry Messenger was released primarily for BlackBerry phones. With time Android and iOS versions were also released. BBM is currently available for BlackBerry iOS and Android 4.0 and upwards devices.
WhatsApp vs BBM: How Popular Are They?
According to Wikipedia, by February 2016, WhatsApp has crossed the 1 Billion user base milestone.
As of 2015, BBM enjoyed a massive 190 MIllion user base on a global scale. Post the recent update, there is a heavy possibility that this number would have tipped higher, although not as much as WhatsApp.
The bottomline is, higher the popularity of an app is, higher the probability of it being used by your friend or acquaintance. That makes it easy for communication, content sharing and even ensuring security in communication.
WhatsApp vs BBM: How Much Do They Cost?
WhatsApp is free. We know of no one who has ever paid for it. Although the app shows an occasional messaging citing the subscription needs to be renewed by paying a fee, it can always be removed by uninstalling and reinstalling the app. In short, WhatsApp remains as a free service and hopefully will continue to remain so.
BBM
BBM is also unconditionally free. In fact, BBM was the first to kickstart the free chat app economy.
WhatsApp vs BBM: Final Verdict
We can’t help but wish that there exists an app which gives the user-friendliness of WhatsApp and the security of BBM.
Well, if it is not there, then it can always be built. Does your business, enterprise or social circle need a custom-built text messaging app that merges the goodness of WhatsApp and BBM?
We happen to know something that will excite you. Check out Apphitect’s Instant Messaging Solution. It is a readymade instant messaging app building solution that brings together the might of WhatsApp and BBM in chat app development.