WhatsApp has been free for over a decade. No ads in chats, no subscription fees, no paywalls. But that’s slowly starting to change — and Meta’s latest move might surprise you.
The company is now testing WhatsApp Plus, a paid subscription that unlocks extra features for users who want more control over how their app looks and feels. It’s not replacing the free version — but it is asking you to pay for things that, honestly, some apps already give for free.
So is it worth it? Let’s break it down properly.
What is WhatsApp Plus?
WhatsApp Plus is a paid feature inside WhatsApp. To use WhatsApp Plus, you need to subscribe to its premium plan. This subscription includes many new features designed to improve the user experience. Some of the main features are:
Customize themes and colors:
You can completely change the look of WhatsApp with different colors, styles, and full app themes.
More pinned chats:
Normally, you can pin only a few chats, but with WhatsApp Plus, you can pin up to 20 chats, keeping important conversations at the top.
Custom app icons:
You can change the WhatsApp icon on your phone with different designs and styles.
Extra ringtones and sounds:
This feature adds special ringtones and notification sounds that are not available in the normal version.
Premium stickers:
You get access to premium sticker packs in WhatsApp Plus, and some stickers may also include simple animations or effects.
Easier chat settings:
You can manage chats in a more organized way. For example, you can
- Set one theme for multiple chats
- Use the same notification sound for groups
- Keep everything more organized
Overall, it’s a simple but useful update for users who want more control and customization in their messaging experience.
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How much does it cost?
Right now, WhatsApp is testing this feature, so not everyone has it yet. But the expected price is:
- Around PKR 229 per month in Pakistan
- Around €2.49 per month in some countries
- Some users might also get a free trial.
Regarding the plan, it is expected to be available as a monthly subscription that users can renew. The subscription renews every month, and users can cancel it manually if they want to discontinue it. However, users may face issues if they try to cancel on the same day or just a day before renewal, so it is usually recommended to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, WhatsApp may offer a one-month free trial for some users.
When will it be available?
Right now, it is available to only a small number of users, mostly Android users, because it is still in the limited testing phase. So if you don’t see it yet, that is normal. Once the testing is complete, the feature will be rolled out to all users.
WhatsApp is likely to add more features to WhatsApp Plus Premium in the future. Users may also receive notifications when new features become available.
Personal Opinion
Honestly, the features are nice but nothing groundbreaking right now. Changing your app color and pinning 20 chats isn’t exactly life-changing. That said, Meta has hinted they’ll keep adding more features over time — so what feels basic today might become genuinely useful six months from now. For PKR 229, it’s a low-risk thing to try, especially if there’s a free trial available in your region.
FAQ
Is WhatsApp Plus the same as the old modded WhatsApp Plus APK? No, and this is something a lot of people are confused about. The old “WhatsApp Plus” was an unofficial, third-party modified app that could get your account banned. This new WhatsApp Plus is the official paid subscription by Meta itself — completely safe and built right into the original app.
Will WhatsApp become fully paid in the future? Not anytime soon. Meta has been very clear that core features — messaging, calls, groups, and end-to-end encryption — will stay free for everyone. The Plus plan is just an optional add-on for people who want extras.
Is WhatsApp Plus available in Pakistan right now? Not for everyone yet. It’s currently in a limited testing phase, mostly for Android users. But the expected price for Pakistan is around PKR 229 per month, which is honestly not bad if you’re someone who loves customizing your apps.
Can I cancel WhatsApp Plus anytime? Yes, but do it at least 24 hours before your renewal date to avoid getting charged for the next month. You can manage it directly through Settings → Subscriptions → WhatsApp Plus.
Is WhatsApp Plus worth it? If you just use WhatsApp for chatting and calls, you probably don’t need it. But if you’re someone who likes their apps to look a certain way — custom colors, unique icons, different notification sounds — then PKR 229 a month is a pretty small price for that level of personalization (personalization = making something feel uniquely yours).
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp Plus is basically for people who like to customize their apps and make them look different.
- If you like simple WhatsApp, you don’t need it.
- If you like styling and personalization, then it might be interesting for you.
