WhatsApp has done the same job for smartphones.
We reviewed both to help you decide which is the better choice for you.
Overall Findings
Best for users who call primarily using computers and tablets.
More robust feature set.
A premium account is available.
Best for users who call mostly from their smartphones.
Focused on calling and texting.
WhatsApp is designed for mobile devices.
In contrast, Skype is mainly a computer-to-computer app that can also call other phones.
WhatsApp is the app for mobile users.
WhatsApp, like Facebook, is owned by Meta.
The case is clear.
If you want free calls on your smartphone, go for WhatsApp.
On your machine, go to Skype.
An estimated 3 billion monthly active users, as of 2024.
Skype has been around longer than WhatsApp.
There was a time when nearly everyone who had a computer could be contacted on Skype.
On smartphones, WhatsApp rules with about 3 billion users.
Access to Contacts: Both Have Easy Access to Existing Contacts
Uses nicknames to identify users.
Has its own contact list.
App can sync phone contacts to find existing friends.
Uses phone numbers to identify users.
Choose contacts from the phone’s contact list.
Skype uses a nickname to identify each user.
WhatsApp uses your phone number, the element around which your mobile communication revolves.
No username or ID is required, and no prior sharing of details.
This transparency makes access to contacts easier.
You don’t need a separate contact list for WhatsApp.
The phone’s list serves the purpose.
Call Quality: Skype’s a Clear Winner
Proprietary codec delivers refined HD clarity.
Decent sound, despite occasional dropped calls and echoing.
WhatsApp gives calls of decent quality, although many people complain about dropped calls and especially echo.
It even offers HD voice.
Calls are of better quality with Skype than with WhatsApp, given that the factors thataffect call qualityare favorable.
Cost: Ultimately Depends on Your Data Plan
Free, unlimited voice calling.
Greater call quality means greater data consumption.
Both Skype and WhatsApp offer free and unlimited voice calling.
Both apps are free to install.
So, the price battle needs to be fought on another ground: data consumption.
The great call quality of Skype comes with the price of higher data consumption.
A one-minute voice call with Skype consumes more than a one-minute call with WhatsApp.
So, for mobile users, WhatsApp calling costs less, if cost matters more than quality.
If your friends and family use WhatsApp, that’s your best bet for making free calls.
