WhatsApp Messenger
Best for broad everyday reach
WhatsApp vs Viber vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
WhatsApp suits broad, private everyday messaging; Viber appeals to people who prioritize calls and communities; LINE is a strong fit for sticker fans and large group chats.
At a glance
| App | Google Play | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLC | 4.6 out of 5246,492,605 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 Rakuten Viber MessengerViber Media | 4.1 out of 516,690,539 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.99 - $99.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
 LINE: Calls & MessagesLINE (LY Corporation) | 3.1 out of 513,759,359 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.29 - $394.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
Ratings and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Prices change over time.
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How we compared them
WhatsApp, Rakuten Viber, and LINE all bring together messaging, group chats, and voice or video calls, with versions available across mobile platforms. Each also offers end-to-end encryption for chats and a wide selection of stickers.
Their differences are in reach, presentation, and trade-offs: WhatsApp has the highest Google Play rating and the largest install count, Viber includes ads, and LINE has the lowest rating of the three. This comparison weighs their features, store figures, costs, and declared data safety so you can choose the fit for your conversations.
How we compared them
We compared the apps’ Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges, and whether they contain ads, alongside their messaging, calling, encryption, group, and sticker features. These store figures were read on November 7, 2026.
For data safety, WhatsApp declares that it shares no data with third parties, collects several categories of data, encrypts data in transit, and lets users request deletion. No data safety declarations are included for Viber or LINE in this comparison, so we do not draw conclusions about how their data practices compare.
WhatsApp Messenger
by WhatsApp LLC
4.6 out of 5 on Google Play
Best foreveryday chats with a wide circle of contacts
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 246,492,605
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
WhatsApp leads this trio in Google Play rating, at 4.6, and installs, at 10,000,000,000+. Its approachable interface, group chats, voice and video calls, cross-platform availability, and end-to-end encryption make it a well-rounded choice for staying in touch.
It has no ads, unlike Viber and LINE, and its declared data safety practices include encryption in transit and a way to request deletion. The trade-offs are limited customization, substantial storage use, and a need for an internet connection; it also lacks built-in virtual assistant integration and advanced security options such as two-factor authentication.
Pros
Highest rating and install count in this comparisonNo ads and end-to-end encrypted chatsVoice and video calls, groups, and broad platform support
Cons
Limited customization and substantial storage useNo built-in virtual assistant integration or advanced security options such as two-factor
Rakuten Viber Messenger
by Viber Media
4.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forcall-focused chats and community conversations
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 16,690,539
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Viber combines messages with voice and video calls, group messaging, and communities. Its high-quality calls and broad sticker selection give it a clear appeal for people who want conversation features beyond one-to-one chats, while end-to-end encryption is available for chats.
Its Google Play rating is 4.1, below WhatsApp’s 4.6 but above LINE’s 3.1. Viber contains ads, and users may find connectivity issues, higher data use than some competitors, or group call limits a drawback.
Pros
Voice and video calls alongside group messaging and communitiesEnd-to-end encryption for chatsBroad selection of stickers and cross-platform availability
Cons
Contains ads, unlike WhatsAppConnectivity issues and restrictive group call limits are reported
LINE: Calls & Messages
by LINE (LY Corporation)
3.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forsticker-rich chats and large groups
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 13,759,359
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
LINE pairs calls and messaging with a broad range of stickers and emojis, and it supports large group chats. Those features make it appealing for lively conversations where expressive messages and group participation matter; it also offers end-to-end encryption for chats.
LINE has 1,000,000,000+ installs, matching Viber, but its Google Play rating of 3.1 is the lowest of the three. Ads, some paid features, significant data use during video calls, and limited notification customization are trade-offs.
Pros
Large group chatsBroad range of stickers and emojisVoice and video calls with end-to-end encryption for chats
Cons
Lowest Google Play rating among the threeContains ads, and some features require in-app purchases
Which one should you pick?
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Best for calls and communities
LINE: Calls & Messages
Best for stickers and large groups
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 of these messaging apps has no ads?
WhatsApp has no ads. Viber and LINE contain ads.
Which app is best for large group chats and communities?
LINE is a strong choice for large group chats, while Viber offers communities alongside group messaging.
Which app declares that chats are end-to-end encrypted?
All three apps offer end-to-end encryption for chats.
Mobxio 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.