WhatsApp is a mobile messenger similar to short message services (SMS). Like your SMS subscription, you can communicate with people already in your device’s contact list. Unlike SMS, however, WhatsApp is completely free. It does this by using your internal data services to send and receive messages. In addition to sending text, users can create groups, send and receive unlimited images and video and audio files.
Kik also offers standard messaging options such as sending text, photos and video and enables group chats. It also has the first built-in browser on a smartphone messenger application, this gives you the ability to browse and share website content with your friends without ever leaving the chat window. Chatting is not limited to your phone contacts and applicants must create usernames.
Kik vs WhatsApp Price
WhatsApp and Kik are both free for users. You can easily download them from the Play Store and use them. However, WhatsApp charges $0.99 after a year of use. There are no hidden fees in either app.
Kik vs WhatsApp: Comparison table
| Feature | Kik | |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Optional, only in secret chats | End-to-end encryption for all chats |
| Video Calls | No | Yes |
| Voice Calls | No | Yes |
| Group Chats | Yes, up to 50 participants | Yes, up to 256 participants |
| File Sharing | Photos, videos, and documents up to 25MB | Photos, videos, and documents up to 100MB |
| Account Verification | Username required, no phone number necessary | Phone number required |
| Availability | Available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone | Available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Official Link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Kik vs WhatsApp Easy to use interface
Both apps have a fairly simple interface Users can easily figure out where the various functions of the app are located. Kik has many more features than WhatsApp, which makes it seem more complicated than WhatsApp. So again, WhatsApp beats Kik by a head start by offering a simpler, simpler and faster interface.
Kik vs WhatsApp Installation & Other Features
WhatsApp is easy to install and automatically syncs all your contacts. It focuses on sending unlimited instant messages for free, which is preferred by many users. The installation and sign-up process is also simple: you just need to verify your number with a code and enter your name to start sending messages. It automatically syncs all contacts from your phone book.
Kik offers many interesting games, stickers and other features to share with your friends. It is more like a dating app where people try to meet everyone online. Installation and access is a little long as you have to fill the sign-up form in Kik to register and create. You have to tell the app to import contacts from your phone. Kik offers many cool emoticons, but in my opinion they are not as creative as those in WhatsApp. It also has good sharing options, as you can even share YouTube videos with your friends.
Kik vs WhatsApp Security
One of the main concerns with online communication is privacy and security. Often when we chat with our friends and family, we send personal information, videos, photos and sometimes even sensitive data such as bank details, address, phone numbers and more. This can cause a lot of concern, especially when you are not sure if your messages are secure. You may wonder if your personal messages and sensitive information cannot be accessed by other entities or other people with malicious intentions.
Fortunately, instant messengers today offer many security features that protect all your data. WhatsApp, for example, uses end-to-end encryption. This security feature assures all users that all messages sent from sender to receiver can never be accessed by a third/middle entity between sender and receiver.
Kik messenger on the other hand, does not have an end-to-end encryption feature, which means there is a possibility and an opportunity for someone to gain access and hack Kik messenger. Although this is the case, you can rest assured that this messaging app deletes all messages from their servers. The only disadvantage of Kik is that all users of this app are anonymous, which means there is a risk for children and teenagers.
Kik: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allows anonymous messaging without sharing phone number
- Offers built-in web browsing
- Supports chat customization with themes and emojis
Cons
- Lacks end-to-end encryption
- Has had issues with privacy and safety in the past
- Limited user base compared to WhatsApp
WhatsApp: Pros and Cons
Pros
- End-to-end encryption for secure messaging
- Large user base, making it easy to connect with friends and family
- Allows voice and video calls as well as file sharing
Cons
- Requires phone number for registration, no anonymous messaging option
- No customization options beyond basic profile picture and status
- No built-in web browsing feature
Which one should you consider?
Both WhatsApp and Kik are very good messengers with great features. However, if you are very concerned about the privacy and safety of your children and teens, we highly recommend WhatsApp. As mentioned earlier, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption that ensures maximum online security. With Kik, you have to be careful if your kids/teens use it because they can chat with complete strangers. With all this in mind, it is up to you which instant messenger app suits you best.
FAQs
Kik is certainly more popular with younger people. 70% of Kik users are between 13 and 24 years old. Kik is especially popular among teens in the US: more than one-third (⅓) of all US teens actively use Kik to message friends.
More than a decade after its launch, Kik is still popular because it offers more privacy and anonymity than other apps such as Whatsapp or iMessage.
