Signal vs Viber

Signal is a private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Users can send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats provide administrators, permissions and @mentions. Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal, and that it does not sell, rent or monetize personal data or content. Users may connect through a unique username without sharing their phone number with contacts, although registration still requires a phone number. Desktop use requires Signal to be installed on a phone first, and an account can have up to five linked devices. The free plan includes messaging and calling. Signal identifies itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations. Its terms require users to be at least 13, with potentially higher local minimums. The Support Center covers getting started, features, security, troubleshooting and general topics. Signal also supports disappearing messages and encrypted backups.

Viber is a calling and messaging app for connecting through text, media, and voice or video calls. Its free core app covers messaging and calls between Viber users. Messages can contain photos, videos, files, voice messages, and video messages, and calls can include groups. Group chats allow up to 250 people; Communities have unlimited members, hide member phone numbers, and provide admin moderation controls. Community and channel admins can connect automated bots to help manage or interact with those spaces. Chats sync between mobile, tablet, and desktop, 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 keys stored on user devices. Privacy controls include disappearing messages, hidden chats, editing or deleting messages for everyone, and settings for online and delivery status. Viber Out supports calls to phone numbers outside Viber at destination-specific rates. Viber Plus offers an ad-free experience, privacy and customization features, and live chat support; its price is shown in the app.