Viber

What Viber is

Viber is a messaging and calling app for connecting through text, media, voice calls, and video calls. Its free core app supports messaging and calls between Viber users. Messages can include photos, videos, files, voice messages, and video messages, and calls can include groups. Group chats support up to 250 people; Communities allow unlimited members, hide member phone numbers, and give admins moderation controls. Community and channel admins can connect automated bots to help manage or interact with those spaces. Chats sync between mobile phones, tablets, and desktops, and users can transfer calls between devices. Activating Viber for Desktop requires an active Viber account on a mobile phone. Viber says one-on-one and group chats use end-to-end encryption by default, with encryption keys stored on user devices. Privacy options include disappearing messages, hidden chats, message editing or deletion for everyone, and controls for online and delivery status. Viber Out enables calls to domestic and international phone numbers outside Viber, with rates that vary by destination. Viber Plus adds an ad-free experience, privacy and customization features, and live chat support; its subscription price appears in the app. Viber says support is available 24/7.

Who it suits

Viber suits people who want messaging, media sharing, and voice or video calls across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It also fits users who need large Communities, device syncing, privacy controls, or calls to phone numbers outside Viber.

Limits

The free core app covers messaging and calls to Viber users. Group chats have a maximum of 250 people; Communities can have unlimited members. Viber Out rates vary by destination, and Viber Plus pricing is shown in the app.

Getting started

1. Visit the Viber website or get the app on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, or Windows.
2. Create or use an account linked to a phone.
3. For Desktop, first have an active Viber account on a mobile phone.
4. Use the free core app for messaging and calls to Viber users.
5. For calls to other domestic or international phone numbers, use Viber Out; destination-specific rates apply.
6. For Viber Plus features, check the subscription price in the app.

Verdict

Choose Viber for free messaging and calls with other Viber users, device syncing, and Communities that can have unlimited members. Look elsewhere if you need group chats larger than 250 people or desktop activation without an active mobile account.