Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Kisi vs WhatsApp Messenger

Kisi 4.8★ · Free to download 40
Winner WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp Messenger 4.7★ · Free + IAP 80

WhatsApp Messenger is the clear choice for general communication due to its global utility and reliable core features, while Kisi struggles with consistent functionality for its niche access control purpose.

Full reviews: Kisi · WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger excels as a globally useful communication app with clear video and voice, despite some user complaints about account suspensions and notification issues. Kisi, an access control app, is praised for convenience when it works but is plagued by frequent glitches, unreliability, and privacy concerns regarding location permissions.

Head to head

Features edge: WhatsApp MessengerR9R13R15R21
Kisi Kisi users appreciate the idea of a digital key for access control, offering flexibility with phone and Apple Watch R15. However, many find the implementation lacking, with issues like Apple Wallet opening instead of the app, and a desire for NFC functionality or better door organization R9R13R21. Some also request dark mode and iPad support .
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger is valued for its core communication features, including clear video and voice calls, and its ability to connect with friends abroad . Users express a desire for more stickers and animated emojis, and better handling of usernames instead of phone numbers . Some also report issues with video sharing during calls and media downloading without permission .
Ease of Use edge: WhatsApp MessengerR1R2R9R13
Kisi When Kisi works, users find it easy and convenient for gaining access R2. However, many report a cumbersome experience, including difficulties with signing up, needing multiple taps to unlock doors, and issues with the app not detecting proximity or opening Apple Wallet instead R1R9R13. Recent updates have made the process more complicated for some, requiring extra steps or swiping .
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger is generally considered intuitive and easy for communication . However, some users find it not intuitive for their needs . Issues include difficulties with logging in after swapping phones, needing QR codes for iPad login instead of SMS, and problems with personalized notifications resetting R87.
Reliability tieR4R10R13R16
Kisi Reliability is a major concern for Kisi users, with many reporting that the app is glitchy, unreliable, and often fails to work R4R10R16R19. Users frequently experience issues with door readers not detecting their phone, the app logging them out, or the system not recognizing their login R4R13R25. Some state it only works 50-90% of the time, which is unacceptable for a door access system R16.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger is generally considered reliable for communication . However, users report significant reliability issues, including frequent account suspensions without explanation, calls dropping, and the app freezing or lagging R82R91. Some also mention problems with not receiving activation codes or notifications .
Price/Value edge: WhatsApp MessengerR37R45R65R107
Kisi Kisi users express strong dissatisfaction with its pricing, with one reviewer calling it "price gouging" due to a 900% increase without notice R45. Another reviewer criticizes the system as "bare bones" and cloud-hosted primarily to charge exorbitant subscription fees for a door lock R37.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger is free to download and use, with in-app purchases (IAP). Users generally do not complain about the cost, indicating good value for its communication services R65R107.
Support tieR28R45R59R64
Kisi Kisi users report poor experiences with support, including being told by their gym staff that the app is causing issues and needing account restarts R28. One reviewer mentioned contacting support about a price increase and being told there was nothing they could do R45. There are also complaints about unaddressed hardware malfunctions, such as an elevator problem persisting for six months R59.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger users report difficulties with customer service, describing it as feeling like an "AI platform" or "human-machine" that doesn't provide solutions R64R99. Users frequently complain about not receiving explanations for account suspensions R82.
Pick Kisi if

You need a digital access control system and are willing to tolerate frequent glitches and potential privacy concerns for the convenience it offers when it works R2.

Pick WhatsApp Messenger if

You need a widely used, free communication app for messaging, voice, and video calls, especially for international contact, and are prepared to deal with occasional account issues or notification quirks .

Evidence note: The evidence for Kisi is heavily skewed towards negative experiences, particularly regarding reliability and privacy, despite its higher lifetime rating. WhatsApp Messenger, with a massive user base, has a mix of positive and negative reviews, but its core functionality is generally well-regarded.

Frequently asked

Is Kisi reliable for door access?
Based on user reviews, Kisi is frequently reported as unreliable, with many users experiencing glitches, login issues, and doors not unlocking 10-50% of the time R4R16R19R25.
Does WhatsApp Messenger have issues with account suspensions?
Yes, several WhatsApp Messenger users report experiencing unfair and excessive account suspensions, sometimes multiple times in a short period, often without clear explanations R82R91R93R99.
Are there privacy concerns with Kisi?
Yes, multiple Kisi users express significant privacy concerns, specifically regarding the app forcing them to grant "Always Allow" location access to function, which they deem unnecessary and "creepy" R6R21R22R49.
Can I use WhatsApp Messenger on an iPad?
While WhatsApp Messenger can be used on an iPad, some users report an issue where they need a QR code to log in instead of being able to use a phone number and SMS message, which they find inconvenient R87.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R9] Kisi 3/5 · US It’s okay: I wish the app would unlock the doors by holding my phone close to the door reader instead of having to click on the door button then have the door unlock. Also, when I click on the door button, my phone wallet opens sometimes instead. But it works, so I won’t complain too much.
  2. [R13] Kisi 2/5 · US Glitchy: Sometimes the app keeps you from being able to exit the establishment because it can’t register the location of your phone close enough to the outside lock. When entering, your phone needs to be held tight up against the device on the door for it to grant you access. Additionally, every single time I use it to unlock the door it triggers my apple wallet, as if I’m trying to pay for someth
  3. [R15] Kisi 3/5 · US Good theory. Little glitches: Like the flexibility of Kisi (iPhone, Apple Watch) but it does not always work on my watch alone. Hope this can get fixed. Thanks!
  4. [R21] Kisi 3/5 · US More permissions required to Use: I had enabled location sharing ‘While using the App’ and I could not get the app to work unless I allowed access all the time. Next, the app doesn’t support NFC fully or it isn’t being detected on my phone. When I am near a location that needs the app to access, my wallet opens up. Not the app. Even if I have the app open and I’m at the device that needs to be unl
  5. [R1] Kisi 1/5 · US Verification email never sent: The verification email was not sent during signup and the resend button doesn’t work. Couldn’t sign up and use the key.
  6. [R2] Kisi 5/5 · US Love It: Easy in access and not a whole lot of people here around noon which is great 1,000/10
  7. [R4] Kisi 2/5 · US CrossFit: I’m a member of my CF and I only go to open gym due to my schedule. We can use Kisi to let us inside. Kisi is very glitchy and not reliable. I have been notified by the app countless times now to contact my Coach due to it logging me out (I didn’t do it) from the app. It worked like wonders at first now it’s just so annoying. My CF had no control over this app. This app needs an update
  8. [R10] Kisi 2/5 · US I see what they are trying to do but…: Kisi wants to protect. Like the system leans toward security. But the malfunction of the hardware and software. Literally everyday something is wrong with Kisi. Kisi is my Dinkleburg. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾Hate it because it’s always a problem. But man, if it worked it would be awesome.
  9. [R16] Kisi 1/5 · US Like a key fob… but worse!: This app works 9/10 times, which might not seem bad until you realize that means you can’t open a door you need to use ~10% of the time. Meanwhile every key fob I’ve ever used has worked 100% of the time I’m sure it’s not all Kisi’s fault. Bluetooth is so finicky as a technology no matter the device or software trying to use it. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a
  10. [R37] Kisi 1/5 · US Awful company: It's a very bare bones system. Stripped down and cloud-hosted for no other reason (for most organizations) than to charge an exorbitant amount for a subscription (for a DOOR LOCK). The hardware is low quality. The nfc is very finicky so if you plan on that being your main access method, maybe look into another system. I had a horrible experience with Kisi. We used Kisi for 3 years
  11. [R45] Kisi 1/5 · US Price Gouging: Price gouging at its finest. 900% increase without notice after 1 year!! Great at first. Then a year later will raise their prices tremendously, unethical and unacceptable! Learned from my vendor about the change in price, not even from Kisi. Actively looking at different door access companies. Kisi, do not respond with, “contact support”. Respond when you can actually make this r
  12. [R65] WhatsApp Messenger 5/5 · US WhatsApp: Excelente
  13. [R107] WhatsApp Messenger 5/5 · US Valeur: WhatsApp es la meilleur application de commerce du monde entière
  14. [R28] Kisi 1/5 · US Bugged out: Worst appoints kind and have to go into the gym to have them mess with the app. They say it’s definitely the app causing issues and have to restart my account religiously. Please Kisi jump off a bridge
  15. [R59] Kisi 1/5 · US This app is a curse: The transponder doesn’t work a very large percentage of the time We have had a problem with the elevator at our office working space for probably six months and the Kisi people have still not fixed it If I was king of the world, I would ban this app
  16. [R64] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US The login methods are incomplete. The first time, it limits your verification code attempts, making it easy to get banned. Also, even if you pass verification today, it will be re-verified tomorrow, like an endless cycle. If you contact their customer service, they're like robots and offer no solutions whatsoever. Garbage. · translated
  17. [R19] Kisi 1/5 · US Variable: Work sometimes, other days it doesn’t
  18. [R25] Kisi 1/5 · US DO NOT USE: This system is so bad that I took time out of my day to come write a review about just how bad it is. As other reviewers have stated most of the time it pulls up your Apple Pay and will not access the system about 75% of the time the system doesn’t recognize your login and you have to open the app and about 75% of the time that you open the app it won’t open the door for you anyway. Yo
  19. [R82] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US Unfair Excessive suspensions: Account suspended excessively. My WhatsApp account has been suspended 3 times in the last 2 weeks for nothing. Fix this. I may delete my account because these unfair and unfounded suspensions make the App useless. They never explain the reason for the suspension.
  20. [R91] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US Account review for no reason: You could fix this but you won’t acknowledge you have issues. Dev team just collecting a check.
  21. [R93] WhatsApp Messenger 3/5 · GB Banned for absolutely no reason: I’ve decided to swap numbers to my new phone and when i did i tried texting people and it failed so i was like okay ill wait 3 minutes pass and then im banned for what reason? Not even sure myself I haven’t broken any terms n Conditions
  22. [R99] WhatsApp Messenger 3/5 · GB Gg: Just random vans and suspensions with the stupid AI platform
  23. [R6] Kisi 3/5 · US Permission mad: It says permissions are required to monitor your location at all times, etc. But it works regardless, just shows your this banner at the top of the screen. Suspicious!
  24. [R22] Kisi 1/5 · US Forces always allow location: There’s no reason Kisi MUST always have access to my location. And yet it would not allow me to login and get into my building without setting to Always. When I changed it after to While Using, it indicates “Some REQUIRED permissions are missing”. Not true at all. I’m a big boy. Tell me what it affects and let me choose. But don’t force me into what you wa
  25. [R49] Kisi 1/5 · US Creepy: I’m sorry, but share my location at all times with this shady company just to unlock a door? Absolutely not. Also: Why are you pausing my audio when I ooen your app? In what world does an electonic key app need my speakers? I am considering quitting the gym that forces me to use this creepy app.
  26. [R87] WhatsApp Messenger 3/5 · GB Problem on iPad: Only issue, on iPad I need a qr code, id rather enter the number and get an sms message to log in. Until they do this update im unable to use WhatsApp

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store