Dino
6.2#27 in encrypted messaging appsFree planFree planLinux
VisitDino vs WhatsApp
What both publish
| Fact | Dino | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | The site describes Dino as a desktop chat client for people seeking a private Jabber/XMPP experience. | WhatsApp says more than 3 billion people in over 180 countries use it to stay in touch with friends and family. |
| Calls | The home page says Dino supports peer-to-peer, end-to-end encrypted video calls and conferences compatible with other XMPP applications. | Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, have no time limits, and work one-to-one or in groups across iOS, Android, and web. |
| Encryption | Dino supports end-to-end encryption using OMEMO or OpenPGP; the site says only the user and chat partners can read encrypted messages. | WhatsApp says end-to-end encryption prevents anyone else, including WhatsApp, from reading personal messages or listening to calls. |
| End-to-end encryption | The site says chats stay unencrypted only on the user’s computer and that OMEMO or OpenPGP encryption lets only the user and chat partners read them. | WhatsApp states that personal messages, calls, photos and other content are protected with end-to-end encryption. |
| File sharing | The Dino 0.5 release added previews or file details before downloading and upload or download progress; the new transfer method is currently used only for unencrypted transfers. | WhatsApp allows free document transfers up to 2GB without compression. |
| Messaging | Dino is built on XMPP, a decentralized standard for instant messaging, and supports communication through a federated network. | Chats support text formatting, stickers, GIFs, emoji reactions, voice notes and video notes. |
| Platforms | The distribution packages page lists release packages for Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Ubuntu, Alpine, Gentoo, Guix, NixOS, Void Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. | Downloads are listed for iPad, Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and the site also offers browser access. |
| Privacy controls | Users can disable read and typing notifications globally or for specific contacts. | Privacy features include locked chats, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, controls for online visibility, and options to block unknown callers. |
Dino plans
- DinoFree
WhatsApp plans
- WhatsAppFree
- WhatsApp Business appFree
- WhatsApp MessengerFree
- WhatsApp Business PlatformPriced on request
Pick Dino if…
Dino suits Linux users looking for a private Jabber/XMPP chat client, especially those who want federated messaging or the option to host their own server. Its privacy controls and encrypted calls may also suit people who want more control over notifications and conversation privacy.
Pick WhatsApp if…
WhatsApp suits people who want a free way to message and call across phones, computers, and the web. It also offers business features for showcasing products and services and building customer relationships.