WhatsApp changed the way people use messaging service around the world and now the company is aiming to do the same with voice-calling. Although the new feature has been rolled out to limited audience, it has already been a hit among its dedicated users. Since little is known about how WhatsApp voice-calling works against its rivals, we put together a piece to compare top features and performance statistics.
Voice-calling feature in WhatsApp is the latest addition, but it is not entirely new in the industry. Rival app Viber has long offered similar service. But WhatsApp has the added advantage of wide network of users who will make the feature a hit. In true sense, comparing voice-calling with Viber is not fair as WhatsApp is still beta-testing the feature and bound to make several improvements before an official roll-out.
Since we have access to WhatsApp voice-calling and Viber, here's a thoughtful comparison of both apps based on their usability and performance.
Voice-Calling Quality
After testing WhatsApp voice-calling on different bandwidths, the quality was acceptable. Of course, we found some lag and echo while using it on a 2G network and sometimes on 3G as well. Giving the benefit of the doubt that WhatsApp is still working to resolve that, it can be better if WhatsApp voice-calling stands true to its standard of being fast, clean and lightweight.
Comparatively, Viber has years of experience and offered voice and video-calling long before WhatsApp. The expertise certainly helps Viber win an extra point in terms of quality. Viber also offers HD quality calls on most devices and delivers good quality call overall. The messaging and calling app also offers a feature called Viber Out, where users can get it in touch with non-Viber users.
Usability
WhatsApp is known for its simplistic, lightweight and fast UI. WhatsApp does not entertain advertisements and does not cluster the app with too many options. Even after introducing voice-calling, WhatsApp goes with the same minimalistic look. There are three tabs for calls, chats and contacts and moves swiftly between all tabs.
Comparatively, Viber feels a bit heavy on the menu. It has several options and a more sophisticated UI. This app offers a wide range of stickers that appeal young users.
Ease of Access
Viber is a clear winner in this category as it can be used independently across various platforms such as PC, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and others. Although, WhatsApp also supports all major mobile platforms, the web client is dependent on the mobile application. WhatsApp Web is limited to Android users while iOS users are yet to receive the feature.
Winner
It's certainly a close fight on paper, but WhatsApp is a true winner in the real world. The Facebook-owned instant messaging app serves more than 700 million users worldwide. Viber, on the other hand, had over 500 million unique registrations as of January this year, Statista report reveals.
Will WhatsApp voice-calling be a threat to Viber? It may or may not be. But WhatsApp is certainly more popular and it can easily convince users to use its app over others for voice calling and messaging.
