As smartphone usage continues to rise in India, so does the problem of unwanted spam calls and scams. Caller ID apps like Truecaller and Eyecon offer a solution by identifying unknown numbers and automatically blocking suspected spammers. But which one provides better protection and features?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Truecaller and Eyecon head-to-head in key areas like caller identification accuracy, spam blocking, data privacy, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which app is the best fit for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Overview of Truecaller
Founded in 2009, Truecaller is the most well-known caller ID app globally with over 500 million downloads. It uses a database of user-reported phone numbers to identify incoming calls and SMS.
Key Features:
- Identify unknown calls and SMS
- Automatically block spam and scam numbers
- Search for numbers in Truecaller’s global database
- See names and photos of unknown callers
- Know how many users have marked a number as spam
- Integrated call recording
Pros:
✓ Extensive database with billions of numbers
✓ Highly accurate spam detection
✓ Free version covers most essential features
✓ Convenient social media lookup of callers
Cons:
✗ Requires access to your contacts to work optimally
✗ Some users concerned about data privacy
✗ Relatively high battery and resource usage
✗ Premium features require paid subscription
Overview of Eyecon
Launched in 2016, Eyecon takes a different approach than Truecaller. Instead of crowdsourcing data, it syncs with your phone and social media accounts to create an enriched phonebook with names and photos.
Key Features:
- Sync contacts from Facebook and other social media
- Photo-based dialer to easily identify callers
- Block unwanted numbers and spam calls
- Real-time availability checker
- Customized contact icons and ringtones
- In-built call recorder
Pros:
✓ Provides better context about callers than just names
✓ Sleek, visual interface that’s easy to use
✓ More privacy-friendly than Truecaller
✓ Useful social media integration and availability feature
Cons:
✗ Requires Facebook account for optimal results
✗ Smaller database compared to Truecaller
✗ Some users report issues with syncing
✗ Lacks Truecaller’s extensive spam database
Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see how Truecaller and Eyecon stack up in the areas that matter most:
Caller ID Accuracy: Truecaller is the clear winner here thanks to its massive database of user-reported numbers. It successfully identifies a higher percentage of unknown calls compared to Eyecon. However, Eyecon provides more context by showing social media photos and profiles where available.
For a detailed look at how Truecaller fares against other popular caller ID apps, check out these comparisons:
Spam Call Blocking: Again, Truecaller comes out on top with its regularly updated spam database of millions of scam, fraud, and telemarketing numbers. While Eyecon does block unwanted callers, its list is not as comprehensive as Truecaller’s.
Data Privacy: If data privacy is a top concern, Eyecon has the advantage. It primarily uses data from your own contacts and linked accounts. Truecaller collects more information, including your contacts list, which some users object to. However, both apps let you opt out of sharing your personal data.
User Interface: This one is more subjective, but in our opinion Eyecon offers a more intuitive and visually appealing interface, especially with its photo-based dialer screen. Truecaller has more features but they can feel cluttered at times.
Premium Features: Both apps offer additional paid features like:
- Advanced call blocking
- Call recording
- Incognito mode
- No ads
Truecaller’s premium plans are slightly more expensive, starting at Rs 49/month compared to Eyecon’s Rs 30/month. But it offers a wider range of features for the price.
Alternatives to Consider
While Truecaller and Eyecon are two of the most popular caller ID apps in India, there are several other excellent options worth mentioning:
- Whoscall – Known for its offline caller identification and high spam detection rate. Uses a massive database like Truecaller. Learn more in our Truecaller vs Whoscall comparison.
- Hiya – Completely free app with no ads. Focuses on identifying and blocking spam calls and SMS. Owned by Samsung.
- Mr. Number – Straightforward call blocking and caller ID app. Lets you create custom block lists by area code or country code.
- Showcaller – Lightweight app with offline database. Includes call recorder and fast T9 dialer. Great for lower end phones. See how it compares to Truecaller in our Truecaller vs Showcaller faceoff.
For even more options, see our roundup of the best Truecaller alternatives for Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to pay for Truecaller or Eyecon? Both apps offer free versions with most essential features. Paying for Premium unlocks advanced spam blocking, recording, and more.
- Will these apps work without internet? Truecaller requires internet to access its database and verify numbers. Eyecon works offline for saved contacts but needs data for new numbers.
- Can I unlist my number from Truecaller? Yes. Go to Truecaller’s website, search for your number and choose “Unlist” to remove it from the public database.
- Is it safe to give these apps access to my contacts? Truecaller and Eyecon both encrypt your data to keep it secure. You can opt out of syncing your contacts in the settings.
- Will these apps drain my phone battery? All caller ID apps use some background resources, but Eyecon is more battery-friendly than Truecaller according to our tests.
Key Takeaways
- Truecaller is the most accurate for identifying unknown calls and blocking spam thanks to its huge database. But it requires sharing your contacts.
- Eyecon focuses on adding social media info to your phonebook for better context. It’s more privacy-friendly but has a smaller database.
- Both apps are effective at their core job of identifying callers and curbing spam. Which one is better comes down to your priorities.
- There are several other great alternatives available like Whoscall, Hiya and Mr. Number if you want to explore further.
Ultimately, the right caller ID app for you depends on your specific needs and concerns. We recommend trying both Truecaller and Eyecon, as well as the other apps mentioned, to see which one you prefer. Regardless of which one you choose, having a reliable caller ID and spam blocker app on your phone is essential in today’s world of rising spam calls and scams.
