KakaoTalk Free Calling and Messaging App Review

Pros and cons of KaTalk

By
Nadeem Unuth
Nadeem Unuth
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Mauritius
Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on March 14, 2020
Kakao Talk App on Apple iPhone 4s Screen

Kativ / Getty Images

KakaoTalk (also known as KaTalk) is a free communication tool for smartphone users. It offers free voice and video calling, instant messaging, and other features such as location sharing, gameplay, and scheduling.

Like market leaders WhatsApp, LINE, and Viber, KakaoTalk does not require usernames for identification, relying on users' mobile numbers instead.

KakaoTalk has around 150 million users, which positions it among the most used instant messaging apps in the world. Still, it remains far less popular than WhatsApp, which boasts more than a billion users, and several other widely used programs. The number of users is important because it governs the extent to which free voice and video calls are possible. The more people who use the app, the better your chances of communicating for free. 

What We Like

  • Uses mobile phone number for identification.

  • Unlimited free voice, video calls and text messages to other users.

  • Group text messaging supported.

  • Large user base.

  • Supports Android, iOS, Windows OS, and Mac OS.

  • Available in 15 languages.

What We Don't Like

  • No calling or messaging to non-KakaoTalk users

  • No privacy protocol and no encryption

  • Blocking feature not comprehensive.

  • Limited emoticons.

  • User base minimal outside of Korea.

About KakaoTalk

KakaoTalk is a Korea-based VoIP service that resembles Viber and numerous other services that offer free calls and communication services to other in-network users.

You can use KakaoTalk to communicate only with other users; you can’t place calls to other landline or mobile numbers, even with a paid version. As long as you have friends using it, this service is worth a look.

KakaoTalk is also a social networking tool. You can search for people using their names, phone numbers, or email accounts. In fact, people are so easy to find that it raises questions about security and privacy. Competitors have implemented end-to-end encryption, but KakaoTalk has lagged in this area.

If you attempt to call a number that's not registered with the KakaoTalk, the app lets the call go through, but it uses your cell phone plan's minutes as if it's an ordinary call.

Other Features

KakaoTalk offers a lot of extra features, too:

  • Plus Friend: You receive access to multimedia content such as songs and videos from artists and celebrities you add as your friends.
  • Contacts management: The app integrates your contact list and adds friends automatically to your chat sessions once they are online. You can import and export friend lists and view each friend’s mini-profile. You can also register your favorite friends.
  • Audio and graphic elements: The app provides funny voice filters that you can apply to your voice when engaged in voice calls. For messaging, you have a choice of animated emoticons.
  • Sharing. KakaoTalk allows you to share images, videos, links, contact information, and voice messages.
Kakao Talk Friends, Chats, and Find screens

Considerations When Using KakaoTalk

You can use your KakaoTalk account with only one phone number. If you change your phone number, you need to complete another number registration process.

The number of friends you can have in a group chat session is unlimited, and you can add friends to it at any time. If all the friends are KakaoTalk users, the whole session will be free for everyone. You can also choose to make voice calls to a friend in the chat session.

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