WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLC
Google Play4.6 out of 5246,492,605 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item)
Platforms
Age ratingEveryone
WhatsApp vs Viber vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
WhatsApp suits broad everyday reach and private chats, Viber is a strong pick for calls and multi-device syncing, and LINE appeals to sticker fans and expressive conversations.
At a glance
Rakuten Viber MessengerViber Media
Google Play4.1 out of 516,690,539 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.99 - $99.99 per item)
Platforms
Age ratingTeen
LINE: Calls & MessagesLINE (LY Corporation)
Google Play3.1 out of 513,759,359 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.29 - $394.99 per item)
Platforms
Age ratingEveryone
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
WhatsApp, Rakuten Viber Messenger, and LINE all offer messaging plus voice and video calls, and all are free to download. Their differences are in audience reach, call and group features, ads, and the extras that shape everyday use.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and install figures alongside their features, costs, and declared data safety. It will help you choose the app that best fits your priorities.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, ad status, and in-app purchase ranges, along with each app’s messaging and calling features and the strengths and trade-offs relevant to choosing between them. Store figures were read on November 7, 2026.
WhatsApp declares that it shares no data with third parties, collects several categories of data, encrypts data in transit, and allows users to request deletion. No data safety details were provided for Viber or LINE, so this comparison makes no claims about their data practices.
WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp LLC
- Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5
- Best for
- reaching friends and family who already use the app
WhatsApp has the widest reach of the three, with 10 billion-plus installs and a 4.6 Google Play rating. It combines straightforward messaging, multimedia sharing, and free voice and video calls, while end-to-end encryption protects chats and calls.
Its main advantage is a familiar, easy-to-use way to keep in touch with a large circle. The trade-offs are a 256-member group limit, restrictions on large video files, dependence on an internet connection, and occasional notification delays.
What we like
- 10 billion-plus installs among the three
- End-to-end encrypted chats and calls
- Free voice and video calls
What to know
- Groups are limited to 256 members
- Large video files can be difficult to send
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Viber Media
- Google Play
- 4.1 out of 5
- Best for
- high-quality calls and syncing across devices
Viber pairs end-to-end encrypted chats with voice and video calls, and its multi-device syncing is a useful distinction from the other two. It also supports group chats of up to 250 members and offers a large range of expressive stickers.
Its 1 billion-plus installs give it broad reach, though fewer than WhatsApp’s, and its 4.1 rating is higher than LINE’s. The trade-offs include ads, reports of connectivity problems, battery use, and a large app size.
What we like
- Syncs across multiple devices
- End-to-end encrypted chats
- Groups of up to 250 members
What to know
- Contains ads
- Large app size may use more storage
LINE: Calls & Messages
LINE (LY Corporation)
- Google Play
- 3.1 out of 5
- Best for
- sticker-rich chats and expressive conversations
LINE brings free worldwide voice and video calls together with a broad selection of stickers and emojis. Its user-friendly design and video calling make it a lively option for people who value expressive chats, while groups can include up to 200 members.
LINE has 1 billion-plus installs, matching Viber’s install tier, but its 3.1 Google Play rating is the lowest of the three. Ads and in-app purchases are part of the picture, and users may also find notifications overwhelming or encounter connectivity issues.
What we like
- Wide variety of stickers and emojis
- Free worldwide voice and video calls
- Groups of up to 200 members
What to know
- Lowest Google Play rating of the three
- Contains ads and in-app purchases
Which one should you pick?
Best for broad reach and private everyday chats
WhatsApp Messenger
Best for multi-device syncing
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Best for stickers and expressive chats
LINE: Calls & Messages
FAQ's for Communication
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 app is best for group chats?
WhatsApp allows groups of up to 256 members, slightly more than Viber’s 250 and LINE’s 200.
Which apps include ads?
Viber and LINE contain ads. WhatsApp does not.
About this comparison
FileLocations 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 are shown for reference and can change.