Head-to-head · WhatsApp Alternatives
Signal vs Viber
Signal leads on 0 checks, Viber on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSignal · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSignal · 2 of 5
Signal scores higher on our rubric for whatsapp alternatives: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Signal is the better fit for privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger. Viber is the better fit for people who want free messaging, calls and group chats.
- Signal fits best
Privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger
- Viber fits best
People who want free messaging, calls and group chats
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Side by side
| Feature | Signal 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Viber 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in WhatsApp Alternatives | #4 in WhatsApp Alternatives |
| Best for | Privacy-focused users wanting a full-featured messenger | People who want free messaging, calls and group chats |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $1.99/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Features Signal 2/5 · Viber 1/5 | ||
| Default E2E encryption | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Desktop apps | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Multi-device support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Voice and video calls | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Max group size | Not checked yet | 250 members |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Signal is a messaging app for individuals, families, groups, and organizations who want private conversations across phones and computers. Signal-to-Signal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, and the free core includes… Read the review → |
Viber brings messaging and calling together across mobile and desktop, with one-to-one chats, group conversations, voice and video calls, and communities and channels. It suits people who want a familiar messenger for personal… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Signal — where it wins
- Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Supports group chats with up to 1,000 members
- Apps are available for desktop and mobile platforms
Where it doesn't
- Free backups cover recent media only
- Secure Backups costs $1.99 per month
- Accounts can link up to five devices
Viber — where it wins
- Free messaging and calls between Viber users
- End-to-end encryption for one-to-one and group chats
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- An account requires a phone number
- Group chats are limited to 250 members
- Backups are not encrypted
- Signal9.3/10 · Free plan
A capable free messenger with default encryption and optional paid media backups.
Visit SignalFull verdict → - Viber8.8/10 · Free plan
A free messenger with calls, group chats and synced desktop and mobile apps.
Visit ViberFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Viber vs SimpleX Chat
- Viber vs Threema
All WhatsApp alternatives comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update