Pros
- Largest install range: 10 billion-plus
- Highest rating: 4.6 from 246 million-plus ratings
- Calls, media sharing, and end-to-end encryption
WhatsApp vs Viber vs LINE: which messenger should you choose?
Choose WhatsApp for broad reach and a strong Play Store rating, Viber for international calls and communities, or LINE for expressive stickers and group chats.
At a glance
WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLCGoogle Play4.6 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingEveryone
Rakuten Viber MessengerViber MediaGoogle Play4.1 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.99 - $99.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingTeen
LINE: Calls & MessagesLINE (LY Corporation)Google Play3.1 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.29 - $394.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingEveryone
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
WhatsApp, Viber, and LINE all offer messaging plus voice and video calls across mobile platforms. Each is free to install, but Viber and LINE contain ads, and all three offer in-app purchases.
Their differences are in audience reach, extra features, and user ratings: WhatsApp has the largest install count and highest rating, Viber emphasizes international calling and communities, and LINE leans into stickers and emojis. This comparison covers their Play Store figures, features, and declared data safety where available.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, rating counts, install ranges, prices, ad status, and in-app purchase ranges read on November 7, 2026. We also considered the apps’ stated communication features and the strengths and trade-offs associated with each.
WhatsApp declares that it shares no data with third parties, collects several categories including contacts and payment information, encrypts data in transit, and lets users request deletion. No data-safety declaration was supplied for Viber or LINE, so this comparison makes no claims about their data practices.
WhatsApp Messenger
by WhatsApp LLC
4.6 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: messaging the widest circle of contacts
WhatsApp has the strongest reach of the three, with 10 billion-plus installs and a 4.6 Google Play rating from more than 246 million ratings. It combines text messaging, voice and video calls, and multimedia sharing in a straightforward interface, with end-to-end encryption.
The trade-off is that people you want to contact generally need WhatsApp, and the service requires an internet connection. Its Play Store declaration says it collects several types of information, including contacts and payment information, though it declares no third-party sharing and offers a way to request data deletion.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Cons
- Contacts need the app for convenient messaging
- Declared collection includes contacts and payment information
Rakuten Viber Messenger
by Viber Media
4.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: international calling and community chats
Viber’s mix of calls, messages, large group chats, and communities makes it a strong option for people who want more than one-to-one conversation. It supports free international calls, end-to-end encryption, and playful stickers and GIFs; its 1 billion-plus install range gives it substantial reach.
Its 4.1 rating is below WhatsApp’s 4.6, and the free app contains ads. Viber also offers in-app purchases, requires a stable internet connection for internet-based communication, and may experience message delays.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Pros
- Free international calls
- Communities and large group chats
- End-to-end encryption, stickers, and GIFs
Cons
- Contains ads in the free app
- Lower Play Store rating than WhatsApp
LINE: Calls & Messages
by LINE (LY Corporation)
3.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: sticker-rich chats and expressive group messaging
LINE brings free voice and video calls together with group chats, stickers, and emojis, making it the most expressive choice of the three for people who enjoy visual conversation. It has 1 billion-plus installs and works across Android and iOS.
Its 3.1 Google Play rating is the lowest of the three, and the free app contains ads. LINE also has in-app purchases, while notifications can feel overwhelming and its purchase prices reach higher than the ranges shown for WhatsApp or Viber.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Pros
- Free voice and video calls
- Broad selection of stickers and emojis
- Large group chats and Android/iOS support
Cons
- Lowest Play Store rating of the three
- Contains ads and offers in-app purchases
Which one should you pick?
WhatsApp Messenger
Best for broad reach
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Best for international calls and communities
LINE: Calls & Messages
Best for stickers and expressive chats
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FAQ
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
WhatsApp has the highest rating at 4.6, compared with Viber at 4.1 and LINE at 3.1.
Which app has the most installs?
WhatsApp has 10 billion-plus installs. Viber and LINE each have 1 billion-plus.
Which of these messengers contains ads?
Viber and LINE contain ads. WhatsApp does not.
Which app is the strongest choice for international calls?
Viber is the clearest fit if free international calls are your priority; WhatsApp and LINE also offer voice and video calls.
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.