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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Rakuten Viber Messenger vs WhatsApp Messenger

Rakuten Viber Messenger 4.6★ · Free + IAP 60
Winner WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp Messenger 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75

WhatsApp Messenger is generally the more reliable and widely used messaging app, despite some user complaints about account issues, while Rakuten Viber Messenger faces significant backlash over its forced AI integration and persistent ads.

Full reviews: Rakuten Viber Messenger · WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger maintains its position as a globally useful communication app, praised for clear calls and widespread adoption, though some users report frustrating account suspensions and media download issues. Rakuten Viber Messenger, while offering good communication features, is currently struggling with user dissatisfaction due to forced ChatGPT integration and an increase in ads, leading many to consider switching platforms.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: WhatsApp MessengerR2R4R7R8
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber users appreciate its core messaging, calling, and video features, especially for international communication R2R8. However, recent updates have introduced unwanted features like forced ChatGPT integration, which users find intrusive and impossible to remove R4R7R13R16. Some also desire features like stories, screen sharing, and music in profiles .
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp is lauded for its global utility, enabling clear video and voice calls with no latency . Users also desire more animated emojis and stickers . Some users report issues with screen sharing during calls and problems with audio in video messages .
Ease of Use & Interface tieR1R6R10R15
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is generally considered convenient and user-friendly for communication . However, some users find the interface outdated R6 and are frustrated by persistent ads for Viber Plus R15 and the inability to remove unwanted features like the ChatGPT tab . Issues with login and verification codes are also reported R1R10.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp is generally considered simple to use . However, some users find it unintuitive and are annoyed by new interface updates, such as messages popping out of the corner . Login issues, particularly with verification codes and QR codes for iPad, are also mentioned .
Reliability & Performance edge: WhatsApp MessengerR2R5R8R9
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is praised for its reliability by some long-term users R2R5R8. However, recent reviews highlight significant performance issues, including problems sending pictures and videos R9, messages disappearing , and the 'edit without a trace' button not working . The app also sometimes requires deletion and restart due to a purple screen indicating low software .
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp is generally seen as reliable for communication, especially with good internet . However, users frequently report issues such as the app logging them out , crashing when pasting pictures , and calls dropping . There are also complaints about media auto-downloading despite settings being off and personalized notifications resetting .
Privacy & Security tieR3R4R22R28
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber users are highly concerned about privacy due to the forced ChatGPT integration, which they believe sells their data to OpenAI and cannot be opted out of R4R22R28. This has led many to delete the app R3R4R28.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp users express concerns about security, with some being flagged as scammers and others reporting it as a breeding ground for deception and fraud . There are also complaints about excessive and unexplained account suspensions R82R91R93R99. Some users also dislike being prompted to sync contacts .
Support & Account Management edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR29R50R58R64
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber's user support team is appreciated for their effort in resolving issues like transferring accounts to new numbers R29R50. However, the backup system is criticized for being unreliable, with users losing chat history despite backups showing recent dates R58.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp users frequently report issues with account suspensions that are excessive, unfair, and lack explanation R82R91R93R99. Customer service is described as unhelpful, like a 'robot' R64. Users also complain about losing chat history when swapping phones .
Pick Rakuten Viber Messenger if

You prioritize a communication app with responsive user support for account issues and are willing to tolerate the forced AI features and ads R29R50.

Pick WhatsApp Messenger if

You need a widely adopted and generally reliable messaging app for international communication with clear video and voice calls .

Evidence note: Reviews for Rakuten Viber Messenger are heavily skewed by recent negative feedback regarding forced AI integration. WhatsApp Messenger reviews cover a broader range of issues, but also include many positive general statements.

Frequently asked

Does Viber have ChatGPT integration?
Yes, Rakuten Viber Messenger has integrated ChatGPT, but many users are highly dissatisfied because it is forced, cannot be opted out of, and appears in chat lists and messages without consent R4R7R13R16.
Are there issues with WhatsApp account suspensions?
Yes, many WhatsApp users report experiencing excessive, unfair, and unexplained account suspensions, sometimes multiple times within a short period, which makes the app unusable for them R82R91R93R99.
Is Viber good for international calls?
Yes, Viber is considered a good option for international communication, allowing users to communicate by phone, text, or video with loved ones abroad R8R38.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US Viber: Viber provides excellent messaging and calling features with great security and reliability.
  2. [R4] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Forced AI no opt out: I used to love Viber however I am deleting my account permanently due to the forced ChatGPT integration and lack of a privacy opt-out switch. Not cool Viber and Apple! I won’t have you hold me hostage.
  3. [R7] Rakuten Viber Messenger 2/5 · US NO ChatGPT !!!!!!: Stop adding junk that doesn't at all need to be in Viber!!!!! The stupid Business Thread that no one asked for that you can't delete, and now ChatGPT ??? you will lose so many customers to Telegram or other inedible chat/video apps
  4. [R8] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US Great Communications app: I’ve been using Viber for years and have been very happy with it. I’m able to communicate by phone, text or video with loved ones who live abroad. Signal continues to improve. I have no complaints.
  5. [R1] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Problem with the app: When i write my number I only get phone option.. there’s no sms option and the phones options isn’t working
  6. [R6] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Still the old interface!!: Please make it in liquid glass!!!
  7. [R10] Rakuten Viber Messenger 2/5 · US Could not login: Once downloaded the application however always popping up the notification saying that there was no connection , I have both cellular data and WiFi connected, I don’t know why that could be happened
  8. [R15] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Too many adds: Every time I get rid of a add I get another one of viber plus which makes it even more frustrating than the original add
  9. [R5] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US 10 years of using: Still best messenger for communication
  10. [R9] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Lately, sending pictures and videos has been inconvenient. · translated
  11. [R3] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Deleted Viber just now: With the new update it would not open anymore without agreeing to all terms and entering new info. I deleted it. Not a big loss. There are other apps that do better.
  12. [R22] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Forced AI integration without consent: Viber pushed ChatGPT features on me that is intrusive. It is impossible to delete ChatGPT from my chat list. ChatGPT will appear in my chats with other users asking me to prompt things like remixing pictures. The app errors when I try to disconnect ChatGPT in the settings. Effectively, there is no option to fully remove the ChatGPT integration, which makes th
  13. [R28] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US ChatGPT now built in and inescapable. Why??: Nobody asked for your AI slop. We know that the only way Viber is providing ChatGPT to users “for free” is by selling our data to OpenAI. Nobody wants this malignant technology built in. Will be deleting my Viber account and removing the app from my phone. Genuinely disgusted.
  14. [R29] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US User support: I really appreciate user support team's effort. Good job.
  15. [R50] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US Number change: The support team helped resolve the issue of transferring the app to a new number. Everything was done quickly and efficiently. · translated
  16. [R58] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US THE WORST Backup System!!!: THE WORST! Before changing my Viber account from my iPhone X to my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I double-checked everything and it clearly showed: “Last backup: 14 May 2026 at 10:02 PM.” But after I logged in on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, it suddenly showed: “Restore your chat history - Last backup: 03 February 2025 at 5:03 AM.” I was like, WHAT?!?! So where did all my chats from Fe
  17. [R64] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US The login methods are not comprehensive. The first time, it limits your verification code attempts, making it easy to get banned. Moreover, even after you're approved today, they review it again tomorrow, like an endless cycle of needing approval. When you contact their customer service, it's like talking to a bot; they completely fail to provide a solution. Garbage. · translated
  18. [R13] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Ok: Don’t ask about Chat GPT!! 0 interest!! Not interested!! Remove that Chat GPT! Stop showing it ! 😡😡
  19. [R16] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Forced ChatGPT feature: Viber added a ChatGPT feature that I do not need and do not want to use and did not provide an opt out option.
  20. [R82] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US Unfair Excessive suspensions: Account suspended excessively. My WhatsApp account has been suspended 3 times in the last 2 weeks for nothing. Fix this. I may delete my account because these unfair and unfounded suspensions make the App useless. They never explain the reason for the suspension.
  21. [R91] WhatsApp Messenger 1/5 · US Account review for no reason: You could fix this but you won’t acknowledge you have issues. Dev team just collecting a check.
  22. [R93] WhatsApp Messenger 3/5 · GB Banned for absolutely no reason: I’ve decided to swap numbers to my new phone and when i did i tried texting people and it failed so i was like okay ill wait 3 minutes pass and then im banned for what reason? Not even sure myself I haven’t broken any terms n Conditions
  23. [R99] WhatsApp Messenger 3/5 · GB Gg: Just random vans and suspensions with the stupid AI platform
  24. [R38] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US LIFESAVER: I was solo backpacking internationally and my card to withdraw money had been blocked. In order for the bank to unblock my card I needed to call customer service. Being international, I had a different SIM card and couldn’t call international to my American bank. Searching through Reddit, I found this app after trying about 5 others. I was panicking at this point having no money, but th

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store