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

Rakuten Viber Messenger vs Telegram Messenger

Rakuten Viber Messenger 4.6★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Rakuten Viber Messenger
Telegram Messenger 4.0★ · Free + IAP 60

Rakuten Viber Messenger is generally preferred for reliable communication and user support, despite recent frustrations with forced AI features, while Telegram Messenger faces issues with bugs, privacy concerns, and a perceived decline in quality.

Full reviews: Rakuten Viber Messenger · Telegram Messenger

Rakuten Viber Messenger offers strong communication features and good user support, though recent forced AI integrations are a significant point of contention for many users. Telegram Messenger, while praised by some, struggles with persistent bugs, privacy concerns, and a perceived decline in overall quality and user experience.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR2R4R7R8
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is praised for its excellent messaging and calling features, including video calls, and its ability to connect users worldwide R2R8. However, recent updates have introduced unwanted features like forced ChatGPT integration and business threads that users cannot remove, leading to significant frustration R4R7R13R16. Some users also report issues with sending images and videos R9 and a desire for features like stories and screen-sharing .
Telegram Messenger Telegram is appreciated for its overall functionality and being a 'best app' by some users . However, users report numerous bugs, including a black screen after updates R66, phone overheating R69R72, search bar not working , and issues with AirPods message announcements and autocorrect . There are also requests for features like a 'select all' option for messages R61, better story posting for non-premium users , and proxy support for Apple Watch .
Ease of Use edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR1R6R10R12
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is generally considered convenient and easy to use for communication . However, some users experience login issues R1R10, problems with the edit button R12, and an outdated interface R6. The inability to delete multiple chats at once is also a point of frustration .
Telegram Messenger Telegram is described as user-friendly by some . However, users report difficulties with the login process, sometimes being blocked or asked for payment R63. Issues with uploading large files on iPhone are also noted as difficult and prone to failure . Some find the interface has inconvenient features like a camera swipe that cannot be removed .
Reliability and Performance edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR2R8R9R14
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is generally seen as reliable for messaging and calling R2R8. However, some users report issues with images and videos not sending or expiring R9, messages disappearing , and problems with backups . The app can also display a purple screen and require reinstallation R14.
Telegram Messenger Telegram users report significant reliability issues, including the app freezing on a black screen R66, phone overheating during use R69R72, and notifications being unstable . Uploading large files is problematic, often failing and not resuming . There are also reports of keyboard and typing bugs on iPadOS .
Price and Value tieR15R37R57R63
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is a free app with in-app purchases. Some users express frustration with too many ads, including promotions for Viber Plus R15R37. One user who paid for Viber Plus cancelled their subscription due to the forced AI integration R57.
Telegram Messenger Telegram is also a free app with in-app purchases. Users complain about being asked for payment to log in R63 and that former premium users cannot post stories while others can . There are also complaints about the inability to sell gifts immediately and to delete unwanted gifts or payment records .
Privacy and Security edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR2R4R22R28
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber is praised for its security R2. However, the forced ChatGPT integration is a major privacy concern for many users, who fear their data is being sold to OpenAI and dislike the lack of an opt-out option R4R22R28.
Telegram Messenger Telegram faces significant privacy and security criticisms. Users report the app exposing contact info to scammers R75, being a breeding ground for deception and fraud R64R85, and notifying contacts when the app is downloaded without consent . The 'Delete Account' feature is reported as non-functional R73, and the app is criticized for requiring full contact book access . There are also concerns about inappropriate content like child pornography .
Support edge: Rakuten Viber MessengerR29R50R88R115
Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber receives positive feedback for its user support team, with users appreciating their effort and quick, efficient help with issues like transferring accounts to new numbers R29R50.
Telegram Messenger Telegram's support system is heavily criticized. Users report no response from support via website, spambot, or volunteer channels R88R115. One user claims their number was blocked after support couldn't help R115.
Pick Rakuten Viber Messenger if

you prioritize reliable communication, good user support, and generally stable performance, and are willing to tolerate recent unwanted AI features or hope for future opt-out options R2R8R29R50.

Pick Telegram Messenger if

you are looking for a messenger with a wide range of features and a large user base, and are less concerned about persistent bugs, privacy issues, or the quality of customer support .

Evidence note: Recent reviews for Rakuten Viber Messenger are heavily skewed by negative feedback regarding the forced ChatGPT integration, which significantly impacts its overall score despite many positive long-term reviews. Telegram Messenger's reviews indicate a consistent pattern of technical issues and privacy concerns.

Frequently asked

Does Viber force AI features on users?
Yes, Viber has integrated ChatGPT features that are forced on users without an opt-out option, appearing in chat lists and messages, and attempts to disconnect often result in errors R4R7R13R16.
Is Telegram secure and private?
Telegram faces significant criticism regarding its security and privacy, with users reporting issues like contact information being exposed to scammers, the app notifying contacts without consent, and a non-functional 'Delete Account' feature R64R73R75R85.
Are there many bugs in Telegram?
Yes, Telegram users frequently report various bugs, including black screens after updates, phone overheating, a non-working search bar, issues with AirPods message announcements, autocorrect problems, and difficulties uploading large files R61R66R69R72.

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. [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. [R9] Rakuten Viber Messenger 3/5 · US Lately, sending pictures and videos has not been convenient. · translated
  10. [R14] Rakuten Viber Messenger 4/5 · US Viber: Hi! Love this app and I love that I can chat with my friends, but I really hate how it always gives me a purple screen saying my software is low, I always have to delete the app and restart every chat.
  11. [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
  12. [R37] Rakuten Viber Messenger 2/5 · US Functional with a few caveats: So I’ve been using this since most of my workmates prefer this over other messaging applications, and sure, it does what it says on the box- no more, no less. On what isn’t value adding though- the ads are so pervasive that simple holiday greetings in messages would instantly turn into links to [insert business brand here]. Add to that the new and trendy addition of
  13. [R57] Rakuten Viber Messenger 1/5 · US ChatGPT and Gen AI: I’ve used Viber for years and have by in large loved it. It was easy to use, worked even when my SMS messages didn’t (which was a common issue for me), and allowed a level of customization of backgrounds and themes not a lot of other apps did. I even bought the Viber Plus subscription because I felt like I was supporting a company that was doing a “lesser evil” than some of its
  14. [R63] Telegram Messenger 3/5 · US Payment: Why can’t I get into my account after logging out? It’s asking for payment why?
  15. [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
  16. [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.
  17. [R29] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US User support: I really appreciate user support team's effort. Good job.
  18. [R50] Rakuten Viber Messenger 5/5 · US Number change: The support team helped resolve the issue of transferring the application to a new number. Everything was done quickly and efficiently. · translated
  19. [R88] Telegram Messenger 1/5 · US No response at all: Tried reaching out to support via website, spambot & volunteer support. No response whatsoever, zilch!
  20. [R115] Telegram Messenger 1/5 · US Support system: I havent seen such terrible support team in a long time. They just blocked my number when couldnt help.
  21. [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 ! 😡😡
  22. [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.
  23. [R64] Telegram Messenger 1/5 · US Bad: A breeding ground for easy deception, fraud and theft
  24. [R73] Telegram Messenger 1/5 · US Telegram = data criminals: The "Delete Account" feature is nonfunctional, meaning Telegram is disrespectful, unprofessional, and in violation of several laws. Here's the one-star review y'all earned.
  25. [R75] Telegram Messenger 3/5 · US Saludo buenos hola: He pasador como tú estás? en bien
  26. [R85] Telegram Messenger 1/5 · US Full of scammers and bots. Not secure: All scammers and bots . Can’t trust any body or anything on here. Not safe. Just like all of these apps NOT SECURE OR SAFE!
  27. [R61] Telegram Messenger 2/5 · US Bug: Dear Telegram Team, I would like to suggest a feature that I believe would significantly improve Telegram’s usability. Currently, when selecting messages in a chat, there is no “Select All” option. As a result, users who want to forward an entire conversation to Saved Messages or another chat must manually select every message, which becomes nearly impossible for long conversations containi
  28. [R66] Telegram Messenger 3/5 · US Black screen after update: App is decent but since the latest update whenever I open the app it’s a black screen. On the rare occasion it actually doesn’t go black screen
  29. [R69] Telegram Messenger 3/5 · US They updated something again ... the phone heats up considerably ... when using TG: In the title · translated
  30. [R72] Telegram Messenger 3/5 · US Phone heating: After the last update, my iPhone gets extremely hot after 10-15 minutes in the messenger. Please fix this. · translated

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