Viber vs WhatsApp
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Viber lets users send instant messages, share media, and make voice or video calls worldwide over data or Wi‑Fi. It offers end‑to‑end encryption for private conversations and a rich sticker store for expressive chats. The service works on smartphones, tablets, and desktops, syncing contacts and chat history across devices, and includes group chat tools and public accounts for businesses and creators.
WhatsApp is a globally dominant messaging app offering end-to-end-encrypted text, voice, and video, plus business tools. Its ubiquity makes it the default communication channel in many countries.
Free for individuals; WhatsApp Business has paid API tiers.
- Free core messaging and calling
- End‑to‑end encryption for privacy
- Large user base and cross‑platform support
- Rich sticker and media sharing features
- Nearly universal reach
- E2E encrypted
- Reliable calls
- Free for individuals
- Calls to non‑Viber numbers require paid credits
- Limited integration with third‑party business tools
- Desktop app can be resource‑heavy on older machines
- Owned by Meta (privacy concerns)
- Ties to phone number
- Business API can be costly
What reviewers say
Viber Reviews
No reviews yet.
WhatsApp Reviews
4.3 (4)Great messaging
We rolled out WhatsApp last quarter. E2E encrypted. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Great messaging
Tried WhatsApp recently. Nearly universal reach. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Good, not perfect
We rolled out WhatsApp last quarter. Upside: reliable calls. Downside: owned by meta (privacy concerns).
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Viber
View all →Alternatives to WhatsApp
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataWhatsApp offers universal reach and free individual use but can be costly for business API; Viber provides free core messaging with richer media features but charges for external calls.
Key differences
- •WhatsApp is virtually everywhere; Viber has a smaller user base.
- •WhatsApp ties accounts to phone numbers; Viber uses app‑based accounts.
- •Viber includes a built‑in sticker marketplace and larger group chats.
- •WhatsApp Business API can be expensive; Viber charges credits for non‑Viber calls.
Pricing & value
Both are free for core messaging; each adds paid elements (WhatsApp Business API, Viber credit calls).
Ease of use / learning curve
Both provide cross‑platform apps; WhatsApp requires a phone number, Viber does not.
Features & depth
WhatsApp includes voice/video calls and a business messaging suite; Viber lacks comparable business tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
WhatsApp offers an API for business integration; Viber’s integration options are limited.
Collaboration
Both support group chats; Viber mentions up to 250 members, WhatsApp’s group size not specified.
Security & privacy
Both provide end‑to‑end encryption for one‑to‑one chats.
Support
Viber lists email and live‑chat support; WhatsApp support details not provided.
Choose Viber if…
Consumers or small businesses wanting free core messaging with rich media stickers and low‑cost calls.
Choose WhatsApp if…
Businesses needing global reach and API integration, willing to pay for advanced features.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use WhatsApp for a small business?
WhatsApp is free for individuals; the Business API has paid tiers, which can be costly for small businesses.
Can I call a regular phone number from Viber?
Yes, but calls to non‑Viber numbers require purchasing credits.
Do both apps encrypt messages?
Yes, both WhatsApp and Viber provide end‑to‑end encryption for one‑to‑one chats.