PhoneBlock vs Whoscall

PhoneBlock is a free call-blocking service that uses a community-maintained database to identify unwanted advertising and spam calls. Users can report numbers through the app, website, or personal blacklist, and reports join the shared blacklist. The Android app blocks known spam calls, keeps call history, and supports reports and personal lists; it requires Android 10 or later. For incoming calls, the Android app sends only the phone number’s SHA-1 hash and does not access contacts.

Landline users can choose a router dongle, a Fritz!Box cloud answering machine, or a blocklist phonebook synchronized through CardDAV. The documented iPhone setup syncs spam numbers into contacts through CardDAV; a native iPhone app is in development, and beta registration is available. Phone systems can download the blocklist in different formats or query it through an API. PhoneBlock is licensed under GPL-3.0 and operated as a private project. The operator accepts email requests for help, including for mistakenly listed numbers. PhoneBlock costs nothing, with donations optional; its terms advise against business use.

Whoscall identifies incoming callers in real time and blocks spam and scam calls on Android and iOS. Its AI checks phone numbers, links, and screenshots against trusted data to flag possible risks. The app also offers Scam SOS, with one-tap access to bank hotlines and online scam reports, and Voice Alerts that warn about suspected scam calls; both features vary by region. Users can report scams and earn points and badges, contributing information to the community. Whoscall says its number database holds more than 2.6 billion entries. The free plan includes caller ID, call blocking, checks for numbers, links, and screenshots, and scam reports and rewards. Paid Individual, Duo, and Family plans add account sharing, database updates, an SMS assistant, ad-free use, and automatic spam blocking; Live Caller ID Plus is limited to iOS 18 or later. Individual costs $27 a year. Business customers can apply for Verified Business Number, which displays a verified company name and logo and requires a minimum six-month purchase.