Twitter Client War: Twhirl vs. TweetDeck

February 10, 2009 By

Last night Loic Le Meur released a new version of Twhirl.

How does it compare to TweetDeck?

“Scoble, you’re using some weird language here.”

Yeah, if you aren’t a Twitter addict you can skip this post.

So, why compare just TweetDeck to Twhirl? Especially when there are dozens of tools to use with Twitter?

Because I listen to the people who I am following and these are the two I see getting discussed all the time. If you want me to review another tool well, get more people to talk about it!

So, anyway, now that we’ve covered my gatekeeping function, why choose one tool over another?

TweetDeck appeals to those who have to watch Twitter all day long. Journalists. Customer support people who’ve been tasked with making sure that everyone on Twitter is happy. And addicts like me.

TweetDeck is a dominant mode app. It takes over your entire screen. I have it running on an old MacBookPro that is toward the end of its life (had the crud beat out of it) and that’s all that machine does: run TweetDeck. It has several columns. The first on my screen shows all my friends that I’m following. The second shows me replies from people who put “@scobleizer” into their Tweets. The third has direct messages that are sent specifically to me. The fourth has a search for “Scoble.” Fifth has a search for “Scobleizer.” Hey, I’m an egotistical baaahhhhssssttttaaarrrrdddd, so sue me. But then the next few columns are things that are interesting to me “Cloud Computing.” “Google.” “TechCrunch.” “Ted.”

You can see how that would be useful for, say, someone who worked at a big company and needed to track everything said about her company, her competitors, and the space her company works in.

I’ve got to admit, I use TweetDeck more often because I like the layout of columns and the fact that it takes over my whole screen.

So, now we come to Twhirl. First, you should know that Twhirl was purchased by Seesmic, which is a video conversation tool. So that’s one thing you’ll notice right away about Twhirl: it’s the best way to do Seesmic videos.

Twhirl also has more features than Tweetdeck. It sends messages to ping.fm, for instance, which will redistribute your Tweets onto other services like friendfeed and facebook.

Lots of people will like the fact that Twhirl looks more like an IM client window and does NOT take over your whole desktop.

So, which one do you like the best?

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  • http://www.alex.com-palavras.com/ alexandremrj

    I tried twirl and figured that for that I will use the pidgin plugin and simply update twitter from my IM.

    I really like TweetDeck because of the column layout but then I have no problems with space – my second monitor runs TweetDeck and IM and the music player.

    I think TweetDeck has to update and use themes but for addicts on Twitter it beats Twhirl.

  • http://www.alex.com-palavras.com alexandremrj

    I tried twirl and figured that for that I will use the pidgin plugin and simply update twitter from my IM.

    I really like TweetDeck because of the column layout but then I have no problems with space – my second monitor runs TweetDeck and IM and the music player.

    I think TweetDeck has to update and use themes but for addicts on Twitter it beats Twhirl.

  • http://www.geekfridge.com/ Michael Gaines

    Twhirl is best if you have more than one account to follow.
    Tweetdeck is best if you have only one account to follow.

    That said, Tweetdeck still needs some improvement which I was told were coming, but never did. For example: the ability for the app to alert you ONLY when you get an @ or a DM. I’d also like some more control over the sizes of my columns.

    But since I track 4 accounts (2 Twitter, 1 Seesmic, 1 FF), I stick with Twhirl.

  • http://www.geekfridge.com Michael Gaines

    Twhirl is best if you have more than one account to follow.
    Tweetdeck is best if you have only one account to follow.

    That said, Tweetdeck still needs some improvement which I was told were coming, but never did. For example: the ability for the app to alert you ONLY when you get an @ or a DM. I’d also like some more control over the sizes of my columns.

    But since I track 4 accounts (2 Twitter, 1 Seesmic, 1 FF), I stick with Twhirl.

  • http://markaw.com/ markaw

    Giving me the ability to upload/host video on Tweetdeck and I’ve just reached heaven.

  • http://markaw.com markaw

    Giving me the ability to upload/host video on Tweetdeck and I’ve just reached heaven.

  • http://winksite.mobi/pswansen/paulsmobile Paul W. Swansen

    I don’t use either program as neither one works on either my Intel iMac or my Netbook.

  • http://winksite.mobi/pswansen/paulsmobile Paul W. Swansen

    I don’t use either program as neither one works on either my Intel iMac or my Netbook.

  • http://twitter.com/jeremey Jeremey Barrett

    TweetDeck for me. I really dislike AIR apps (would prefer Mac-native), but TweetDeck is what I need to function on Twitter. I have several major interests and corresponding networks (locals, coffee, software, social media, …) on Twitter, and being able to separate those into groups is invaluable. It’s the difference between missing most of what’s going on and being able to keep up and interact.

    TweetDeck needs some UI tweaks and additional granular configuration, but it’s such a good tool that I overlook those things.

  • http://twitter.com/jeremey Jeremey Barrett

    TweetDeck for me. I really dislike AIR apps (would prefer Mac-native), but TweetDeck is what I need to function on Twitter. I have several major interests and corresponding networks (locals, coffee, software, social media, …) on Twitter, and being able to separate those into groups is invaluable. It’s the difference between missing most of what’s going on and being able to keep up and interact.

    TweetDeck needs some UI tweaks and additional granular configuration, but it’s such a good tool that I overlook those things.

  • Rik

    Tweetdeck hands down. Priceless features to me are:
    1) Ability to divide my tweeps into groups.
    2) Ability to mark tweets as read and clear.
    3) Separate cols for replies, dm & the rest.

  • Rik

    Tweetdeck hands down. Priceless features to me are:
    1) Ability to divide my tweeps into groups.
    2) Ability to mark tweets as read and clear.
    3) Separate cols for replies, dm & the rest.

  • http://www.zatznotfunny.com Dave Zatz

    I don’t want Twitter taking over my entire screen or my entire life. I’m very happy with TwitterFox. It’s a Firefox plugin. It’s ever-present, but inconspicuous until I call for it. Probably not suitable for the number of folks Scoble interacts with, but great for the rest of us.

  • http://www.zatznotfunny.com Dave Zatz

    I don’t want Twitter taking over my entire screen or my entire life. I’m very happy with TwitterFox. It’s a Firefox plugin. It’s ever-present, but inconspicuous until I call for it. Probably not suitable for the number of folks Scoble interacts with, but great for the rest of us.

  • http://PT13.co.cc/ PT

    DestroyTwitter here since I first read about it…

    But between tweetdeck and twhirl, I have to say Tweetdeck

  • http://PT13.co.cc PT

    DestroyTwitter here since I first read about it…

    But between tweetdeck and twhirl, I have to say Tweetdeck

  • http://www.u-g-h.com/ owen

    Has to be Twhirl for me. Twitter is something I do alongside the rest of my life .. it’s NOT the whole of my life ..

  • http://www.u-g-h.com owen

    Has to be Twhirl for me. Twitter is something I do alongside the rest of my life .. it’s NOT the whole of my life ..

  • http://cyclingroo.wordpress.com/ Lorin Olsen

    I use both. Tweetdeck is fantastic when I am immersed in Twitter. But if I need to interact with Friendfeed, Identi.ca and others, Twhirl is the only way to go. Right now, I don’t need a “Highlander” tool that will slay all other tools on my desktop. That will come from Microsoft – someday. ;-) But for now, I will use both.

  • http://cyclingroo.wordpress.com Lorin Olsen

    I use both. Tweetdeck is fantastic when I am immersed in Twitter. But if I need to interact with Friendfeed, Identi.ca and others, Twhirl is the only way to go. Right now, I don’t need a “Highlander” tool that will slay all other tools on my desktop. That will come from Microsoft – someday. ;-) But for now, I will use both.

  • http://sheenonline.biz Rahsheen

    One thing many people are missing is that Twhirl also has the ability to track keywords via saved searches, which is all Tweetdeck is doing with it’s columns.

    Ping.fm, Seesmic, and Identi.ca integration are a definite plus for Twhirl.

    I think the primary difference between the two is interface. Do you want Twitter to own your desktop or not?

  • http://sheenonline.biz Rahsheen

    One thing many people are missing is that Twhirl also has the ability to track keywords via saved searches, which is all Tweetdeck is doing with it’s columns.

    Ping.fm, Seesmic, and Identi.ca integration are a definite plus for Twhirl.

    I think the primary difference between the two is interface. Do you want Twitter to own your desktop or not?

  • Tim

    DestroyTwitter is my app of choice. Beats Twhirl any day

    http://www.destroytoday.com/projects/destroytwitter

  • Tim

    DestroyTwitter is my app of choice. Beats Twhirl any day

    http://www.destroytoday.com/projects/destroytwitter

  • http://www.jonbishop.org JonBishop

    I have both but rarely use TweetDeck. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of an IM client. I also like the ability to have multiple accounts open at once.

    I’m also just getting into Seesmic, so being able to record right form the App is great.

  • http://www.jonbishop.org Jon Bishop

    I have both but rarely use TweetDeck. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of an IM client. I also like the ability to have multiple accounts open at once.

    I’m also just getting into Seesmic, so being able to record right form the App is great.

  • http://chernow.org/blog Adam

    TweetDeck. In addition to the river, I’m able to sort out the @replies (@rockmanac in my case, btw.), the DMs, and groups for local people, friends, and local/national/breaking news.

  • http://chernow.org/blog Adam

    TweetDeck. In addition to the river, I’m able to sort out the @replies (@rockmanac in my case, btw.), the DMs, and groups for local people, friends, and local/national/breaking news.

  • http://obxdesignworks.com/ Billee D.

    +1 for Twhirl. Tweetdeck is nice for all the reasons that you mentioned, but Twhirl is ust small and doesn’t get in the way. I really like the way that it loses opacity when it loses window focus. It’s a great tool.

  • http://obxdesignworks.com/ Billee D.

    +1 for Twhirl. Tweetdeck is nice for all the reasons that you mentioned, but Twhirl is ust small and doesn’t get in the way. I really like the way that it loses opacity when it loses window focus. It’s a great tool.

  • http://philbaumann.com/ Phil Baumann

    TweetDeck (for now).

    But: if Twhirl adds Groups, it could win me back (there’s something about those dings/chimes for replies/directs in Twhirl).

  • http://philbaumann.com Phil Baumann

    TweetDeck (for now).

    But: if Twhirl adds Groups, it could win me back (there’s something about those dings/chimes for replies/directs in Twhirl).

  • http://twitter.com/fungible Rick Castello (@Fungible)

    Definitely Twhirl.

    If you don’t have anything else do to but watch Twitter, or don’t have a separate computer (or monitor) to give over entirely to TweetDeck, it’s just too big.

    It’d be one thing if you *could* minimize it to normal window proportions, then click a tab to “supersize” it when you want the in-depth look… I’d go for that.

    Then again, I’d probably still prefer it if Twhirl would introduce Groups in tabs, to give the TweetDeck functionality without the footprint…

    -@fungible

  • http://twitter.com/fungible Rick Castello (@Fungible)

    Definitely Twhirl.

    If you don’t have anything else do to but watch Twitter, or don’t have a separate computer (or monitor) to give over entirely to TweetDeck, it’s just too big.

    It’d be one thing if you *could* minimize it to normal window proportions, then click a tab to “supersize” it when you want the in-depth look… I’d go for that.

    Then again, I’d probably still prefer it if Twhirl would introduce Groups in tabs, to give the TweetDeck functionality without the footprint…

    -@fungible

  • http://www.effectwebmedia.com/blog Jillian Koeneman

    I prefer TweetDeck, but I love that you can manage your multiple Twitter accounts with Twhirl. Now if only we could combine the two. :)

  • http://www.effectwebmedia.com/blog Jillian Koeneman

    I prefer TweetDeck, but I love that you can manage your multiple Twitter accounts with Twhirl. Now if only we could combine the two. :)

  • Anonymous

    Tweetdeck by far is better, and on a 24″ wide screen monitor I only need the primary 3 columns and it only takes up about 1/4 of the screen so I don’t mind it being open all the time.

    Twirl just too time consuming to tab back and forth to see reply’s and direct messages. SPAZ for unix is cool though because it color codes direct and reply messages so you can pick them out pretty easily, wish Twirl would do the same thing (and tweetdeck actually).

  • http://www.dragonblogger.com Dragon Blogger

    Tweetdeck by far is better, and on a 24″ wide screen monitor I only need the primary 3 columns and it only takes up about 1/4 of the screen so I don’t mind it being open all the time.

    Twirl just too time consuming to tab back and forth to see reply’s and direct messages. SPAZ for unix is cool though because it color codes direct and reply messages so you can pick them out pretty easily, wish Twirl would do the same thing (and tweetdeck actually).

  • http://blogs.msdn.com/stevecla01 steve clayton

    Twhirl for the reason you mention – it’s like an IM window.
    however, I like your description of how you use TweetDeck…I may have found a use for my MacBook Pro :)

  • http://blogs.msdn.com/stevecla01 steve clayton

    Twhirl for the reason you mention – it’s like an IM window.
    however, I like your description of how you use TweetDeck…I may have found a use for my MacBook Pro :)

  • http://encephalosponge.com/ Jonathan

    Gwibber, Gnome-Do, and TwitterFox work well enough for me. I don’t really want AIR installed just for a twitter app.

  • http://encephalosponge.com Jonathan

    Gwibber, Gnome-Do, and TwitterFox work well enough for me. I don’t really want AIR installed just for a twitter app.

  • http://www.expertsem.com/ Tarla Cummings

    I love how organized tweetdeck is. I’m a big fan of sorting lists. What I like about Twhirls is that I can see the incoming tweets on the bottom of my screen so that I can scan through them easier while doing other work.

  • http://www.expertsem.com Tarla Cummings

    I love how organized tweetdeck is. I’m a big fan of sorting lists. What I like about Twhirls is that I can see the incoming tweets on the bottom of my screen so that I can scan through them easier while doing other work.

  • http://WindowsObserver.com/ WindowsObserver

    Tweetdeck for me – almost the same layout except my last coumn is a search for Windows 7 to keep up with the conversation about the public beta.

  • http://WindowsObserver.com WindowsObserver

    Tweetdeck for me – almost the same layout except my last coumn is a search for Windows 7 to keep up with the conversation about the public beta.

  • http://www.myspace.com/britwald www.waldronentertainment.com

    Very cool, I would have to say Tweetdeck for me! Twitter has helped my business, and I gained an even greater following.

    Britney..Great blog post!

    http://www.waldronentertainment.com

  • http://www.myspace.com/britwald www.waldronentertainment.com

    Very cool, I would have to say Tweetdeck for me! Twitter has helped my business, and I gained an even greater following.

    Britney..Great blog post!

    http://www.waldronentertainment.com

  • http://Techsidestories.com/ Bryan Lee

    I have been using Twhirl before Loic’s team took it over and fell in love. I use it for keeping track of my 2 twitter accounts, friendfeed, and seesmic. I love the new ping.fm integration! With all this chatter in here about the features of Tweetdeck, I’m gonna have to give it a shot and see how it compares.

  • http://Techsidestories.com Bryan Lee

    I have been using Twhirl before Loic’s team took it over and fell in love. I use it for keeping track of my 2 twitter accounts, friendfeed, and seesmic. I love the new ping.fm integration! With all this chatter in here about the features of Tweetdeck, I’m gonna have to give it a shot and see how it compares.

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