WhatsApp is an indispensable application for mobile phones and if you usually spend hours in front of the computer, using the popular messaging application on the PC is quite practical, as you can follow the messages at a glance and type much faster with your mobile phone. The physical keyboard of the computer. However, there are two options to have WhatsApp on your computer: Via WhatsApp Web or by installing the WhatsApp desktop app.

The web version is older than the desktop version, and although both are very similar in terms of interface and available functions (albeit with some key differences), there are scenarios where it is better to use one over the other.Which is better: WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop?It depends on what you are looking for and what you need.

WhatsApp Web vs WhatsApp Desktop: key differences

WhatsApp web (left) and WhatsApp desktop (right). Interface

Main difference between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop While the website works from the browser without having to install anything (just go to web.whatsapp.com), in the desktop version you will need to download the application to your computer. In the first case, just type web.whatsapp.com and in the second, go to the app store of your operating system or directly to the official WhatsApp website, where you can find the application for both Windows and MacOS. Now it’s time to pair it with a QR and not much else.

The interface of WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop is quite similarthere are few other variations on the aesthetic level, beyond the fact that in the web version the menu is in the upper left area, while on the desktop it is in a column to the far left. Since the icons and colors are almost the same, the harmony curve between one and the other is minimal.

In terms of functions, Most importantly, video calling and calling are possible with the desktop version.From here on it’s pretty much the same: you can create groups, check your profile, open archived or featured chats, log out, configure notifications (in the case of the browser version, they will go hand in hand with the permissions granted and will not appear as balloons), light and dark themes, wallpaper, blocked contacts.

When is it better to use WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop?

How to get either program can be a limiting factor: You need macOS 11 or later and Windows 10 or later to get the app. if you have an older version or are using a different operating systemthen you will have no choice but to use the web version.

As for the space the program takes up, it weighs only 150MB, so there shouldn’t be any issues with your computer’s storage. But it’s probably If you normally work online with multiple tabs open in your browseryou prefer to use the standalone application to reduce resource consumption.

Another scenario where it’s worth betting on one over the other is when you’re on a computer that doesn’t belong to you, such as when you’re in the office, at a call center, or when someone leaves you a computer. In that case, you’ll be more comfortable. choose to use the web version and not install anything. Of course, don’t forget to log out afterwards.

Switching to desktop version You will also be able to make your conversations and notifications independently.It can be useful to avoid getting lost with many tabs, sounds and notifications.

Finally, if you want to use WhatsApp on your computer make calls and video callsthen the choice is clear: the desktop version is what you need. It also has keyboard shortcuts that speed up the experience under heavy use.

Cover | Ricardo Aguilar Xataka Android

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