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

Rakuten Viber Messenger vs Messenger

Rakuten Viber Messenger 4.6★ · Free + IAP 55
Winner Messenger
Messenger 4.7★ · Free + IAP 70

Messenger is generally more reliable for core messaging and calling features, while Rakuten Viber Messenger is currently struggling with user dissatisfaction over forced AI integration.

Full reviews: Rakuten Viber Messenger · Messenger

Messenger, despite some bugginess and notification issues, provides a more consistent messaging and calling experience. Rakuten Viber Messenger, while praised for its communication features, is facing significant backlash due to its forced and inescapable ChatGPT integration and other usability concerns.

Head to head

Features and Interface tieR2R4R6R7
Rakuten Viber Messenger Rakuten Viber Messenger users appreciate its core messaging, calling, and video chat capabilities, especially for international communication R2R8. However, many recent reviews express strong dissatisfaction with the forced integration of ChatGPT, which users find intrusive, unremovable, and unwanted R4R7R13R16. Users also desire features like music in profiles, stories, and screen-sharing . Some find the interface outdated R6 and dislike pervasive ads .
Messenger Messenger offers various features including video calls, games during calls, and themes . Users enjoy the ability to send money and make calls . However, some users report issues with custom picture themes not working and wish for better organization of contacts . There are also complaints about external app requests for videos and a significant number of AI bots .
Ease of Use and Reliability tieR1R9R10R12
Rakuten Viber Messenger Rakuten Viber Messenger is generally considered convenient and easy to use for communication . However, users report significant issues with login R1R10, disappearing messages , and problems sending pictures and videos R9. There are also complaints about the inability to select multiple chats for deletion and an unreliable edit function R12. Some users experience issues with images and files expiring and data management .
Messenger Messenger users frequently report issues with notifications not working R61R73R94R116, the app being slow and buggy R116, and messages disappearing . Login problems and auto-logouts are also common . Users experience audio issues during calls and drafts disappearing .
Call Quality edge: MessengerR2R8R24R38
Rakuten Viber Messenger Rakuten Viber Messenger is praised for its excellent calling features and ability to communicate by phone, text, or video with loved ones abroad R2R8R38. However, some users report issues with call audio R24 and voice messages not being heard or attachments not being seen .
Messenger Messenger is generally well-regarded for its good quality calls, both audio and video, especially on WiFi . Users appreciate the clarity and lack of delay in calls . However, some users report low volume on calls and audio resetting when someone joins a call .
Privacy and Security tieR4R16R19R22
Rakuten Viber Messenger Rakuten Viber Messenger users are deeply concerned about the forced ChatGPT integration, viewing it as a privacy risk due to potential data selling to OpenAI R4R22. The inability to opt-out or remove the feature is a major point of contention R4R16R19R22.
Messenger Messenger's encryption is described as 'iffy' by one user . More broadly, users express concerns about Meta apps consuming and stealing data and question the utility of the app given these practices . There are also complaints about censorship .
Support and Updates edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR3R4R7R13
Rakuten Viber Messenger Rakuten Viber Messenger users have praised the user support team for their efforts in resolving issues, such as transferring accounts to new numbers . However, recent updates have led to significant problems, including the app not opening without agreeing to new terms R3 and the forced ChatGPT integration R4R7R13R16.
Messenger Messenger users frequently attribute issues like notification problems and general bugginess to recent updates R61. Some users report being suspended due to 'system errors' and facing difficulties with identity verification .
Pick Rakuten Viber Messenger if

You frequently communicate internationally and value a dedicated support team for account issues R8.

Pick Messenger if

You prioritize reliable call quality, especially for video calls, and are already integrated into the Facebook ecosystem .

Evidence note: Rakuten Viber Messenger has a high volume of recent negative reviews specifically targeting the forced ChatGPT integration, which heavily skews its current user sentiment. Messenger's issues are more varied and less concentrated on a single new feature.

Frequently asked

Does Rakuten Viber Messenger force AI features on users?
Yes, Rakuten Viber Messenger has integrated ChatGPT and forces it on users, with many reviews indicating there is no functional opt-out or way to remove it from chat lists R4R16R19R22.
Are there common issues with notifications in Messenger?
Yes, many Messenger users report not receiving notifications for new messages, even after troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the app or restarting their phone R61R73R94R116.
Which app is better for international calls?
Both apps facilitate international communication, but Rakuten Viber Messenger is specifically highlighted by users for its effectiveness in connecting 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. [R6] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Still the old interface!!: Please make it in liquid glass!!!
  4. [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
  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. [R9] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Lately, sending pictures and videos is not working well. · translated
  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. [R12] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US I pay: The edit without a trace button does not work half the damn time and it’s aggravating
  9. [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.
  10. [R24] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · GB Viber cacat: Nu se aude cum trebuie atunci ca de vorbesc
  11. [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
  12. [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.
  13. [R19] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US Remove chatgpt: Remove chat gpt. I understand it’s optional to use but I don’t want it there at all. I want it gone. I don’t want random message tab with chat GPT that drives me insane that I can’t hide it, i don’t want the bar on bottom show the icon in the center. Make it gone. I will never use it, never did. I don’t want my viber looking like bot. Viber app looks like spam right now filled with
  14. [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
  15. [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.
  16. [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 ! 😡😡
  17. [R61] Messenger 1/5 · US NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS: Since the most recent update, I’m not getting notified of new messages. I’ve turned off my notifications in the app in the Settings app and turn them back on. I’ve restarted my phone deleted the app and reinstalled it and still I’m not getting notified when I get new messages. I have to open the app and check manually This is caused me to miss out on potential sales on
  18. [R73] Messenger 1/5 · US Notifications do not work. · translated
  19. [R94] Messenger 2/5 · US Missing notifications: This is more on Facebook page where I have a notification that somebody replied to my comment and then I click on it and it's somebody else or it won't show the person. HUGE BUG!
  20. [R116] Messenger 1/5 · US Needs bug fixes: It lags , txts vanish mid typing, video call minimize issues, half the time call rings doesnt show

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