Comparison
When your WhatsApp group has outgrown itself
WhatsApp groups are perfect for small, close groups. When dozens of people join, announcements get buried and everyone sees everyone's phone number. A duno network is built for that next stage.
Written October 2026. Products change — check each one's own site for current details.
What WhatsApp groups is
WhatsApp is a messaging app tied to phone numbers, with end-to-end encrypted chats, voice and video calls, and groups that admins can manage. Its Communities feature groups several chats together with an announcement channel. Almost everyone already has it on their phone.
What duno does differently
No phone numbers needed
People join with a duno account; members don't need to share their phone number to be in the network.
Announcements stay visible
Posts with comments and pinned posts mean the important message is still there tomorrow.
Moderation for bigger groups
Approve join requests with a question, appoint moderators, require post approval and ban people if needed.
Optional public page
If you want new people to find you, make the network public. If not, keep it private or hidden.
WhatsApp groups and duno side by side
| Feature | WhatsApp groups | duno |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Phone number | duno account (email) |
| Main format | Chat messages | Posts with comments, polls and pins |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | No |
| Voice and video calls | Yes | No |
| Approval of new members | Admin approval can be switched on | Yes, with a question you choose |
| Roles | Admins | Owner, admins, moderators |
| Public page that can be found | No | Optional |
| Works on | Phone app (plus desktop/web) | Any browser on phone or computer |
A general description, not a full feature list. "Generally" means it depends on settings, plans or tools you add.
When WhatsApp groups is the better choice
- It's a small group of people who know each other and mainly chat.
- You need calls, voice notes or end-to-end encryption.
- Everyone in your group already uses WhatsApp and replies there instantly.
When duno fits better
- The group has grown past the point where everyone knows everyone.
- People complain about missing important messages in the noise.
- You don't want members to see each other's phone numbers.
- You want moderators and approval for new members.
Trying duno alongside WhatsApp groups
- Create the networkPick a name and address at duno.com/net/your-name, choose public, private or hidden, and write your rules and a welcome message.
- Share the invite linkPost an invite link where your members already are. You can limit how many times it works and when it expires.
- Run both for a whilePin the important posts on duno and see where your members prefer to talk. Nothing stops you from using both.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave WhatsApp?
No. Many groups keep a small WhatsApp chat for urgent messages and move announcements and discussion to duno.
Is duno end-to-end encrypted?
No. Private networks are only visible to members, but duno is not an end-to-end encrypted messenger. For highly sensitive conversations, use an encrypted messenger.
Is there an app?
duno works in any browser and can be added to your home screen like an app.
How do people join?
Share an invite link in your WhatsApp group. People create a free account and join directly.
Is duno free?
Yes. Creating an account, creating networks, inviting members, posting jobs and asking questions are free. There are no paid plans and no ads in the feed.
Who runs a network on duno?
The person who creates it. Owners appoint admins and moderators, approve or decline join requests, remove or ban members and can transfer ownership. duno's own moderators only step in for content that breaks duno's terms.
Is this comparison neutral?
We wrote it as fairly as we could and list the cases where the other product is the better choice. Products change often, so check each one's own site for current features.