Skype vs WhatsApp: Which Messaging App Is Best For Remote Teams?

Communication is a concerning aspect of remote work. Since most team members are diversely located, there is a high chance of workplace miscommunication impacting productivity.

So, remote teams are always on the lookout for faster and efficient communication tools.

And, out of the massive library of apps, Skype and WhatsApp have gained quite a popularity for their messaging features. Making communication swift and easy.

Moreover, they are not only simple messaging tools. That is, they offer a complete package for various kinds of communication requirements — instant messages, video calling, and group chats.

But the real question is — “Which one to choose for your remote team’s productivity?”

Well, that’s what I am going to delve into today. In this Skype vs WhatsApp blog, I will be discussing the major aspects of both tools by exploring—

• Key differences in their features,
• Pros and cons of each app,
• Tips to maximize productivity with them, and more.

So, come dive right in!

Skype vs WhatsApp: Key Features Comparison

Hold your horses if you are one of those who think Skype and WhatsApp are basically the same. As the report from VoIP Tech clarifies—

WhatsApp was designed for mobile devices, while Skype was primarily a computer-to-computer application that could call other phones as well.

To explain in simple terms, Skype is a Microsoft-designed communication app that allows users to video call and group chat with anyone around the globe.

So, it made international calling easy and simple for both individuals and businesses.

On the other hand, WhatsApp is more of an instant messaging app that connects people globally through their contact numbers.

So, if you have someone’s number, you can call, chat, and create groups with them effortlessly.

Even though they are both messaging apps, they have a lot of dissimilarities. So, here is a clear breakdown of the key differences of their core features.

1. User Interface And Design

In comparison, Skype’s user interface and design is feature-rich and professional. But WhatsApp has a more simple, causal, and minimalistic design.

Moreover, as Skype was primarily designed for businesses to hold video conferences with international clients, it has professional and advanced features on display.

On the contrary, WhatsApp’s purpose is to connect people through their mobile phones. So, it has a casual and user-friendly design that is easy to navigate.

2. Video Calling And Screen Sharing

As a professional app, Skype offers high-quality video and audio calling. Making international communication high definition and easy at the same time.

But WhatsApp offers a comparatively poor quality for video and audio calls. So, users face issues with unstable quality and connectivity.

As the report from VoIP Tech highlights —

While WhatsApp does provide you with decent call quality, many users have complained about echoing and call drops. Skype, on the other hand, is the best on the VoIP market when it comes to call quality. Skype uses its own codec for call encoding that refines this part of the service. The best part is that Skype even offers HD voice calls.

In addition to this, the screen-sharing feature of Skype stands out more than WhatsApp. That is, users can easily choose between sharing full-screen or just a single Tab.

Whereas, in WhatsApp, the screen-sharing feature is available only for mobile devices. Moreover, it has no dual options. So, users can only share their entire screen.

3. Mobile Messaging And Group Chats

Primarily, both are messaging apps. So, they both offer mobile messaging and group chatting features. But there is a striking difference between the quality of these features.

For instance, Skype has professional features for instant personal messages and large-group chats. Moreover, users can conduct group video conferencing and share screens for fulfilling remote communication.

On the other hand, WhatsApp allows users to send instant private messages and create chat rooms for small to medium-scale groups. So, it is better for personal usage and difficult for professional teams.

4. Integration Capabilities

Apart from these, Skype comes with massive integration capabilities. As a Microsoft-designed app, it readily integrates Microsoft tools and helps teams boost their productivity.

Contrarily, WhatsApp lacks the high level of integration capabilities. But it offers built-in integration systems for secure data transfers, payment portals, and integration of the WhatsApp business API.

So, it is difficult for remote teams to use the app with other productivity tools, time management tools, and project management tools for improved workflows.

5. Data Security And Compliance

When it comes to data security and compliance, WhatsApp offers a superior security system with end-to-end encryption.

This makes users securely transfer files, chat, and call other people without worrying about any potential data breaches.

On the other hand, Skype lacks an end-to-end encryption security model. Rather, it has a simple data security system.

Moreover, the security depends on Microsoft’s policies on privacy and data security. Making it not a trustworthy app for data sharing.

6. Pricing Models

Finally, one is a free app and another is a semi-paid app. That is, WhatsApp is a completely free app that anyone can install and use.

But Skype offers free and paid plans. Under its free plan, it allows unlimited Skype-to-Skype calling.

And, with its paid plan — starting at $2.99 per month — it includes all its professional features with international calling.

Skype vs WhatsApp: Pros And Cons Of Each App

Even though both Skype and WhatsApp are messaging tools, they have their own set of benefits and challenges. So, here is a simple breakdown of the pros and cons of each tool.

• Skype

Pros	Cons
1. Offers better quality video calls with HD sound and video.	1. No end-to-end encryption.
2. Provides collaboration tools like whiteboard, screen sharing, and holding polls.	2. Issues with reliability and strong connectivity.
3. Allows affordable and budget-friendly international calling.	3. Works best only on PC.

• WhatsApp

Pros	Cons
1. Offers a strong data privacy and security system with end-to-end encryption.	1. Need to register with personal information.
2. Works well both on mobile devices and PC or laptops.	2. Limited collaboration features for businesses.
3. Allows reliable and affordable international calling using the internet.	3. Lacks advanced messaging features.

Tips To Maximize Remote Productivity With Skype Or WhatsApp

Just having the tools is not enough. Knowing how to use them to boost your productivity is important. So, here are some tips to use them for maximum work efficiency—

• Using WhatsApp for creating unofficial work groups, where employees can chat and bond with each other. This will build team morale in the long run.
• Creating official communication channels on Skype to hold weekly conferences and risk management meetings.
• Conducting client meetings on Skype for better communication and faster workflow planning.

Now, if you still haven’t used either of these messaging apps, it’s high time to experience them. So, go ahead and choose one to skyrocket your work productivity today!

FAQs

Here are some of the common questions that most users look for about Skype and WhatsApp.