There are two popular applications when it comes to video calls: Skype and WhatsApp. However, some people like Skype more, while others prefer to use WhatsApp, but which one is better? If this is what you are asking yourself, then we will help you figure out the answer. But before we start the comparison, let’s briefly review each of these tools.
Gone are the days when people paid huge bills to get in touch with family and friends, especially those who were farther away, like in another state or even another country. Technology has progressed, and things are very advanced these days. Now a lot of tools have been created, with which you can talk by voice and video with anyone, anywhere in the world, without having to worry about the costs.
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What is Skype?
Skype is software that allows you to enjoy a chat with anyone, anywhere in the world. Many businesses and individuals use Skype to make free or group voice calls, share files and send instant messages to others. You can use Skype on your computer and on mobile devices. It’s free to download and free to use.
What is WhatsApp?
The WhatsApp is an application message to completely free smartphones. If you use this app with an Internet connection, you can send messages, videos, audio, and pictures to others who are also using the app. It even lets you group chats, share locations, send voice messages, and also video chat with anyone you want.
Comparison: WhatsApp or Skype?
1. Mobility
While WhatsApp was introduced to the mobile device market, Skype was an application to be used only by computer users. However, when smartphones started to be introduced, and when communication switched from desktop to mobile, Skype lost space.
The application launched by the company had limitations and was not available for platforms like the BlackBerry for a long time. That’s why Skype is ideal for computer users who want to enjoy good features, stability, and quality in their communications. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is preferred by users of mobile devices.
2. Call Quality
WhatsApp allows you to enjoy quite decent voice call quality, although many users also complain about missed calls and echo calls. Skype, by contrast, is one of the best apps you can find in the market for voice and video calls. The reason is that Skype has its own codec to encode calls and always maintains excellent service. Skype also offers HD voice.
So if you use Skype to make calls, you’ll certainly enjoy much better audio and video quality than WhatsApp. Of course, if the other factors that affect call quality are also favorable.
3. Ease of Access
How easily can a person be contacted using these group video chat applications? If you use Skype, you’ll need the username that the other person uses in Skype so you can add it to your contacts. That is, you need to get in touch with the person in advance. Users are identified on Skype by their nickname.
WhatsApp, on the other hand, uses the phone numbers that are already saved in your smartphone’s calendar. So anyone in your contact list and using WhatsApp can get in touch almost instantly. You do not need any previous sharing of details, no nicknames, and no IDs. This makes it quicker and easier to get in touch with people using WhatsApp.
4. Cost of Data Consumption
WhatsApp and Skype offer unlimited free voice calls. As for the price, this will be reflected in the consumption of data. Skype offers excellent call quality, but it also uses a lot of data. If you spend a minute making a call to someone on Skype, this will consume more data than using WhatsApp at the same time.
While this does not make much of a difference if you’re using Wi-Fi, whether you’re on 3G or 4G connectivity, you’ll feel the difference in spending. So if you give more importance to call quality, Skype will be your best choice, but if you consider data consumption, you’ll probably need to make your calls through WhatsApp.
5. Resources
If resources are compared, Skype has much more to offer. In addition to the features they both share in common, Skype also offers file sharing, screen sharing, collaboration tools, business features and video conferencing.
One more thing that needs to be mentioned here is that Skype lets you call anyone who has a phone number, even if they do not use Skype. Although this service is paid, it is available for you to use.
6. Number of Users
The number of users a service has can affect your free call feature. The higher the number of users, the better, as it increases your chances of enjoying free calls.
Although Skype has existed for much longer compared to WhatsApp, and there has also been a time when everyone would get in touch with each other using this tool, things have changed a lot now. Because smartphones are more used than computers or notebooks, WhatsApp enjoys a much larger number of users. In fact, the number of WhatsApp users is about 5 times higher than Skype.
There was a time when Skype prevailed, almost everyone used it, but things took a different turn now. WhatsApp is gaining more and more popularity. However, that does not mean that Skype is extinct because there are still many interested in the quality of video calls, and they do not mind using IDs and nicknames to communicate.
So to conclude, we can say that both Skype and WhatsApp are good in their own way, and which one of them will you choose between them is more a matter of your preference and priority: call quality or ease of use and data saving?
If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!