{"id":17427,"date":"2013-06-18T23:01:32","date_gmt":"2013-06-18T15:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=17427"},"modified":"2023-08-30T22:56:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T14:56:00","slug":"whatsapp-viber-wechat-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/whatsapp-viber-wechat-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Mobile Messaging App Face-Off: WhatsApp Vs. Viber Vs. WeChat"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the generation of \u2018smartphone holders\u2019. Yes we are talking about you. If you are reading this, chances are your smartphone<\/a> is no further than 3 feet from you and you sometimes hear custom notification alerts<\/a> for your email, messages and updates even when nothing new came in.<\/p>\n

For most of us, we have forgone the use of SMS and calls and have depended instead on messaging apps<\/strong> for most of our communication needs. All messaging apps are not created equal. Some are better than others, but the question is which is the best<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

We\u2019re here to help you answer that by comparing what we feel are the 3 best messaging apps<\/strong> (so far) out there: WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat. <\/strong>In this showdown, we will be looking at these apps in 5 categories, listed below in no particular order.<\/p>\n

Recommended Reading:<\/strong> 10 WhatsApp Alternatives For Your Smartphone<\/a><\/p>\n

Not big on text? Skip the details and go straight to the table recap<\/a> down below.<\/p>\n

1. Supported platforms & OS<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s first take a look at the platforms, mobile OS and devices each app supports.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp<\/h3>\n

WhatsApp<\/a> is supported on the iPhone on iOS 4.3 and above, and Android phones 2.1 and above. However, you cannot download it on the iPod, any tablet of any OS or on jailbroken or unlocked iPhones (or maybe you can but it won\u2019t be optimized for it).<\/p>\n

\"WhatsApp\"<\/figure>\n

WhatsApp is a paid app<\/strong>, going for a one-off $0.99 for iOS<\/strong>, while on other phones, it is free for a year and will cost $0.99 per year of subsequent use<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Supported Platforms<\/strong>: iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Viber<\/h3>\n

Viber<\/a> is supported above iOS 4.3, Android OS 2.0, Windows Phone 7, as well as on Blackberry OS5 and OS7, Nokia S-40 and S-60. Viber also works on Bada and has recently been made available for desktops<\/strong> (Mac OS 10.7 and above, Windows) via Viber Desktop<\/a>. This means that you can make a call to friend who has Viber on their computer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Viber\"<\/figure>\n

Viber is a free app with no ads<\/strong> so if you are allergic to ads, you are going to love Viber.<\/p>\n

Supported Platforms<\/strong>: iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a> | Windows Phone<\/a> | BlackBerry<\/a> | Nokia<\/a> | Bada<\/a> | Windows<\/a> | Mac<\/a><\/p>\n

WeChat<\/h3>\n

WeChat<\/a> is supported above iOS 4.3, Android OS 2.0, Blackberry OS 5.0, Windows Phone 7.5 and until recently Nokia S40 (beta). To add to that the Web Chat<\/a> feature lets you chat with a friend on the desktop browser<\/strong>; linking is done with your device via QR Codes.<\/p>\n

\"WeChat\"<\/figure>\n

Web Chat also lets you send files to your device <\/strong>and there is a handy browser plugin called Web Grab<\/a> that lets you shake webpages from your desktop browser into your phone.<\/p>\n

Like Viber, WeChat is also a free app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Supported Platforms<\/strong>: iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a> | Web WeChat<\/a><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

All 3 messaging apps are supported on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Nokia. However, WeChat has a web app<\/strong> which allows you to send WeChat messages from your browser. Viber also offers cross-platform desktop solutions<\/strong> for both Windows and Mac letting you not only text friends on smartphones but also make calls to them.<\/p>\n

We would say Viber is a few steps ahead of WhatsApp and WeChat<\/strong>, in terms of supported platforms.<\/p>\n

2. Messaging & communicating features<\/h2>\n

Now we\u2019ll take a look into each app and what they have to offer.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp<\/h3>\n

With the use of an Internet connection you can send text, photos, video clips, your location data (that opens up on Google Maps), audio clips as well as a friend\u2019s contact to another friend via WhatsApp. It does not however support voice calls<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pankaj Chhabra<\/a>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WhatsApp also allows group chat (max: 30)<\/strong> and the use of a massive pile of Emoji<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Viber<\/h3>\n

Viber has voice calls<\/strong> using 3G or Wi-Fi on top of being able to send text, photos, videos and location data<\/strong>. With the recent update of Viber Desktop, you can even make calls to a friend on a desktop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To have Viber work on your desktop you need to first have Viber on your smartphone<\/strong>. Once it is set up, you can even swap an ongoing Viber call on your smartphone to the desktop and back, seamlessly.<\/p>\n

\"Viber\"<\/figure>\n

Its built-in custom emoticons<\/strong> and stickers<\/strong> (larger versions of emoticons) are something extra for users who prefer using images while chatting. Group chat is supported for up to 39 people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

WeChat<\/h3>\n

Apart from sending text, pictures, videos, audio clips, location data and contact details, WeChat also supports Video Calls<\/strong>, and also Live Chat <\/strong>where you can communicate with a friend in a walkie-talkie<\/strong> fashion. WeChat is also the only app with a few social add-ons<\/strong> that let you make new friends randomly.<\/p>\n

\"WeChat\"<\/figure>\n

Look Around<\/strong> lets you make friends with people by proximity. Shake<\/strong> is the random style of engaging with a random stranger and if you aren\u2019t big on talking, just use Drift Bottle<\/strong> to cast messages into the open sea in WeChat for others to read. If you don\u2019t want to use these social add-ons you can disable them under Settings > Feature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Group chats can be initiated via QR codes which you can email up to 40 friends<\/strong> to join in and chat. And it also comes with built-in stickers<\/strong> and custom emoticons<\/strong> for you to use.<\/p>\n

Read Also:<\/strong> 5 Tips To Enhance Your WeChat Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

All 3 apps allow you to send text, photos, videos and location data<\/strong> \u2013 \u2018basic functions\u2019 as it is also found in other messaging apps. You certainly can have more fun on WeChat<\/strong> as it comes with a wide variety of communication and social features built to expand your networking circles.<\/p>\n

Viber and WeChat also support voice calls<\/strong> if you want to make free calls with your friends or family members, however, if you just want to contact your friends via text messaging, WhatsApp will suffice.<\/p>\n

3. Privacy & security<\/h2>\n

These apps use the contact list on your device to determine which of your contacts are already using the app so you can begin chatting with them. Here\u2019s how they work.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp<\/h3>\n

WhatsApp requires a valid phone number to register<\/strong> for the service. When it is registered on your device, WhatsApp will scan your device\u2019s contact list to determine who are already on WhatsApp. You can send messages to WhatsApp friends without any sort of \u2018contact approval\u2019.<\/p>\n

This also means, whoever has your number can also WhatsApp you but you can block them by going to Settings > Chat Settings > Blocked<\/strong>. This will ensure that you do not receive messages from them. Others can also see when you\u2019re online or the last time you used the app, but you can turn this feature off under Settings<\/strong> > Chat Settings<\/strong> > Advanced<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

The 2 green ticks in a personal (not group) conversation determines if your messages have been delivered to them<\/strong>, but you have no way of knowing if they have read your message or not.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

WhatsApp only works on one number and one device<\/strong> although there is an option to re-register a new phone number to your existing WhatsApp account. WhatsApp encrypts<\/a> your messages as you send it so it is harder for the message to be intercepted by a third party.<\/p>\n

Viber<\/h3>\n

Like WhatsApp, you\u2019ll need a mobile number to validate Viber; the access code is sent via SMS. Viber instantly integrates with your own contact list<\/strong> on your device so you can message them via the app. People with your contact number can see if you\u2019re currently online, or the last time you opened up Viber. You can turn this off under More<\/strong> > Settings<\/strong> > Online Status<\/strong> but note that doing this means you can\u2019t see their online status too.<\/p>\n

Viber uses Google Analytics to track information<\/strong> like IP Address data storage and maintenance services (among others) of its users. If you don\u2019t like this, you can turn it off at More<\/strong> > Settings<\/strong> > Collect Data<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

WeChat<\/h3>\n

Like the former two, WeChat also requires a mobile number<\/strong> and will notify other users that you are on WeChat. It will then scan your contact list but in order to begin chatting with people, you\u2019re required to send them a contact request<\/strong> by tapping the Add Contact<\/strong> button. They\u2019ll then have to approve your request<\/strong> before you can start chatting.<\/p>\n

When you use WeChat\u2019s social add-ons, WeChat users who are not on your contact list cannot see your phone number. If you don\u2019t like to share your phone number but want to chat with these users, you can use a WeChat ID<\/strong> or QR Name Card<\/strong> to mask your identity.<\/p>\n

There are many privacy options for Friend Verification, Block List, Moments Feed and more. You can change all of these under Settings<\/strong> > Privacy<\/strong> to ensure your information is safe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

Although you can turn off Google Analytics on Viber, it poses a privacy issue<\/strong> for those who don\u2019t know about this default data collection mode (but now you do).<\/p>\n

WeChat offers a lot of social features but provides privacy settings to disable them, and the requirement of adding a contact means random people cannot message you. But if you purely want a messaging app just to contact the friends you already have on your Contact list, for free, then stick with WhatsApp.<\/p>\n

4. Backup options<\/h2>\n

Before you commit to using a primary messaging app, you should think about the backup options available on each app to keep your precious messages.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp<\/h3>\n

The backup process on WhatsApp is different on each device but essentially the chat history is saved on the device<\/strong> on a daily basis<\/strong> for Android<\/a>. To transfer all your chat history to another device (imagine that you got a new phone) on the same OS, you can manually backup your chat history before transferring it to your second, newer device.<\/p>\n

For the iPhone<\/a>, you can opt to email your conversation to yourself to store as a makeshift chat history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Read Also:<\/strong> How To Backup WhatsApp Chat Log From iPhone To Computer<\/a><\/p>\n

Viber<\/h3>\n

Viber has a simple backup feature where it will compile each conversation you have into separate .CSV files<\/strong>. It will then zip all these conversations and attach it onto an email <\/strong>which you can send out (to yourself).<\/p>\n

\"Viber<\/figure>\n

However, only text is backed up<\/strong>, all your audio and video clips aren\u2019t. This is good for storing your messages on your computer but doesn\u2019t allow you to restore it to a different device.<\/p>\n

WeChat<\/h3>\n

WeChat has the best backup options that easily allows you to transfer your chat history to another device<\/strong>. It allows you to select the conversation history you want to save to their server for 7 days<\/strong>. You can set a password to back it up. Once you\u2019re logged into another device, you can tap on \u2018Restore\u2019 to get all your messages back<\/strong>. There is no option to export your chat history though.<\/p>\n

\"WeChat<\/figure>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

It boils down to your needs, if you find yourself changing devices a lot then WeChat gives you the option to easily do that without losing any chat history<\/strong>. Viber keeps it simple by backing up only text (no media) and if you are opting for WhatsApp, we suggest you have a look at their FAQ page for more backup instructions for your OS and device.<\/p>\n

5. Popularity counts<\/h2>\n

It would appear that WeChat has the most functionality and features<\/strong> to offer among the three while Viber has more support on more platforms<\/strong>, leaving WhatsApp as only a basic messaging app that works for smartphones (and one you have to pay to continue using).<\/p>\n

But ask around and it\u2019s probably that more of your friends are using WhatsApp<\/strong> rather than WeChat or Viber.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp had the advantage as it was released earlier<\/strong> than the other two apps, hitting the smartphones in September 2011, while Viber was released in Dec 2012 as a direct competitor to Skype. Both reported having 200 million users in April and May of this year. In comparison, WeChat may have 400 million registered users but only around 50 million<\/a> of them are outside of China.<\/p>\n

Which is right for you?<\/h2>\n

If you want to meet new people<\/strong> for business or leisure, then WeChat is definitely for you. It is almost like a standalone social network app which allows you to connect with people outside<\/strong> of your contact list and is enjoyed by many teenagers. It\u2019s Hold to Talk<\/strong> feature is also gaining popularity as some people like to communicate by talking instead of the slower text messaging.<\/p>\n

You would like Viber if you\u2019re constantly working on a Windows or Mac computer as you can quickly send messages<\/strong> to friends on smartphones, without having to pick up your mobile device. It\u2019s also great for business purposes with its ability of high quality voice calls.<\/p>\n

However, WhatsApp is still the app to have<\/strong> mainly because most people have this \"old\" app. But due to its limited functionalities and it being a paid app, you may need to find alternative methods to contact your friends. What good is a messaging app if you paid to use it but your friends don\u2019t want to? It\u2019s always good to install a free alternative just to keep close contact with buddies.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

As a conclusion, these 3 apps are amazing tools for communication offering more than a regular SMS service, without the need to pay for sending messages. However, these messaging apps may face competition from the rise of Facebook Messenger, Hangouts (formerly known as Google Talk) and Skype which could possibly replace these apps later on.<\/p>\n

Would you want us to pit FB Messenger, Hangouts vs Skype? And which messaging app are you on? Let us know in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recap: Comparison Table<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s a quick recap neatly packed for your reference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\n
\"WhatsApp\"<\/figure>\n

WhatsApp<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
\"Viber\"<\/figure>\n

Viber<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
\"WeChat\"<\/figure>\n

WeChat<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Supported OS<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • iOS<\/li>\n
  • Android<\/li>\n
  • Windows Phone<\/li>\n
  • BlackBerry<\/li>\n
  • Nokia S40<\/li>\n
  • Symbian<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • iOS<\/li>\n
  • Android<\/li>\n
  • Windows Phone<\/li>\n
  • BlackBerry<\/li>\n
  • Bada<\/li>\n
  • Nokia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • iOS<\/li>\n
  • Android<\/li>\n
  • Windows Phone<\/li>\n
  • BlackBerry<\/li>\n
  • Nokia S40<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Price<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • $0.99 (iOS)<\/li>\n
  • $0.99\/year for other devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
FREE<\/td>\nFREE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Communication Features<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • send text, photos & videos<\/li>\n
  • location data<\/li>\n
  • audio clips<\/li>\n
  • contact details<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • send text, photos & videos<\/li>\n
  • location data<\/li>\n
  • make voice calls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • send text, photos & videos<\/li>\n
  • location data<\/li>\n
  • audio clips<\/li>\n
  • contact details<\/li>\n
  • make video calls<\/li>\n
  • Live Chat (Walkie-talkie)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desktop Compatibility<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Mac & Windows desktop app<\/li>\n
  • Text & video calls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Supports Web Chat with desktop browser<\/li>\n
  • Transfer files to device<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social Add-Ons<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nMoments Feed, Look Around, Shake, Drift Bottle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emoticons<\/strong><\/td>\nStandard Emoji keyboard<\/td>\nCustom emoticons, Stickers<\/td>\nCustom emoticons, Stickers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Group Chat<\/strong><\/td>\n30 Participants<\/td>\n39 Participants<\/td>\n40 Participants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Backup Options<\/strong><\/td>\nManual backup and restore only for Android, BlackBerry and Nokia<\/td>\nBasic text backup attached to email<\/td>\nEasy backup and restore, cross-platform<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Reported Users<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

200 million active users<\/a><\/td>\n200 million\n registered users<\/a><\/td>\n195 million active users<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Customer ratings on Apple App Store\n <\/strong>(May 2013)<\/td>\n99k ratings, 4.5 star average<\/td>\n76k ratings, 4.5 star average<\/td>\n11k ratings, 4.5 star average<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is the generation of \u2018smartphone holders\u2019. Yes we are talking about you. If you are reading this, chances are your smartphone is no further than 3 feet from you and you sometimes hear custom notification alerts for your email, messages and updates even when nothing new came in. For most of us, we have…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3399],"tags":[2339,1962,2095,2451,2467,2312],"topic":[4521],"class_list":["entry-content","is-maxi"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMobile Messaging App Face-Off: WhatsApp Vs. Viber Vs. WeChat - Hongkiat<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This is the generation of 'smartphone holders'. Yes we are talking about you. 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