When it comes to effective communication, whether for work or personal reasons, the tools we use make a big difference. Two popular options are VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services and WhatsApp. Both offer ways to call and video chat over the internet, but they’re quite different in who they’re for and how they work.
This article explores the distinction between VoIP and WhatsApp calls by looking at their features, how they work for international calls, and what kind of security they offer. This will help you figure out which one might be the best fit for you or your business.
Understanding VoIP technology
VoIP, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, represents an innovative method enabling individuals to conduct voice calls through an Internet connection in place of traditional analog phone lines.
In simpler terms, VoIP technology is about using your internet connection not just to access websites or send emails, but also to make phone calls anywhere in the world, often at a fraction of the cost of a standard phone service.
This technology transforms your voice into a digital signal, allowing it to move across the internet. For businesses and professionals, this means the capability to handle a high volume of calls with greater efficiency and lower operational costs.
What is a WhatsApp call?
WhatsApp calling functions as an extension of the app’s messaging capabilities, offering voice and video calls over the Internet. This means that similar to a traditional VoIP call, your voice is converted into digital signals that are transmitted over the internet.
It also offers you the convenience of voice communication without the need for separate hardware or software designed specifically for internet calling.
This makes WhatsApp calls particularly appealing for personal use and informal settings, providing an easy and cost-effective way to stay connected with friends and family globally, as long as both parties have the app installed and an active internet connection.
The main differences between VoIP and WhatsApp Calls
1/ Quality of Service:
Quality of Service (QoS) consists of key network performance metrics crucial for VoIP call quality. It includes latency (delay before data transfer), jitter (latency variability), and packet loss (dropped data packets).
On the other hand, WhatsApp’s QoS heavily depends on the user’s internet connection, with bandwidth and network stability playing vital roles in call quality.
2/ Features and Functionality Comparison:
VoIP presents a range of advanced features that extend beyond fundamental call functions. This technology integrates capabilities like video conferencing, auto-attendant, and virtual phone numbers to enhance your communication needs. You can also personalize your setup with call recording, voicemail transcriptions, and CRM integration to customize your communication requirements.
Unlike traditional VoIP services, WhatsApp provides voice calls and messaging within a secure, easy-to-use platform. This approach ensures that anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can make calls across the globe without needing technical know-how or additional setups.
3/ Privacy and Security
VoIP systems, particularly those utilized in business settings, frequently integrate advanced security measures like end-to-end encryption, Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), and Transport Layer Security (TLS). These measures are designed to protect data integrity and confidentiality across communication channels. Furthermore, VoIP services can be aligned with your organization’s internal security policies, offering precise control over data protection and user accessibility.
In comparison, WhatsApp calls benefit from the app’s end-to-end encryption feature, ensuring that conversations remain private and inaccessible to third parties, including WhatsApp itself. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the security of WhatsApp calls also depends on the overall security of the user’s device and the app’s compliance with changing privacy regulations and standards.
4/ Cost Considerations in Voice Communication
VoIP solutions, commonly integrated into a business’s operations, may involve initial setup expenses, like acquiring specialized, hardware or software and IP Phones if required. However, the long-term benefits, such as reduced call rates – especially for international communications – and the elimination of traditional telephony lines, can lead to substantial cost savings for organizations.
Conversely, WhatsApp calls offer a cost-effective alternative for individual users. They bypass traditional telephony networks by utilizing internet data, effectively eliminating call charges. For users with unlimited data plans or access to Wi-Fi, this can translate to minimal direct costs for voice communication.
5/ Infrastructure Needed:
VoIP often requires an advanced setup including SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunks or IP-PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) for businesses, aimed at managing large-scale communication needs with reliability and flexibility.
On the other hand, WhatsApp calls, while also utilizing VoIP technology, operate within a more streamlined and user-centric framework. These calls are conducted exclusively through the mobile application, relying on internet connectivity without specialized infrastructure.
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6/ Protocol Used:
Protocols serve as the language through which data and, by extension, voice communications are transmitted. VoIP mainly functions using either the SIP or H.323 protocols. These protocols govern the management of voice, video, and message sessions on the IP network.
Whereas, WhatsApp employs its unique end-to-end encryption with a transport layer security (TLS) protocol to secure its voice calls, showcasing its strong commitment to privacy and security.
Related Reading: What protocol does VOIP use
Difference between VoIP and WhatsApp or Messenger calls
This table provides a quick and easy-to-read comparison between VoIP calls and WhatsApp/Messenger calls, outlining the key differences in various aspects such as cost, quality, features, accessibility, privacy, and more.
Aspect | VoIP Calls | WhatsApp/Messenger Calls |
Infrastructure | Requires VoIP service or infrastructure within an organization or through a VoIP provider. | Relies on WhatsApp's or Messenger's servers and the internet connection. |
Cost | Costs can vary based on service provider, usage, and features. | Generally free, utilizing data or Wi-Fi. |
Quality of Service | Quality can vary based on internet speed, provider, and infrastructure. | Relies on internet connection quality, often optimized for mobile data. |
Features | Offers a wide range of business-oriented features (IVR, call routing, etc.). | Primarily focused on basic voice calling features, limited additional functionalities. |
Accessibility | Can be used on various devices with compatible apps or hardware. | Limited to smartphones with the VoIP app installed. |
Privacy and Security | Security measures depend on the service provider. | End-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy. |
Integration | Integrates with existing business communication systems. | Integrated with the messaging platform, offering a continuous transition from messaging to voice calling. |
Usage | Often used by businesses for professional communication and customer service. | Used for personal communication among friends, family, and informal business calls. |
Device Requirements | Requires VoIP-compatible hardware or app installations. | Requires the WhatsApp or Messenger app installed on a smartphone. |
Customization | Offers customization options for call routing, IVR menus, and call analytics. | Limited customization, primarily focusing on the basic voice calling experience. |
Call Management | Provides advanced call management features like call forwarding, recording, and voicemail. | Basic call management features such as mute, speaker, and switch to video call. |
Related Reading: How to make VoIP calls for free
What are the advantages of WhatsApp voice calls
WhatsApp voice calls offer a wide range of benefits, addressing the evolving demands of modern communication. Below is a detailed exploration of the advantages provided by these calls:
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- Ubiquity and Accessibility: Given WhatsApp’s extensive global user base, voice calling on this platform offers unparalleled accessibility. You can easily stay in touch with friends, family, or colleagues globally as long as there is an internet connection available.
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- Simplified User Experience: WhatsApp’s user-friendly interface promotes effortless navigation without the need for any technical expertise or configuration. This user-friendly design ensures effective communication for individuals of all ages and technological skill levels, without requiring any technical expertise or configuration.
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- Cross-Platform Compatibility: WhatsApp is available on diverse devices, including smartphones, tablets, and some computers. This cross-platform compatibility enhances usability, allowing users to make voice calls across different types of devices.
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- Reliable under Varied Network Conditions: WhatsApp’s voice call feature is optimized for performance across different network conditions, including low bandwidth scenarios, making it adaptable and strong compared to traditional voice calling services.
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- Integration with Messaging: WhatsApp integrates voice calling with its core messaging functionality. This integration allows you to switch between texting and voice communication effortlessly.
What are the disadvantages of WhatsApp calls?
- Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Unlike traditional telephony that relies on network signals, WhatsApp calls require a stable Internet connection. This dependence can limit accessibility in areas with poor or no internet service, affecting call quality and reliability.
- Limited Emergency Call Support: WhatsApp does not support calls to emergency services. In urgent situations needing immediate help, you have to use traditional phone services or other platforms with emergency calling features.
- Quality Fluctuations: The quality of WhatsApp calls can vary significantly based on network bandwidth and signal strength. You may experience dropped calls, delays, or poor audio quality in network congestion or low connectivity conditions.
- Data Consumption: WhatsApp voice calls consume internet data. For individuals without unlimited data plans, frequent use of WhatsApp calling can lead to substantial data usage, potentially incurring additional costs.
- Overdependence on a Single Platform: Relying solely on WhatsApp for voice communication can lead to overdependence, risking communication disruptions if the app faces downtime or if you encounter account-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Is WhatsApp the same as VoIP?
Ans: No, WhatsApp is not the same as VoIP. WhatsApp is a messaging application that utilizes VoIP technology to enable voice and video calls over the Internet. Traditional VoIP services are often standalone applications designed primarily for voice communication, offering a broad range of features including advanced call management, voicemail services, and integration with business systems.
Q2) Can you use WhatsApp with VoIP?
Ans: Yes, you can use WhatsApp with VoIP technology. In fact, WhatsApp’s voice call feature is fundamentally powered by VoIP technology. This means that when you make a voice call using WhatsApp, you are essentially using VoIP to transmit your voice as data packets over the internet.
Q3) Is it better to call or WhatsApp?
Ans: Traditional voice calls, functioning over cellular or landline networks, are known for their extensive compatibility and reliability, particularly in settings without internet access or during emergencies when resilient communication is crucial. Conversely, WhatsApp, capitalizing on VoIP technology, excels in areas with internet availability, providing cost-effective international calls and uninterrupted integration with digital messaging. The combination of voice and text communication in a user-friendly platform makes WhatsApp a prime choice for those searching for adaptable, modern communication solutions.
Q4) What is the meaning of VoIP in WhatsApp?
Ans: VoIP in the context of WhatsApp, refers to the app’s ability to place voice calls using the Internet rather than traditional cellular telephone networks. Unlike standard VoIP services which are typically designed for professional or extensive telecommunication needs, WhatsApp employs VoIP technology within its messaging platform to facilitate simple, convenient voice communication among its users.
Q5) What is the difference between VoIP and chat?
Ans: The key difference between VoIP and chat is found in their communication methods. VoIP enhances voice calls by adapting them to digital settings, while chat provides a text-based platform suitable for instant messaging and longer conversations.