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Communication · head to head

Viber vs WhatsApp

Viber logo

Viber

Communication

Messaging app with its strongest user base in Eastern Europe and the Philippines, owned by Japans Rakuten

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WhatsApp logo

WhatsApp

Communication

Simple. Reliable. Private.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Viber viber has limited relevance outside its strong regions, so building a communication strategy around it in North America or most of Western Europe reaches almost nobody.; WhatsApp consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply
  • They diverge on capability: Viber covers End to end encryption, WhatsApp covers Text messaging.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Viber and WhatsApp actually diverge.

Attributes where Viber and WhatsApp differ
AttributeViberWhatsApp
Pricing modelFree to download, paid business messaging and out calls to landlines and mobilesfree
PlatformsiOS, Android, Windows, macOS, WebWeb, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android
FoundedUnknown2009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Communication).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Viber

  • End to end encryption
  • Communities
  • Viber Business Messages
  • Free calling
  • Self-destructing messages
  • Rakuten integration

Only in WhatsApp

  • Text messaging
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • Group chats
  • Status updates
  • File sharing
  • Voice messages
  • Location sharing

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Viber

  • A business communicating with customers in Eastern Europe or the Philippines where Viber, not WhatsApp, is the default appnot WhatsApp
  • An individual making cheap international calls to family in a Viber-strong market before switching entirely to data callingnot WhatsApp
  • A brand running a Community channel to reach an established Viber audience in a specific countrynot WhatsApp
  • Someone wanting end to end encrypted chat on by default without configuring anythingnot WhatsApp

WhatsApp

  • Personal messagingnot Viber
  • Family communicationnot Viber
  • Business communicationnot Viber
  • Group coordinationnot Viber
  • International callingnot Viber

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Viber

  • Viber has limited relevance outside its strong regions, so building a communication strategy around it in North America or most of Western Europe reaches almost nobody.
  • Ownership by Rakuten ties the app to a commerce and points ecosystem, and account data can be linked to Rakuten services in markets where that integration is active.
  • Business Messages pricing is metered per message, so a company sending high volumes of promotional content can find costs rise quickly compared with a flat fee model.
  • Viber has lost share even in some of its historically strong markets to Telegram and WhatsApp, so its regional dominance is not guaranteed to persist.
  • The desktop client depends on the phone app remaining active and connected, which is a limitation for anyone wanting a fully independent desktop messenger.

WhatsApp

  • Consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply

Pricing, plan by plan

Viber

Free
  • ViberFree
    • Free messaging and calling between Viber users
    • Viber Out charges per minute for calls to non-Viber phone numbers
    • Business Messages priced per message sent to businesses on a metered basis

WhatsApp

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited messaging
    • Voice and video calls
    • Group chats up to 1024 people

Which should you pick?

Choose Viber if

  • You need end to end encryption.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web.
  • You also want communities.
Viber review

Choose WhatsApp if

  • You need text messaging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android.
  • You also want voice calls.
WhatsApp review

Questions people ask

Is Viber or WhatsApp better?
Neither clearly leads. Viber starts at Free and WhatsApp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Viber or WhatsApp?
Viber starts at Free and WhatsApp at Free.
Does Viber or WhatsApp run on more platforms?
Viber runs on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web. WhatsApp runs on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android.
Can I use Viber for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Viber best used for?
Viber is most often used for a business communicating with customers in eastern europe or the philippines where viber, not whatsapp, is the default app, an individual making cheap international calls to family in a viber-strong market before switching entirely to data calling, a brand running a community channel to reach an established viber audience in a specific country, someone wanting end to end encrypted chat on by default without configuring anything. Of those, a business communicating with customers in eastern europe or the philippines where viber, not whatsapp, is the default app and an individual making cheap international calls to family in a viber-strong market before switching entirely to data calling are not what WhatsApp is typically brought in for.
What can Viber do that WhatsApp cannot?
Viber covers End to end encryption, Communities, Viber Business Messages, Free calling. WhatsApp covers Text messaging, Voice calls, Video calls, Group chats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Viber: Is Viber end to end encrypted?

Yes, by default for one-to-one and group chats, unlike Telegram where it is opt-in for secret chats only.

WhatsApp: How much does WhatsApp cost for personal users?

WhatsApp messaging and calling are free for personal users. Data charges may apply depending on your mobile provider.

Source
Viber: Is Viber popular in the United States?

No, it has a comparatively small footprint there. Its real strength is in specific markets including parts of Eastern Europe and the Philippines.

WhatsApp: Does WhatsApp offer a business product?

Yes, WhatsApp Business exists to help companies reach customers, showcase products, and increase sales, though specific pricing for business messaging features is not detailed on the main website.

Source
Viber: Who owns Viber?

Rakuten Group, a Japanese e-commerce and internet services company, which bought Viber in 2014.

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