Two VoIP apps worth considering
BothWhatsAppandLINEallow you to make and receive free calls on your mobile phone.
These services are among the most popular instant messaging apps.
But which one is the best for saving money on calls and for a clear connection?
In testing both apps, we reviewed criteria such as popularity, cost, and features.
Overall Findings
Free video and voice calling.
Call non-users on a cell or landline at a low cost.
Uses ECDH protocol for encryption.
Huge base of users.
Can call only other WhatsApp users.
Uses Signal Protocol for encryption.
Blocked in some countries.
The two apps offer similar features.
Popularity: WhatsApp Is Everywhere (Almost)
Favored in some Asian countries.
The largest base of users worldwide.
Blocked in some Middle Eastern countries.
The number of people using an app is an important factor in deciding to use it.
Calls are free among users of the same connection.
WhatsApp is the clear winner here as it has the largest base of users worldwide.
While WhatsApp is popular worldwide, the Japan-based LINE’s popularity is concentrated in some countries of Asia.
Voice and Video: Available on Both
Free voice calling.
Calls use significantly more data.
Both apps offer free voice calling among users.
WhatsApp didn’t introduce this feature until early 2015; LINE had this feature before WhatsApp.
This might also be because of the number of users on the WhatsApp connection.
Moreover, WhatsApp calls tend to consume more data than LINE calls, and subsequently usemobile dataquicker than LINE.
The winner here is clearly LINE.
WhatsApp doesn’t go beyond its internet.
This is called LINE Out, and the rates are competitive in the VoIP market.
LINE scores high here as WhatsApp offers calls only to WhatsApp users.
Group Messaging: LINE Allows Larger Groups
Group calls with up to 200 participants.
Group calls with up to 8 participants.
Both apps offergroup communication.
LINE groups allow up to 200 participants, while WhatsApp allows only 8.
Also, the features in LINE groups are better for management than those in WhatsApp.
Privacy and Security: Encryption Is Standard
Uses the ECDH protocol for encryption.
Uses a phone number or Facebook account for registration.
Uses the Signal Protocol for encryption.
Both apps offer encryption of communications over their networks.
LINE uses ECDH protocol, and WhatsApp uses Signal Protocol.
Both LINE and WhatsApp register you on their internet through your phone number.
Some may be wary of this and prefer to keep their number private.
Both allow you to use your Facebook account to register rather than your phone number.
Other Features: LINE Offers More Flexibility
Lots of free stickers.
Offers many ways to connect with other users.
Functions like a social connection, including a timeline.
Stickers are available through outside apps.
Functions like a social online grid, but doesn’t have a timeline.
Blocked in several countries, mainly in the Middle East.
The sticker market is developed in LINE with some interesting free stickers.
Some stickers depict real-life characters, and others convey emotions in a meaningful way.
Stickers can be sent through WhatsApp, but generally, require another app.
Some LINE users may not have a phone number.
So, it’s possible for you to have contacts in LINE beyond your phone’s contact list.
There are some interesting ways of adding friends on LINE.
Both apps can be viewed associal networking apps.
However, LINE is more developed in this regard, having familiar social features like a timeline.
It has more features, and in cases where they share features, LINE has the edge.
However, the one big advantage WhatsApp has is that it has a larger base of users.
