Best for broad reach and privacy
WhatsApp vs Viber vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
WhatsApp suits broad, private everyday messaging; Viber is a strong pick for sticker fans and group video calls; LINE appeals to people who want large group chats and a playful sticker collection.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | 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, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 8, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
WhatsApp, Rakuten Viber Messenger and LINE all offer messaging and voice or video calls on Android and iOS. Each is free to download, but all three offer in-app purchases, and Viber and LINE also contain ads.
Their differences are in emphasis: WhatsApp pairs a 4.6 Google Play rating with end-to-end encryption and broad compatibility, Viber adds group video calls and expressive stickers, and LINE supports groups of up to 500 people. This comparison weighs their features, trade-offs and Google Play figures to help you choose.
How we compared them
We compared the apps using their Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges and ad status, along with the features and drawbacks described for each. The store figures were read on November 8, 2026.
For data safety, 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 are included here for Viber or LINE, so we make no comparison on that point.
Best foreveryday messaging with broad reach and privacy
WhatsApp has the strongest Google Play rating of these three, at 4.6 from 246,492,605 ratings, and the largest install count at 10 billion or more. Its intuitive interface, cross-device compatibility, end-to-end encryption and smooth voice and video calls make it a well-rounded choice for everyday communication.
The trade-off is a relatively restrained feature set: customization is limited, there is no built-in GIF creation tool, and busy group chats can feel overwhelming. It also needs an internet connection, and backup and restore can be glitchy. WhatsApp has no ads, though it offers in-app purchases.
What we like
- Highest Google Play rating of the three: 4.6
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- No ads and broad device compatibility
What to know
- Group chats can become overwhelming
- Limited customization and no built-in GIF creation
Best forsticker fans and group video callers
Viber combines chat and calls with a large range of stickers and GIFs, plus group video calls for up to 20 people. That gives it a more expressive feel than WhatsApp, while its cross-platform support makes it useful across Android and iOS.
Its Google Play rating is 4.1 from 16,690,539 ratings, below WhatsApp's but above LINE's. Ads are a drawback, and users may encounter lag when sending messages; video calls can also use a lot of data. Like the other two, it requires an internet connection for its features.
What we like
- Group video calls for up to 20 people
- Broad selection of stickers and GIFs
- Cross-platform support
What to know
- Contains ads that can be intrusive
- Message lag and high data use during video calls are possible
Best forlarge group chats and sticker variety
LINE: Calls & Messages
LINE (LY Corporation)
- Google Play
- 3.1 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
LINE's clearest advantage is scale for group conversations: chats can hold up to 500 people. It also offers high-quality voice and video calls, cross-platform support and a large collection of stickers, making it a lively option for friends and family groups.
Its Google Play rating is 3.1 from 13,759,359 ratings, the lowest of the three. Ads and potentially paid stickers add trade-offs, some features vary by region, and calls need a stable internet connection. Its in-app purchase range also reaches higher than the ranges shown for WhatsApp and Viber.
What we like
- Group chats for up to 500 people
- High-quality voice and video calls
- Large sticker collection and cross-platform support
What to know
- Lowest Google Play rating of the three: 3.1
- Ads and paid stickers can add friction or cost
Which one should you pick?
Best for group video and GIFs
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Best for very large group chats
LINE: Calls & Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
WhatsApp leads with a 4.6 rating from 246,492,605 ratings. Viber has 4.1 from 16,690,539 ratings, and LINE has 3.1 from 13,759,359 ratings.
Which app supports the largest group chats?
LINE supports group chats with up to 500 people. Viber supports group video calls for up to 20 people; no group-chat limit is specified for WhatsApp here.
Which of these messaging apps has no ads?
WhatsApp has no ads. Viber and LINE contain ads.
Which app is the strongest choice for privacy?
WhatsApp is the clearest choice based on the details available: it uses end-to-end encryption and declares that it shares no data with third parties. It also collects several categories of data, encrypts data in transit and lets users request deletion.
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.