WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. In recent years, WhatsApp has expanded beyond just messaging to offer features like video and voice calls over data connections.
Can you make phone calls on WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp allows users to make voice calls to other users through the app. This allows you to call anyone else who has WhatsApp installed, even if they live in another country. The calls are made over the internet using your phone’s data connection or WiFi.
WhatsApp calling uses your phone’s internet connection rather than your cellular plan’s voice minutes. This means you can avoid international calling fees when contacting friends and family abroad.
How to make calls on WhatsApp
Making voice calls via WhatsApp is very simple:
- Open the WhatsApp app and select the Calls tab
- Tap the phone icon next to the contact you want to call
- The call will connect using your internet data plan instead of cellular minutes
You can also make WhatsApp calls right from an existing chat window:
- Open a chat with the contact
- Tap the phone icon at the top right
- The WhatsApp call will begin instantly
WhatsApp call features
WhatsApp provides the following features for voice calls:
- HD quality voice – WhatsApp uses Voice over IP technology to provide high definition call quality
- Group calls – You can make conference calls with up to 8 participants
- Call history – WhatsApp stores your call history to make redialing simple
- Voicemail – If you miss a WhatsApp call, the caller can leave a voicemail message
- Call waiting – You can put a WhatsApp call on hold to answer an incoming call
WhatsApp video calling
In addition to voice calls, WhatsApp also provides free video calling over WiFi or mobile data:
- Video calls support up to 8 participants
- Switch between front and rear cameras during video calls
- High quality video even with slow internet connections
- Option to mute video if desired
Differences from phone calls
While WhatsApp calling offers many benefits, there are some differences from traditional phone calls:
| Phone Calls | WhatsApp Calls |
|---|---|
| Use cellular minutes from voice plan | Use mobile data or WiFi connection |
| Typically limited to country or region | Can call anyone worldwide with WhatsApp |
| No group calling options | Group calls with up to 8 people |
| No video calling support | Free WhatsApp video calls |
The main advantages of WhatsApp calling are cost savings, especially for international calls, and features like group calls and video chat.
Call quality
WhatsApp voice calls provide high definition sound quality due to the Voice over IP technology used. However, call quality can be impacted by:
- Internet connection speed – WhatsApp requires a stable 3G, 4G or WiFi connection. Call quality may suffer with slow or unstable networks.
- Cellular signal strength – Weak cellular signals can disrupt WhatsApp call reliability.
- Bandwidth limitations – Heavy network congestion can affect call clarity.
Provided you have a good internet connection, WhatsApp call quality matches or exceeds standard cellular calls. Using WhatsApp for voice and video chat is recommended when possible as a cost-effective alternative to traditional calling.
Cost savings
One of the main benefits of WhatsApp calling is the cost savings compared to regular international phone calls. WhatsApp calls use your mobile data plan or WiFi instead of cellular minutes.
Some key ways WhatsApp saves money on calling:
- No per-minute charges – WhatsApp calls don’t deduct minutes from your cellular plan.
- No long distance fees – You can call any country for free over data/WiFi.
- No roaming charges – WhatsApp calls stay free even while traveling abroad.
This makes WhatsApp an extremely cost-effective way to stay in touch with loved ones overseas. WhatsApp allows unlimited calling to any user worldwide at no additional cost.
Estimated cost savings
To illustrate the potential savings, here is a cost comparison of a 1 hour call to the UK from the US:
| Calling Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular phone plan | $12 |
| Skype | $7 |
| $0 |
WhatsApp provides free unlimited calling to anywhere in the world. For frequent international callers, the savings add up quickly over time.
Call reliability
WhatsApp uses Voice over IP technology to place high quality voice calls over the internet. Overall, call reliability is very good, but users may occasionally encounter connectivity issues or call drops.
Here are some factors that can impact WhatsApp call reliability:
- Internet stability – An unstable internet connection disrupts call clarity and may cause drops. WhatsApp requires consistent 3G, 4G or WiFi signals for optimal performance.
- Cellular signal strength – Weak cellular reception impacts call quality and reliability when using mobile data for WhatsApp calls.
- Bandwidth congestion – Heavy network traffic from too many users can affect call connectivity.
- Obstructions – Environmental barriers like walls, buildings, tunnels, etc can interfere with WhatsApp call signals.
- Distance – Calling to users very far away may increase likelihood of latency issues.
Provided a strong internet connection, WhatsApp calls are generally very reliable. But users should be aware that call quality depends on having stable network connectivity.
Conclusion
WhatsApp offers free, high-quality voice and video calling as an alternative to standard phone calls. While underlying technology differs, WhatsApp provides a reliable calling option that saves money, especially for international calls.
Overall, WhatsApp’s voice calling capabilities allow users to stay connected affordably with contacts across the globe. It has become an essential communication tool used by over 2 billion people worldwide.