Are you looking for a good internet calling
app to keep in touch with friends, family, or business associates? Here,
we look at two popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps, Skype
and Viber. We compare ease of use, cost, popularity, mobility, data
consumption, call quality, and more to help you decide which to install
and use.
Overall Findings
Skype
- Requires a username and password.
- Free to download and use for Skype to Skype calls.
- Developed first as a desktop app.
- Higher-quality calls require more data.
- Can buy a number on which to receive calls and texts.
- Can call any mobile and landline outside of the network for a fee.
Viber
- Uses your phone number to identify you on the network.
- Free to download and use for calls with other Viber users.
- Developed primarily as a mobile app.
- Uses less data.
- Can call any mobile or landline worldwide with a paid Viber Out plan.
Both Skype and Viber are free to download and install on both desktop
and mobile platforms. Both let you call other people for free as long
as they're also using the app. Calls to a mobile number or landline are
possible but require a subscription or fee. While Skype uses more data
than Viber, it also allows you to buy a unique Skype phone number for
receiving calls and texts.
Ease of Use: Differs by Platform
Skype
- Easy to install and use.
- Requires a username and a password.
- Best for desktop computer use.
Viber
- Easy to install and use.
- Uses your phone number as an identifier instead of a password.
- Best for cellphone use.
Both apps are very user-friendly and straightforward to install, but
the two apps work differently. Skype requires a username and a password.
The username identifies you on the whole network. This means you have
to ask your contacts for usernames to call them or message them before
using the app.
In contrast, Viber requires no username. Instead,
it uses your cellphone number as an identifier. This becomes handy when
used with your mobile phone, especially with existing contacts.
This
difference is due to the apps' relative origins. Skype started on the
computer and took some time to migrate to mobile phones. Because a
computer doesn't revolve around a cellphone number, Skype is the winner
there. Viber, which is relatively newer, was initially a mobile phone
app and only recently supported a desktop app. If you're a mobile user,
you'll likely find Viber more intuitive because of the integration with
your phone's functions and number.
Cost: Both Apps are Comparable
Skype
- Free calls within the network.
- Low-cost calls outside the network to any number.
- International calling subscriptions are more expensive but include more countries.
- Can buy a phone number to receive calls and texts.
Viber
- Free calls within the network.
- Low-cost calls outside the network to any number.
- Subscription options are slightly cheaper.
Calls within the Skype and Viber networks are free and secure.
Viber's Viber Out feature allows international calls to landlines and
mobile numbers outside the network at reasonable rates. You can pay for
such calls on a per-call basis, or subscribe to a monthly plan that
allows you to call any of 50 countries for less than $10 a month.
Skype
offers a similar pricing structure that lets you call any number
internationally for a fee. However, the service offers various
subscriptions depending on where you want to call, North America, for
example. A subscription allowing you to call 63 countries is less than
$15.
Popularity: Other Apps Outpace Skype
Skype
- An estimated 1.3 million users worldwide.
- Not as popular as in years past.
- Trending more toward business than personal use.
Viber
- More than one billion users worldwide.
- Usage continues to rise.
- Most popular in Ukraine and nearby countries.
Calls within both networks are free, so the larger the user base, the
more opportunity for free calling. Viber and other communication apps
have chipped away at Skype's once-formidable market lead, as Skype
evolves into a business-oriented app. As of 2019, Viber counts more
subscribers than Skype worldwide.
Data Consumption: Does It Still Matter?
Skype
- Higher data consumption.
- Better-quality calls.
Viber
- Lower data usage.
In years past, much of the cost of VoIP depended on the cost of the
data. With the advent and wide adoption of unlimited data plans,
however, this is less of a factor. Still, for those not on generous data
plans and who are outside 4G-served areas, data consumption might be a
consideration.
Viber takes around 250 KB per minute in a call,
whereas Skype takes several times more than that. But, the higher
quality of Skype calls offsets this usage.
Reachability: Both Allow Calls to Anyone, Anywhere
Skype
- Free calls within the network.
- Calls to any mobile or landline for a fee.
Viber
- Can call anyone in-network for free.
- Viber Out plan allows calls to any mobile or landline for a fee.
Calls within each service's network are free. Likewise, calls outside
these networks to any mobile or landline are possible with a paid
subscription or credits.
Features: Skype Favors Business Users
Skype
- Audio and video calling.
- End-to-end encryption.
- Screen sharing.
- Group video, chat, and messaging.
- Live captioning.
- Call recording.
Viber
- Audio and video calling.
- End-to-end encryption.
- Screen sharing.
- Group video, chat, and messaging.
- Instant voice and video.
- Chat communities.
- Chat extensions.
Both Skype and Viber offer a wealth of features. Which ones appeal to
you depend, in part, on whether you use the service for business or
personal purposes.
Both allow audio and video calling, messaging,
screen sharing, group communication, and other features. End-to-end
encryption means communications are secure in both cases.
Skype
offers additional features geared mainly toward business. One is call
recording, which is useful for those who need to recall details of an
audio or video meeting. Live subtitling allows you to read the words
being spoken—an essential feature for those with a hearing impairment.
On
the Viber side, users enjoy several ways to spice up communications
with stickers and GIFs. Chat extensions let you access websites from
within chats, so you can look at and discuss external content. This is
useful if you're planning an outing with friends, for example. You can
create chat communities, too, to connect large groups who share common
interests, like a club, family, or sports team.
Final Verdict: Skype Best for Business, Viber for Fun
Skype
and Viber don't work exactly the same way, and each can serve you
differently. That's why we suggest installing both and trying each out
for yourself.
Both apps work across all common devices and
platforms. Skype began as a desktop app, and its roots show. It's
typically a good choice for those using desktop computers. On the other
hand, Viber is primarily a mobile app, so it's better integrated with
mobile devices. As for features, you might find Skype a great choice for
work. Outside of the office, though, Viber takes the crown for fun.