Pros
- Highest Google Play rating of the three: 4.7
- Largest install band: 5,000,000,000+
- Video calls and rich media sharing
Messenger vs Telegram vs Viber: which messaging app should you choose?
Messenger suits people who want broad social reach, Telegram favors cloud chats and large file sharing, and Viber is a strong pick for free international calls.
At a glance
MessengerMeta Platforms, Inc.Google Play4.7 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.05 - $7,999.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingEveryone
TelegramTelegram FZ-LLCGoogle Play3.8 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingMature 17+
Rakuten Viber MessengerViber MediaGoogle Play4.1 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.99 - $99.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingTeen
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
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How we compared them
Messenger, Telegram, and Rakuten Viber Messenger are free communication apps for messaging and connecting across platforms. All support rich conversations, but they differ in social reach, file sharing, calling, ads, and the privacy details they declare.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and installs alongside their features, costs, and trade-offs, so you can choose the app that fits the people you contact and the way you communicate.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play figures read on November 7, 2026: ratings and rating counts, install bands, price, in-app purchase ranges, and whether each app contains ads. We also considered each app’s stated purpose and the strengths and drawbacks relevant to messaging, calls, file sharing, and group chats.
For privacy context, we included the Google Play data-safety declarations: what each app says it shares or collects, whether data is encrypted in transit, and whether deletion can be requested. These declarations are not a complete measure of privacy or a direct comparison of every kind of encryption.
Messenger
by Meta Platforms, Inc.
4.7 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: keeping in touch with friends across Meta’s social network
Messenger has the widest reach by installs among these three, with 5,000,000,000+ and a 4.7 Google Play rating. Its user-friendly chats, fast messaging, video calls, and rich media sharing make it a practical choice for people whose friends are already on the service.
The trade-off is a broad declared data footprint: Messenger says it shares identity and device details and collects information including contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events. It also requires an internet connection, can be distracting, and may consume battery quickly; it is free, has no ads, and offers in-app purchases.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Cons
- Broad declared collection and sharing of personal and device data
- Can be distracting and battery-intensive
Telegram
by Telegram FZ-LLC
3.8 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: sharing large files and accessing cloud-based chats
Telegram is the clearest fit for cloud-based messaging, large file sharing, and customizable chat themes. It has 1,000,000,000+ installs and declares no sharing with third parties on Google Play, while its messaging focus centers on speed and security.
Its 3.8 rating is lower than Messenger’s and Viber’s, and its content rating is Mature 17+. Telegram says it collects information such as contacts, location, files, messages, and photos or videos; it also requires internet access and notifications can feel overwhelming. It is free, with no ads and in-app purchases.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
Pros
- Cloud-based access to chats
- Large file sharing and group chats
- Declares no third-party data sharing on Google Play
Cons
- Lowest Google Play rating of the three: 3.8
- Mature 17+ content rating
Rakuten Viber Messenger
by Viber Media
4.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: making free international calls and chatting in groups
Viber’s strongest distinction is free international calls, alongside messages, voice and video calls, and large group chats. Its 1,000,000,000+ installs show broad adoption, and it adds stickers and GIFs for more expressive conversations.
Viber has a 4.1 Google Play rating, between Messenger and Telegram, but unlike the other two it contains ads. Its drawbacks include occasional message delays, a need for a stable internet connection, and battery use; it is free to download with in-app purchases.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Pros
- Free international calls
- Voice and video calls with group messaging
- Stickers and GIFs for expressive chats
Cons
- Contains ads, unlike Messenger and Telegram
- May have message delays and drain battery
Which one should you pick?
Messenger
Best for broad social reach
Telegram
Best for cloud chats and file sharing
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Best for free international calls
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FAQ
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Messenger has the highest rating of the three at 4.7, followed by Viber at 4.1 and Telegram at 3.8. These figures were read on November 7, 2026.
Which app is best for sharing large files?
Telegram is the strongest choice here for large file sharing and cloud-based access to chats.
Which app is best for free international calls?
Viber is the clearest pick for free international calls. Messenger and Viber also support video calls.
Which app declares no sharing with third parties?
Telegram declares no third-party data sharing on Google Play. Its declaration still says it collects several kinds of information, and it says data is encrypted in transit.
Mobexer compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details and prices are shown for reference and can change.