eBuddy XMS vs. WhatApp... FIGHT!

Blackberry's BBM service may be popular, but it is limited to BB-to-BB messaging. iMessage maybe supported by a monstrous Apple, but again limited to iOS-to-iOS messaging. In our imperfect world of multiple mobile OS platforms, you can't seriously expect everyone to own multiple devices just so they can send free messages to all their friends, can you? Well, maybe some will answer, yes you can, but not all of us are so fortunate. That is where apps like eBuddy XMS and WhatsApp comes and save the day. Of course there are a thousand more apps out there that does similar functions, like Pingchat, Facebook Messenger, TextPlus, etc,  but these are my 2 favourites. I also wrote a review on Viber, that has also added text messaging functions, but its more popular for its free VoIP calls service. Check out that review here: [LINK]

But today, I'm going to compare just XMS (ver 2.0.1) and WhatsApp (ver 2.6.7) on the iPhone iOS (that's the only one i own)... jump in!

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First of all, you should know what these 2 apps does. If you don't, they are apps that lets you send text messages using your mobile data plan for free and not incur any SMS charges from your mobile service provider. Just like BBM and iMessage, although iMessage is undoubtedly the late comer in this battle ring. So why is it different from other apps like mobile Skype, MSN, Yahoo or IM+? Well, for one, you are not required to be visibly online in order to receive messages, just like your regular SMS. MSN, Yahoo and IM+ apps requires that you are online in order to receive push (live) messages. These 2 apps are available for iOS, Blackberry and Android platforms. WhatsApp is also available on Nokia (min. S60 3rd edition).

WhatsApp has been around longer than XMS, so it is much more popular compared to XMS. XMS meanwhile is new, but the developers are not new in the industry and have actually been around longer than WhatsApp. XMS's company eBuddy were primarily developing mobile apps for connecting to IM services (like MSN, Yahoo, AOL, etc) and has been around a long time. That is why they are more than capable to bring a competitive product into the market.

When loaded up, WhatsApp has a very generic iOS messaging interface. You will feel no difference than using the iPhone's SMS app. No themes are available but you can change the wallpaper in the chat windows. XMS meanwhile, has its own theme (metal feel) that is different from the stock SMS app. It also does not have customizable themes and it does not allow for wallpapers. They probably limit this so that loading speed is optimized. So its kind of a draw in this bout.

WhatsApp connect to your friends via your phonebook. All your contacts in your iPhone phonebook will show up in your WhatsApp contact list, but those contacts that have WhatsApp installed too, will have a status message next to their name. XMS meanwhile, only list friends that you have added in your contact list. It connects and identifies to your friends via Facebook, phone number and also an XMS pin (much like BB).  XMS wins.

In the sound alerts department WhatsApp's choices actually consists of iPhone's stock sounds, and less! XMS has a host of their own list of sounds available for choosing. I personally like unique sounds that lets me know that the message is from a certain app. So I personally prefer XMS's sound department. XMS wins.

Besides sending text, WhatsApp allows you to send pictures, audio note, sharing a contact and also sharing your location too. Although not very intuitive in its interface, it is functional. XMS has options for sending pictures and videos. No audio, contact or location sharing. WhatsApp wins.
UPDATE: As of version 2.2.1 of eBuddy XMS has included the location sharing feature. Take note that your recipient's XMS app will have to be updated as well else you will not be able to see this option.

WhatsApp and XMS has also incorporated group messaging features to their app. WhatsApp allows you to have up to 10 contacts in a group message, whereas XMS allows up to 30 contacts in a group message. The number of people in a group message is likely limited by their server's capabilities and XMS definitely shows it has better capability for the time being. But as of now, XMS wins.

WhatsApp and XMS relays messages that you send and receive via their servers, and it makes use of your internet connection (3G, GPRS or WiFi) to send or receives them. Without an internet connection, there is no way you can send them. And if their servers are down, you will also not be able to send them. WhatsApp will have its "Send" option blurred out if your device fails to connect to their server. XMS on the other hand will allow you to click send and once you are connected back to their server, will send it automatically. The XMS app also loads and connects to its server much quicker than WhatsApp does.  XMS wins.

In terms of stability of their servers, I have been using WhatsApp longer than I have XMS, and XMS servers seems to be much more stable. Probably due to the fact that their messages are stored in your device until their server is available, but it helps in the overall users experience. In using WhatsApp, I see at least twice a month of downtime if not more. XMS wins.


XMS has an additional features that is worth mentioning. They have taken the liberty to create a web interface if you want to message your contacts without taking out your mobile device. Their web interface found at https://web.ebuddyxms.com/ lets you communicate with your contact directly from your computer with the comfort of your full scale keyboard. What's good about this is that your conversation will also show up in your mobile device (all outgoing and incoming messages) so you won't miss anything while you're away from your computer. This in my opinion is a winning hand.

I like using XMS more now then I do with WhatsApp, but that's just me. You may want to give it a try if you haven't already done so. And while you consider these two contenders, take note that eBuddy XMS is FREE! While WhatsApp charges a measly US$0.99 for the app, free is always welcomed.

UPDATE 11/18/2011: eBuddy XMS 2.20 has been updated to support location sharing.