Should I Answer? vs Whoscall

Should I Answer? is a community-based service and mobile app for identifying and guarding against unwanted calls, telemarketing, and expensive outgoing calls. Its database combines community reviews with phone number ratings and is refreshed daily. On Android, the app can check a locally stored database without an internet connection and can optionally block unwanted calls automatically. The maker warns that automatic blocking may not work on every phone model. On iOS, number ratings appear in CallerID during calls or in Call History through the call blocking and identification extension. The service is also available on the web and as an extension. The Android app requires Android 4.1 or higher; Android 6 and newer require permissions for contacts, call information, and drawing over other apps. The Android manual says the local database stores phone numbers and statistics, while user reviews can be downloaded from the web service. The Android plan is free. An iOS automatic database updates plan has no listed price and includes a one-month trial period and free phone number information search.

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.