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Software · head to head

WhatsApp vs Canva

WhatsApp logo

WhatsApp

Software

Simple. Reliable. Private.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Canva logo

Canva

Software

Design anything. Publish anywhere.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: WhatsApp consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply; Canva requires active internet connection, no offline editing capability
  • They diverge on capability: WhatsApp covers Text messaging, Canva covers Drag-and-drop editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which WhatsApp and Canva actually diverge.

Attributes where WhatsApp and Canva differ
AttributeWhatsAppCanva
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Windows, Macos, Ios, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20092013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in WhatsApp

  • Text messaging
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • Group chats
  • Status updates
  • File sharing
  • Voice messages
  • Location sharing

Only in Canva

  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Templates library
  • Stock photos & elements
  • Text effects
  • Animation
  • Collaboration
  • Brand kit
  • Resize tool

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

WhatsApp

  • Personal messagingnot Canva
  • Family communicationnot Canva
  • Business communicationnot Canva
  • Group coordinationnot Canva
  • International callingnot Canva

Canva

  • Social media graphicsnot WhatsApp
  • Presentationsnot WhatsApp
  • Marketing materialsnot WhatsApp
  • Documentsnot WhatsApp
  • Video editingnot WhatsApp

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

WhatsApp

  • Consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply

Canva

  • Requires active internet connection, no offline editing capability
  • No vector pen tool or advanced vector editing features
  • No CMYK color management or print-ready bleed controls
  • Cannot export to PSD (Photoshop) or AI (Illustrator) formats
  • Large user base means many templates see repeated use, reducing design uniqueness

Pricing, plan by plan

WhatsApp

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited messaging
    • Voice and video calls
    • Group chats up to 1024 people

Canva

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1.6M+ templates
    • 5GB storage
    • 50 AI credits/month
  • Pro$18/month
    • 141M+ premium assets
    • Magic Studio
    • 500 AI credits/month
  • Business$25/user-month
    • Unlimited brand kits
    • Team collaboration

Which should you pick?

Choose WhatsApp if

  • You need text messaging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android.
  • You also want voice calls.
WhatsApp review

Choose Canva if

  • You need drag-and-drop editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want templates library.
Canva review

Questions people ask

Is WhatsApp or Canva better?
Neither clearly leads. WhatsApp starts at Free and Canva at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, WhatsApp or Canva?
WhatsApp starts at Free and Canva at Free.
Does WhatsApp or Canva run on more platforms?
WhatsApp runs on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android. Canva runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use WhatsApp for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is WhatsApp best used for?
WhatsApp is most often used for personal messaging, family communication, business communication, group coordination. Of those, personal messaging and family communication are not what Canva is typically brought in for.
What can WhatsApp do that Canva cannot?
WhatsApp covers Text messaging, Voice calls, Video calls, Group chats. Canva covers Drag-and-drop editor, Templates library, Stock photos & elements, Text effects.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Canva: Is Canva really free?

Yes. The free plan is permanent with no trial or credit card required. It includes 1.6M+ templates, 5GB storage, 50 Magic Studio AI credits/month, and basic collaboration.

Source
Canva: What requires internet connection?

Canva is web-based and requires an active internet connection to use. It cannot be used offline and may experience slowness or freezing on poor connections.

Source
Canva: Can I export to professional formats like PSD or AI?

No. Canva does not support export to Adobe PSD or Illustrator AI formats. Export options are limited to PNG, PDF, MP4, and other basic formats.

Source
Canva: How many AI credits do I get?

Free tier includes 50 Magic Studio credits per month for AI image generation, copywriting, and background removal. Pro and higher tiers get 500 credits/month.

Source
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