Messaging apps are more than just tools for sending texts. They shape how we connect with friends, run businesses, make calls abroad, and even share media with family. Two names that often come up in this conversation are WhatsApp and Viber.
Both apps let you send messages, make voice and video calls, and share files. But they’re not identical. WhatsApp dominates in many parts of the world, while Viber has carved out loyal communities in specific regions. If you’ve ever wondered which app is better for you, this guide breaks it down in detail.
A Quick Background
WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, was founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton.
Acquired by Facebook (Meta) in 2014.
Today, WhatsApp has over 2.7 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular messaging app globally.
It’s especially strong in regions like India, Brazil, Pakistan, Europe, and Africa.
Viber
Founded in 2010 by four Israeli entrepreneurs.
Later acquired by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce giant, in 2014.
Viber has about 1 billion registered users worldwide, with strongholds in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Popular in countries like Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, Greece, and Serbia.
Why People Compare WhatsApp and Viber
Even though WhatsApp is the global king of messaging, Viber keeps holding its ground. The reason is simple: both apps focus on free international communication. If you have family or friends living abroad, both WhatsApp and Viber are top choices.
However, the biggest difference lies in user base and features. WhatsApp wins in scale, but Viber offers unique extras like Viber Out (cheap international calls to non-app users) and fun stickers.
Popularity and User Base
WhatsApp’s Popularity
WhatsApp is almost unavoidable. If you move to a new country, chances are your neighbors, coworkers, and even local shops use WhatsApp. It has become the default communication tool in many places.
Viber’s Popularity
Viber isn’t everywhere, but where it is, it’s loved. For example:
In Ukraine and Serbia, Viber is the most-used messenger.
In the Philippines, it competes directly with Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
In Japan, it’s popular because Rakuten owns it.
This means your choice often depends on where you live and where your contacts are.
Both WhatsApp and Viber pack a lot of features, but they approach things differently. Let’s compare them one by one.
1. Messaging Experience
- Simple, clean chat interface.
- Supports text, emojis, GIFs, voice notes, stickers.
- Message editing (within 15 minutes).
- Disappearing messages with customizable timers.
- Starred messages for easy saving.
- Broadcast lists for one-to-many communication.
Viber
- More playful interface, colorful by default.
- Text, emojis, GIFs, and huge sticker library.
- Secret chats with self-destruct timers.
- Option to “like” individual messages.
- Communities that mix chats with public groups.
Verdict: WhatsApp is simple and reliable. Viber adds more fun and personality.
2. Voice and Video Calls
All voice and video calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted by default, ensuring that only you and the person you’re talking to can access them.
Group calls support up to 32 participants.
Works well even on slow networks.
Integration with WhatsApp Web/Desktop is improving.
Viber
Voice and video calls also encrypted.
Group calls with up to 60 participants.
Offers Viber Out, which lets you call landlines or mobile numbers that don’t use Viber, at low international rates.
Call quality is excellent, especially on Wi-Fi.
Verdict: Viber edges ahead if you need international calls to non-users. WhatsApp is slightly better in reliability.
3. Group Chats and Communities
Groups support up to 1024 members.
New Communities feature lets admins organize multiple groups under one umbrella.
Admin tools: remove messages, restrict who can post, add descriptions.
Great for family, office, and school groups.
Viber
Regular groups support 250 members.
Communities can host unlimited members, making them more like public forums.
Admins can broadcast updates, moderate, and even monetize communities.
Users can join via links without sharing their phone number.
👉 Verdict: WhatsApp is better for private groups. Viber is better for public or massive communities.
4. Stickers and Personalization
Stickers were introduced later but are now widely used.
Users can create and upload custom sticker packs.
Limited in-app themes.
Viber
Famous for its sticker culture many packs are free, others are premium.
Brands often create official sticker packs.
Custom chat backgrounds and themes.
Fun, expressive vibe compared to WhatsApp’s simplicity.
Verdict: Viber is the clear winner for fun and expression.
5. Security and Privacy
End-to-end encryption by default for messages, calls, media, and backups (with a password).
Owned by Meta, so some users worry about data sharing with Facebook.
Two-step verification available.
Viber
End-to-end encryption by default for chats and calls.
Chats marked with a lock icon if encrypted.
Secret Chats with self-destruct timers.
Doesn’t belong to a social media giant, but still collects metadata.
Verdict: Both are secure, but WhatsApp wins in global trust thanks to its use of the Signal protocol.
6. File Sharing
File size limit: 2 GB.
Supports all common formats (docs, PDFs, videos, audio).
Compression applied to media unless sent as “Document.”
Viber
File size limit: 200 MB.
Supports documents, media, and even ZIP files.
No true cloud storage, so large files aren’t stored long-term.
Verdict: WhatsApp is better for large files.
Business Tools and Professional Use
WhatsApp Business App: Free version with features like product catalogs, auto-replies, and business profiles.
WhatsApp Business API: Paid, designed for medium and large companies to manage customer support and marketing at scale.
Integration with Facebook Shops and payment systems in some countries.
Small shops to big brands use WhatsApp for customer service, order tracking, and marketing.
Viber
Viber for Business: Offers branded stickers, business messages, chatbots, and ads.
Viber Out for Businesses: Lets companies provide customer support via low-cost calls.
Popular for banks, airlines, and e-commerce brands in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Focuses more on advertising and promotions than direct business communication.
Verdict: WhatsApp is stronger for small businesses worldwide, while Viber is more useful for brands targeting regional audiences.
Pros and Cons
WhatsApp Pros
- Biggest user base.
- Free voice and video calls.
- End-to-end encryption by default.
- Business features for shops and companies.
- Works well on low internet speeds.
Cons:
- Owned by Meta, raising privacy concerns.
- Limited personalization.
- Groups capped at 1,024 members.
Viber Pros
- Fun, colorful design with tons of stickers.
- Communities can host unlimited members.
- Viber Out allows cheap calls to landlines and mobiles.
- Popular in countries where WhatsApp is weaker.
- Secret chats and strong encryption.
Cons:
- Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp.
- File sharing limited to 200 MB.
- Less support for small businesses.
WhatsApp’s Future
AI-powered chatbots: Meta is rolling out AI features to help with automated replies and smart suggestions.
Payments & shopping: WhatsApp Pay is expanding, turning the app into a mini e-commerce hub.
Business expansion: More integration with customer support systems, helping businesses manage chats at scale.
Focus on privacy: Despite Meta’s reputation, WhatsApp is adding features like encrypted backups and locked chats.
Viber’s Future
Creator tools: More monetization for community admins and content creators.
Viber Out growth: Expanding its cheap international call service, especially in regions where mobile carriers are expensive.
Stronger regional focus: Instead of competing globally, Viber is doubling down in its strong markets like Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
More personalization: Expect even more stickers, themes, and fun features to keep users engaged.
Verdict: WhatsApp wants to be a super app (chat + business + payments). Viber wants to be the fun community and calling app with loyal users.
FAQs:
1. Which is safer: WhatsApp or Viber?
Both are encrypted, but WhatsApp’s encryption (Signal protocol) is widely trusted.
2. Can I use both apps on the same phone?
Yes, millions of people do.
3. Which app is better for international calls?
Viber, because of Viber Out.
4. Can WhatsApp replace Viber?
In most regions, yes. But in Viber-strong countries, many people stick to it.
5. Which app has more features for fun?
Viber, thanks to stickers, themes, and communities.
6. Which is better for businesses?
WhatsApp, especially with WhatsApp Business and API.
7. Can I send large files on Viber?
Yes, but only up to 200 MB. WhatsApp allows 2 GB.
8. Do both apps work on desktop?
Yes, both have desktop versions.
9. Which drains less battery?
WhatsApp, especially for long calls.
10. Can I hide my phone number on Viber?
Yes, you can use usernames. WhatsApp always shows your number.
11. Do both apps support disappearing messages?
Yes.
12. Which app is more popular globally?
WhatsApp by far.
13. Can I monetize a community on Viber?
Yes, admins can use ads and partnerships.
14. Can I back up chats on both apps?
WhatsApp allows Google Drive/iCloud backup. Viber syncs to its servers.
15. Which is better for group study or student use?
Viber for large communities, WhatsApp for smaller groups.
16. Can I make international calls for free?
Yes, if the other person uses the same app. Otherwise, Viber Out is cheaper.
17. Which app supports better stickers?
Viber.
18. Which is faster on weak internet?
WhatsApp.
19. Can I use Viber without a SIM card?
No, it still requires a phone number. Same as WhatsApp.
20. Which app is future-proof?
WhatsApp will keep growing. Viber will remain strong in certain regions.
Conclusion
So, which one should you use?
Choose WhatsApp if you want the universal option. Almost everyone has it, and it’s great for personal chats, family groups, and business use.
Choose Viber if you live in a region where it’s popular or if you love its extras like stickers, massive communities, and cheap international calls.
The truth is, in 2025, many people use both apps. WhatsApp for staying in touch with the majority, and Viber for special groups or calling abroad.
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