More than half of the world is under lockdown due to the new virus COVID-19. Many of us miss hanging out with our friends and family far away. Fortunately, we can make video calls with apps like Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Duo and more. With such a variety of apps available, it’s great to choose the best app for video calling, especially as almost everyone you know on WhatsApp and Google Duo syncs your contacts automatically. To make your job easier, we will compare Google Duo and WhatsApp in this post.
Are you looking for a video calling app that you can use to call your friends or family? Both Google Duo and WhatsApp are good options. Google Duo is, as the name suggests, owned by Google. WhatsApp, by contrast, is owned by Facebook, which also owns Facebook Messenger.
In this article, you will find a detailed comparison between WhatsApp and Google Duo. Let’s check it out.
Cross-Platform Availability
Cross-platform usability is a unique selling point for video calling apps. Not everyone needs to be on the same platform as yours.
Fortunately, Google Duo and WhatsApp are available on all major platforms. You can use them on Android, iOS and even PC. Interestingly, Google Duo also comes pre-installed on some Android phones. But while Google Duo works on iPad, WhatsApp doesn’t have an app for iPad though it is still under construction.
WhatsApp has a desktop client (for both Windows and macOS) and can also be accessed via a web browser. On the other hand, Google Duo is only available on computers via its web version.
However, you can only video call from Duo on the computer. WhatsApp does not support video calling on desktop.
Google Home, Net Hub etc. If you have a Google smart speaker such as Google Duo for audio and video, it will be your default calling app.
Accessibility
Google Duo and WhatsApp only need a phone number to work. You do not need an email ID to create an account. Anyone who has your number saved on their phone will see you in their contact list in both apps. You don’t even have to add a contact. When you see them in your contact list, simply tap the call option.
However, if you are using the web version of Google Duo, you can also search for contacts using your Google account. To call, you need to enter their number. You can also link your phone number if you want.
The number of participants
Most video calling apps can make one-on-one video calls. What makes them different is the number of participants they allow in group conversations. Google Duo was previously limited to 8 participants, but in March 2020 they increased the number to 12 on a group video call.
It can be discouraging to hear about WhatsApp as it only allows 4 participants. However, some early reports hint that WhatsApp is trying to increase the number of users in a group video call.
user interface
The interface of both applications is quite different. When you open Duo you will be greeted with a simple screen showing your front camera view. Swipe up to see Duo contacts. Tap any contact to open available call options. You’ll notice that the main button is for Video Calling, making it easy for even novices to use the app.
When it comes to WhatsApp, you will see the chat list on the home screen. You can open a chat and tap on the video call option at the top. Alternatively, go to the Calls tab and tap the video call button to initiate the video call.
Search Features
WhatsApp is your one stop app for all your communication needs for personal use. You can use it to text people, make audio or video calls, and even use it as a basic social media tool with the temporary status feature. On the contrary, Google Duo is essentially a video calling app. Of course, you can make a voice call, but the app is designed to make video calling stand out.
Let’s check what search features you have in each app.
messaging
Unlike WhatsApp, which is known for text messaging, Google Duo does not actually support text chat. That is, you cannot send a regular text message to your contacts. However, Google Duo offers temporary messages in various formats that last 24 hours. You can record an audio or video message or send a photo. You can even create and personalize a note.
You can also send a voice note via WhatsApp, but when it comes to video notes, Google Duo is way ahead of WhatsApp in its simplicity. WhatsApp also supports photo sharing and unlike Google Duo where you can only share one image at a time, WhatsApp allows you to share multiple images.
A key difference lies in the fact that all messaging features are permanent in WhatsApp. That is, texts, voice messages, photos, etc. it stays in your chats until you delete it. This is not the case with Google Duo, where they disappear within 24 hours.
fun fact: WhatsApp is also working on disappearing messages. You can see it in your WhatsApp app soon.
Filters and Effects
Like I said, Google Duo is all about video calling and its related features. Another interesting feature it offers us is the ability to use cool filters and effects on video messages. WhatsApp does not have this. When you open the screen to record a video message in Google Duo, you will see the Effects and Filter options on the right. Choose any filter to add to your video.
knock Knock
Yes. This is a real feature in Google Duo. When you video call someone on Duo, that person can see your video before answering the call. However, you will not see their videos for privacy reasons until you answer the call. If you don’t like this feature, you can disable it in the settings so that others cannot see your video until the call is answered. This feature is not available in WhatsApp.
File and Screen Sharing
While WhatsApp supports file sharing (PDF, ZIP, APK, etc.), none of the apps support Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom, etc. It does not offer screen sharing like other video calling apps.
Low Data Mode
Video calls use a significant amount of data. If you have a limited plan, fortunately, both apps help you reduce the amount of data consumed with low data mode. In Duo go to Settings > Call settings and enable Data Saver mode. In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Data & storage usage. Enable low data usage.
Privacy
The popular Zoom app has been in the news lately due to growing concerns over its security. Fortunately, WhatsApp and Google Duo offer end-to-end encryption for your calls.
pricing
Google Duo and WhatsApp are free to use. Every user gets the same features. There are no subscriptions or premium plans. You only have to pay for the data consumed by these apps.
Note: Your detailed phone bill doesn’t show details about WhatsApp or Duo calls.
Convenience and Popularity
While both apps are suitable for personal video calls, Google Duo is breaking down WhatsApp. But only when it comes to video calling. It does not offer other features found in WhatsApp. It lacks proper messaging and file sharing. However, it offers unique video calling features like Knock Knock not found in any other video calling app.
The problem with Google products is that even if they are good, they are very limited when it comes to features and popularity. WhatsApp is a popular application and most smartphone users have it on their phones. Bringing such users to Duo just for video calling is a task, even if it’s a great app. But if you can, go ahead. Google Duo will not disappoint you.
Next: If you decide to give Google Duo a try, check out these 13 tips and tricks for Duo at the next link.
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