There’s stiff competition going on in the Instant Messaging and VoIP business. There was a time when Skype dominated all competition, but that time is long gone. New apps have emerged and have been gaining popularity, and the two that stand out easily are WhatsApp and Viber. The two are similar and different at the same time, so let’s determine their pros, cons and decide which one is ultimately better.
Which is More Accessible?
Considering the range of OS on both there’s going to be a widely accessible pool of users between the two. But to answer the question outright, both are able to offer primary access to six operating systems with only a slither of a difference noticeable in-between them.
Viber is downloadable and supported throughout iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Bada and Nokia. Whereas the competitor, WhatsApp is almost similar with support on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Nokia S40, and Symbian. As you can see, the only two that’re interchanged are the Nokia, Nokia S40, Symbian and Bada.
S40 is Nokia’s proprietary real-time operating system for so called feature phones. It supports additional software development using Java and in the recent versions also Flash Lite. Whereas Nokia is a little more broad as an overall OS. Bada is a somewhat lesser known OS released by Samsung alongside with their Wave series in late 2009. This doesn’t relatively cling to your interest due to the fact Bada has been more-or-less overlooked since the development of Tizen in 2013. Symbian is an OS currently overtaken by Andriod since 2010, but was the most popular smartphone OS on a worldwide average until the end of its apparent acquisition.
So the ending here is an outright tie of six to six; though the flexibility of Viber in the platforms department places it a step ahead of WhatsApp in our personal opinion.
Basic Messaging and Communication Features
With an access to a stable Internet connection, WhatsApp can send texts, photos, video clips, your location data (which’ll open up on Google Maps), audio clips and register one friend’s contact to another available friend via WhatsApp. At the moment, however, the big deal with WhatsApp is the fact it doesn’t support voice chat. We can assume that the Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp will lead into the possibility of making free voice calls on it.
Viber, on the other hand, already has its hand in accessible voice chat. In fact you can use 3G or Wi-Fi on top of being able to send texts,photos, videos and location data. With the most recent update of Viber Desktop, you can even make calls to any available friend on your desktop or laptop. Considering you’ve downloaded the software, it’ll allow you to effortlessly move between your smartphone and desktop depending on your location and preference. So, needless to say that Viber has kicked WhatsApp to the curb on that round-about.
Another plus in Viber’s favor is the ability to host over 100 contacts into one group chat. At the moment, WhatsApp is reported at 50 members per group chat. Though, that number is expected to rise. WhatsApp also has said that you can have 50 of these groups if you so desire. But the quantity doesn’t help when you’ll need instant access to 51+ members in your cohesive group.
Privacy, Security, and Compiling Contacts
Both WhatsApp and Viber require a valid phone number in order to integrate into the actual app. Both will also ask if you’d like to search through your smartphone’s contacts in order to integrate those into your Viber/WhatsApp contact list. Think of it more like a “pending” contact request when you sign in for the very first time. Viber is a little more evident about adding people from your smartphone’s registered contacts whereas WhatsApp will ask you outright. Whether or not you’re particularly interested in intertwining these will probably weigh in one or the other’s favor. I’ve known people who’re looking to avoid, as well as maintain the array of people that’ve collected on their contacts page.
On WhatsApp you can block contacts by going to Settings > Chat Settings > Blocked. This will ensure that you’ll be free of receiving any form of messages or alerts from them. You can also limit who is able to see you online by going turning the feature off at Settings > Chat Settings > Advanced. So even if you’re not too thrilled with having an integrated list, there are ways to manage it.
Keep in mind that WhatsApp only works on one mobile device. If you switch phones, swap numbers; you’ll be going through the process all over again. But it is a necessary evil to endure in order to reassure your long-term privacy.
Viber is a lot like WhatsApp in that discretion; but since Viber instantaneously will sync your contacts to your Viber account, the program is rather “open” in a sense. It’ll allow people who have your contact number or information to glance at your name and know if you’re online or the last moment you were available online. You can turn this feature off by going under More > Settings > Online Status. It’ll also use Google Analytics to track your personal information like IP Addresses, data storage, and the maintenance services. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you can also turn off this feature at More > Settings > Collect Data.
Popularity and Price
Chances are that while Viber has more support on more platforms, leaving WhatsApp as only a basic messaging app that works for smartphones (and a paid service at that) more people are still using WhatsApp over Viber. If you take a second to ask your friends, there’s probably a significant fraction of them that’re keen on using WhatsApp. Most of them probably are using the service due to its affiliation to Facebook, if that’s the case. Or it could be another personal preference. Fact of the matter is, yes more people do use WhatsApp, but the folks at Viber is beginning to close that distance.
WhatsApp is going to cost you .99 to maintain. At the moment, the initial download is free, for a year. But after that year is up, you’re going to have to make due with some in-app purchases in order to keep the program going on your smartphone. Viber is free, although it does offer in-app purchases as well.
In Conclusion
In this reviewer’s opinion, you’d be far better off sticking with Viber then WhatsApp. Both are uncanny in resemblance at times, but the line of similarities end when we get to price and overall usefulness of the app itself. If you’re planning on using a messenger app on multiple platforms, in multiple areas; then Viber is going to be your best bet. Individuals who are looking forward to messaging their friends while on their desktop or laptop will absolutely adore the aptitude of Viber over WhatsApp.
There’s also the big question of when exactly that WhatsApp will be granted access to voice chat. Until that goes through, Viber is the unparalleled champion in that realm as well. Considering the app managed to offer voice chat upon launch, and WhatsApp is still lagging behind to get it set up.
While we are uncertain of the future, there is an assumption that due to the amassed individuals whom are still using WhatsApp that it’ll maintain its dominance over the industry. But what good is an app that requires eventual in-app purchases that your friends might not want to pay? In the end, there’s a good chance you (and your friends) will be seeking an alternate method. One such option is to make the transition to Viber.
But that fate will ultimately be in the user’s hands.
What is your favorite messenger?
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