The 1.3.8 version of DesktopChat for WhatsApp for Mac is provided as a free download on our website. DesktopChat for WhatsApp for Mac lies within Communication Tools, more precisely Social & Blogging. Our built-in antivirus checked this Mac download and rated it as virus free. 1) iOS app is solid. 2) iOS and PC-Desktop app seamlessly mirror message and image exchanges. 3) Recently introduced PC-Desktop crashes occasionally (when updates come along) but it's getting better. 4) Tech support quick to respond and issues fixes.

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?

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Interface 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 Mac

Which 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 Desktop

Compared 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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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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The Web version of WhatsApp (WhatsApp Web) allows you to use WhatsApp on your Desktop and Laptop computer. You will find below the steps to use WhatsApp Web on PC and Mac.

Use WhatsApp Web on PC & Mac

The standout feature of WhatsApp web is that it works right away on your PC or Mac, without the need to download WhatsApp messenger software to your computer.

The drawback is that you still need a smartphone with an active WhatsApp Account, in order to use WhatsApp Web on your Windows computer or MacBook.

WhatsApp web basically duplicates or brings your WhatsApp Account from smartphone to the larger screen of your Windows computer or MacBook.

With this understanding, let us go ahead and take a look at the steps to use WhatsApp Web on PC and Mac.

1. Get WhatsApp on Your Phone

As mentioned above, you do need an active WhatsApp Account on your smartphone in order to use WhatsApp Web on PC or Mac.

If you do not yet have a WhatsApp Account, you can refer to our guide to setup and use WhatsApp on Android Phone and WhatsApp on iPhone.

2. Visit WhatsApp

Open Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera or the Edge browser browser on your computer and visit the WhatsApp’s official WhatsApp Web page.

Once you land on WhatsApp’s official WhatsApp Web page, you will see a QR Code on the screen of your computer, prompting you to scan the QR Code.

3. Scan QR Code With Your Phone

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone > tap on the 3-dots menu icon and select WhatsApp Web option in the drop-down menu.

2. Next, point the Rear Camera of your phone towards the QR Code located on the screen of your computer.

3. Once the QR Code appears on the screen of your phone, tap on OK, GOT IT to scan the QR Code.

4. Start Using WhatsApp on Computer

Whatsapp On Mac Desktop Vs Free Chat For Whatsapp Video Call

Once the QR Code is scanned by your phone, you will immediately see your WhatsApp Account and Messages on the screen of your computer.

Now, you can start using WhatsApp on your computer, just like you do on your iPhone or Android Phone.

Advantages of WhatsApp Web

1. It is faster to type on a full scale keyboard of your computer, compared to typing on a phone.

2. Your desktop has more processing power, memory and speed compared to a phone. This allows you to send, receive and download pictures and videos faster.

3. You can download media directly to your PC, without having to worry about the storage limit.

Whatsapp Call On Mac

Disadvantages of WhatsApp Web

1. You still need your mobile phone with an active WhatsApp Account, unless you make use of this workaround: Use WhatsApp on PC Without Mobile Phone.

2. You may end up using data both on your phone and computer, unless you make sure that you are using WiFi Network on your phone.

Web Whatsapp For Mac

3. It is not convenient to use Emoji’s as they are not mapped to your keyboard. You can still add them manually by using the Emoji keyboard available in the web interface

4. WhatsApp does not allow you to block users directly through the web interface. Also, you cannot change your profile picture or profile status while using the web interface.

5. WhatsApp Web interface does not allow you to start a new group chat or leave an existing group Chat.

Whatsapp On Mac Desktop Vs Free Chat For Whatsapp Pc

6. It is advisable not to use WhatsApp Web on a public computer – Well you certainly can use it, but make sure that you Logout of WhatsApp while leaving the public computer.