Best for Facebook connections
Messenger vs Telegram vs Viber: which messaging app should you choose?
Choose Messenger for Facebook-connected chats and calls, Telegram for large communities and a no-ads experience, or Viber for encrypted chats and group video calls.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MessengerMeta Platforms, Inc. | 4.7 out of 5114,813,598 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.05 - $7,999.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Mature 17+ |
 Rakuten Viber MessengerViber Media | 4.1 out of 516,690,539 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.99 - $99.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 8, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
Messenger, Telegram, and Rakuten Viber Messenger are free communication apps for Android and iOS, with messaging and calling at their core. All three support group conversations and offer ways to make chats more expressive.
Their differences are in reach, group features, privacy details, and monetization: Messenger connects closely with Facebook, Telegram supports large groups and channels, and Viber combines encrypted messaging with group video calls. This comparison weighs their Google Play figures, features, trade-offs, and declared data safety to help you choose.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges, and ad status read on November 8, 2026. We also considered each app’s stated features and the strengths and weaknesses identified for this comparison.
For data safety, we report only what each developer declares on Google Play: Messenger shares several identifiers and contact details and collects a range of device and personal data; Telegram declares no third-party data sharing; and Viber’s declaration was not included in the information used here. All three declare encryption in transit and an option to request data deletion where those details were supplied.
Best forkeeping in touch with Facebook friends and family
Messenger’s strongest advantage is its close connection to Facebook contacts, making it a natural choice for people whose friends and family are already there. It pairs chat with voice and video calls and offers a broad selection of stickers and emojis. Its Google Play rating is 4.7 from 114,813,598 ratings, and it has 5 billion-plus installs.
That reach comes with trade-offs: full features require a Facebook account, and Messenger declares sharing and collection of several types of personal and device data. Users may also find updates intrusive and customization limited. The app is free, has no ads, and offers in-app purchases.
What we like
- Facebook contact integration helps reach existing connections
- Voice and video calls alongside messaging
- Stickers and emojis add expressive options
What to know
- Full features require a Facebook account
- Declared data sharing and collection are broader than Telegram’s
Best forlarge groups, channels, and an ad-free experience
Telegram is the strongest fit for large group chats and channels, and it combines those with cross-platform messaging and a focus on speed and security. It is free and declares no third-party data sharing on Google Play. Its 1 billion-plus installs show its broad reach, though its 3.8 rating from 17,343,583 ratings is lower than Messenger’s and Viber’s.
Telegram has no ads, but its declared data collection includes contacts, location, files, messages, photos, and videos. The comparison also flags occasional notification delays, variable voice-call quality, media size limits, and limited theme customization. In-app purchases are available.
What we like
- Large group chats and channels
- Declares no third-party data sharing
- No ads and cross-platform availability
What to know
- Lower Google Play rating than Messenger and Viber
- Voice-call quality can vary and notifications may be delayed
Best forencrypted chats and group video calls
Viber combines end-to-end encrypted messaging with voice and video calls, and supports group video calls for up to 20 people. Stickers and GIFs make it a strong option for expressive chats, while cross-platform compatibility lets users connect across Android and iOS. It has a 4.1 Google Play rating from 16,690,539 ratings and 1 billion-plus installs.
Unlike Messenger and Telegram, Viber contains ads. Its comparison trade-offs include occasional lag when sending messages, limited theme customization, and high data use during video calls. The app is free with in-app purchases, and its Google Play content rating is Teen.
What we like
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Group video calls for up to 20 people
- Stickers and GIFs for expressive chats
What to know
- Contains ads, unlike Messenger and Telegram
- Video calls can use substantial data
Which one should you pick?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Messenger has the highest rating of the three at 4.7, compared with Viber at 4.1 and Telegram at 3.8.
Which app is best for large groups and channels?
Telegram is the clearest fit if large group chats and channels are your priority.
Which app declares no data sharing with third parties?
Telegram declares no third-party data sharing on Google Play. This declaration does not mean it collects no data.
Which app supports group video calls for up to 20 people?
Viber supports group video calls for up to 20 people.
About this comparison
AppCompare 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.