Applications

WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop: differences between accessing from the browser or the computer application

If we are using the computer, WhatsApp Web is the most comfortable way to chat with our WhatsApp contacts without having to change devices all the time. At first it could only be accessed from the browser, but for a few years we also have the desktop application available. Which is better?

Although the experience is practically the same whether we access WhatsApp from the browser as if we do it from the desktop programThere are some nuances that can tip the balance in favor of one or the other, always depending on the needs of each one. These are the differences of WhatsApp Web depending on how we use it

Accessing WhatsApp from the web or the app

Whatsapp Web App 01

As we have already mentioned, the first difference is the way we access the service. In the case of using WhatsApp Web, it is enough that we enter web.whatsapp.com from the browser, while if we opt for the app we will have to download it and then install it on our computer. The application is available on the official WhatsApp website for both Windows and MacOS.

This is the only difference in terms of access, since afterwards the system is identical; we will have to scan the qr code with the mobile and our account will be linked to the computer.

Interface

Whatsapp Web

WhatsApp desktop vs WhatsApp Web

At the interface level we do not have any notable difference. On the left are the last chats, the search section and various icons from where we can access the statuses, open a new chat or access the configuration options and other settings. The only difference is that the new chat icon is different, with a + symbol for the desktop version and a message icon for the browser version.

Menu and settings

Whatsapp Web App

Speaking of the menu, there are no differences between the two options either. Here we can create a new group or room, check our profile, open archived or featured chats, enter Settings or close the session.

Whatsapp Web App 05

Regarding the settings menu, we do not have as many options as on mobile, but it allows us to control desktop notifications, the light or dark theme, the wallpaper and the blocked contacts. Here there is a difference and that is that the option ‘Desktop Settings’ only appears if we install the app. What we can do here is configure WhatsApp to open automatically when we start the computer.

Notifications

Whatsapp Web

Notification from WhatsApp Web (top) and WhatsApp desktop (bottom).

The two versions will show us notifications with each new message, with the only difference being that it indicates whether it comes from Google Chrome (or whatever browser it is) or from the application. Of course, in the case of accessing from the browser you have to give permission so that you can show us these notifications.

Whatsapp Web App

What we lose in the web version is power see the number of unread messages in the application icon on the taskbar. If you prefer to have the sound deactivated, it is very good not to miss any alerts.

Calls and video calls

As you can see, so far the differences are rather minimal, but there is a function that tips the balance in favor of the desktop app. It is about calls and video calls, a feature that until a while ago was only available in the mobile app but that now we can also enjoy on the computer.

Whatsapp Web

To be able to make a voice call or a video call, we just have to enter the chat we want and click on the corresponding icon in the upper right corner of the window. Be sure to have the speaker and mic set up correctly, you can do it by pressing the button with the three dots that appears next to the hang up button.

And good?

As we said at the beginning, the choice of which version to choose depends on the needs of each moment. For example, in my case, I have the program installed on my computer because that way I don’t load the browser so much, which already has quite a few tabs open as normal. What’s more, it barely weighs 150 MB so there is no space problem. However, WhatsApp Web comes much better if I enter from the laptop or another computer that is not mine. I don’t have to download anything and after logging out, just close the browser tab.

What is clear is that if you want to make video calls, you have to download the program since this option does not exist in the browser. Of course, if you don’t need them, perhaps the web version is the most interesting for you. And you, which one do you prefer?

Related Articles

Back to top button