| Core Identity |
| Developer | Jatisari Inovasi Studio | WhatsApp Inc. | Viber Media | Signal Foundation | Telegram FZ-LLC | Meta Platforms, Inc. | Google | TextNow, Inc. | Snap Inc | Discord Inc. |
| Category | Social Networking | Social Networking | Communication | - | Social Networking | Social Networking | Productivity | Social Networking | - | - |
| Platform | Android, iOS | iOS, Android | Android, iOS | - | iOS, Android | Android, iOS | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | - | - |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | - | 4.0 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | - | - |
| Ratings Count | 35,549 | 17,831,527 | 831,197 | - | 265,794 | 12,271,387 | 61,654 | 895,475 | - | - |
| Price | Free | Free | Free | - | Free | Free | Free | Free | - | - |
| Release Date | Oct 25, 2021 | May 4, 2009 | Dec 2, 2010 | - | Aug 14, 2013 | Aug 9, 2011 | Nov 16, 2010 | May 7, 2009 | - | - |
| Last Updated | Dec 12, 2025 | Apr 27, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | - | Apr 9, 2026 | May 5, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Apr 19, 2026 | - | - |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | mixed | mixed | - | negative | mixed | mixed | mixed | - | - |
| Score | 45/100 | 65/100 | 55/100 | - | 35/100 | 55/100 | 45/100 | 45/100 | - | - |
| Praises | - Core messaging functionality provides a reliable way to stay connected with friends and family globally
| - Global communication capabilities allow users to maintain long-distance connections with family and friends effortlessly
| - Clear and reliable voice call quality keeps users connected with family members globally
| - | - Core messaging functionality provides a reliable and fast communication experience for daily users
| - Reliable voice and video call quality enables consistent long-distance communication for families and friends
| - Reliable secondary phone number management keeps personal and business communications organized across multiple devices
| - Free Communication Value
- Improved Call Quality
| - | - |
| Complaints | - Aggressive safety filters incorrectly flag benign content as inappropriate during calls and text exchanges
| - Account restriction and banning mechanisms trigger frustration due to lack of transparent reasoning
| - Account activation failures prevent new or returning users from accessing their profiles
| - | - Post-update notification failures prevent users from receiving timely alerts in the background
| - Persistent technical glitches and stability issues disrupt core messaging and media viewing experiences post-update
| - Mandatory identity verification requirements alienate users seeking anonymous or private communication channels
| - Verification and Login Loops
- Data Loss After Updates
| - | - |
| Requests | - Cross-platform support for Windows and Android to improve communication with non-Apple users
| - Screen sharing with real-time annotation requested to improve remote technical support workflows
| - Improved security features to block and report spam from unknown numbers
| - | - Granular control over notification settings and channel recommendations to reduce digital distraction
| - Native application support for wearable devices to enable message initiation from the wrist
| - Integration with native messaging platforms would improve the user experience for daily communication
| - | - | - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - System-level Android integration replaces default messaging on hardware-mapped triggers
- RCS protocol adoption creates a B2B distribution barrier for carrier partnerships
| - Default-on end-to-end encryption creates high switching costs
- Massive global network effect sustains daily active usage
| - Default end-to-end encryption builds high user trust
- Viber Out utility provides a unique revenue stream
| - | - Cloud-based multi-device sync architecture
- 200,000-member group capacity
- Open API for bot development
| - Meta social graph integration drives high-frequency user retention
- Voice and video call reliability sustains international communication utility
| - Workspace integration provides frictionless deployment for existing Google users
- Cross-device sync increases daily utility
| - Full MVNO status with 5G and SIM support
- Patented Elastic Calling for network reliability
- High category rankings (#9 Free, #8 Grossing)
| - | - |
| Weaknesses | - Persistent group-thread synchronization failures
- 0.3★ rating gap between Android and iOS versions
| - Unexplained account bans trigger high user frustration
- Lack of independent multi-device architecture trails Telegram
| - Account activation failures block new-user onboarding
- Intrusive ad-redirects during calls drive negative sentiment
- Sluggish media loading times impact daily retention
| - | - Notification delivery failures in the latest release
- Unclear monetization prompts during authentication
- Accessibility regressions for screen reader users
| - Persistent stability regressions post-update disrupt core messaging
- Opaque account moderation policies trigger unexplained access restrictions
| - Identity verification requirements alienate privacy-focused users
- Message delivery failures disrupt professional communication
| - Critical verification loop bugs
- Data persistence issues during updates
- Poor customer support accessibility
| - | - |
| Pricing | free | free | freemium | - | freemium | free | subscription | freemium | - | - |
| Momentum | Maintenance | Intense | Active | - | Active | Active | Active | Maintenance | - | - |
| Update Cadence | 2 versions, ~125d avg | 5 versions, ~5d avg | 4 versions, ~12d avg | - | 5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~14d avg | 5 versions, ~11d avg | 5 versions, ~6d avg | 5 versions, ~8d avg | - | - |
