Unwanted calls, including robocalls and telemarketers, are a common nuisance for families. To combat this, several call-blocking solutions are available: Hiya, Apple’s built-in call blocking, and Robokiller. This article evaluates each to help you choose the best option for your family.
What Is Hiya and How Does It Work?
Hiya is a call-blocking app that identifies and blocks spam calls using a global database of known spam numbers. It integrates with your phone’s native dialer to provide real-time caller identification and spam detection. While Hiya offers a free version, advanced features like automatic spam blocking and personal number lookup require a premium subscription. (claritycheck.com)
How Does Apple’s Built-in Call Blocking Function?
Apple provides native call-blocking features through its "Call Blocking & Identification" system. This allows third-party apps to integrate and identify potential spam calls. Users can enable this feature by installing a compatible app like Hiya and granting it permission to filter calls. Additionally, Apple offers the "Silence Unknown Callers" option, which silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions. (vox-guard.com)
What Is Robokiller and How Does It Operate?
Robokiller is a subscription-based app that not only blocks spam calls but also answers them with pre-recorded "answer bots," wasting the scammer's time. This unique approach aims to reduce the number of robocalls over time. Robokiller maintains an extensive and continuously updated database of known spam numbers, enhancing its ability to block unwanted calls. (techrepublic.com)
How Effective Are These Solutions in Blocking Unwanted Calls?
Hiya is effective at identifying known spam numbers but may occasionally mislabel legitimate calls, especially from local businesses. Apple’s built-in features, like "Silence Unknown Callers," can be effective but may also silence important calls from unknown numbers. Robokiller has been reported to block a significant percentage of unwanted calls and offers the unique feature of answering spam calls with bots to waste the scammer's time. (abc15.com)
What Are the Costs Associated with Each Option?
Hiya offers a free version with basic features, while the premium version costs $3.99 per month, providing automatic spam blocking and personal number lookup. Apple’s built-in features are free but may require third-party apps for enhanced functionality. Robokiller requires a subscription of $4.99 per month, offering comprehensive call-blocking features and the unique answer bot functionality. (claritycheck.com)
Which Solution Is Best for Family Phone Users?
For families, Robokiller offers a comprehensive solution with its extensive spam call database, customizable block and allow lists, and the unique answer bot feature that wastes scammers' time. While Hiya and Apple’s built-in features provide basic call-blocking capabilities, Robokiller's additional features make it a more robust choice for families seeking to minimize unwanted calls. (robokiller.com)
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using These Call-Blocking Solutions?
Hiya may occasionally mislabel legitimate calls, leading to missed important communications. Apple’s built-in features, while convenient, may silence calls from unknown numbers that could be important. Robokiller, being a subscription-based service, requires a monthly fee, which may be a consideration for some users. (abc15.com)
In conclusion, while Hiya and Apple’s built-in call-blocking features offer basic protection against unwanted calls, Robokiller provides a more comprehensive and family-friendly solution with its advanced features and unique approach to dealing with spam calls.
