What is the Difference Between Viber and Skype?

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The main differences between Viber and Skype lie in their target audiences, features, and user experience. Here is a comparison of the two VoIP apps:

Target Audience:

  • Skype is a better choice for desktop computer users, as it originated on desktop computers and is more focused on video and business features.
  • Viber started as a mobile app and is best suited for mobile devices. It leans more towards fun and friendly communication.

User Experience and Interface:

  • Both apps are easy and straightforward to install, but they work in very different ways.
  • Skype requires a username and a password, with the username serving as a unique identifier within the Skype network.
  • Viber allows users to spice up their chats with stickers and GIFs, and it enables the creation of group chats to connect larger groups of people with a common interest, such as family, clubs, or sports teams.

Pricing:

  • Both apps are free to use, but both also offer additional paid features, mainly the ability to call international phone numbers.

Call Quality and Data Usage:

  • Viber uses around 250 KB per minute in a call, whereas Skype uses several times more than that.
  • The higher call quality of Skype offsets its higher data usage.

Enterprise-Level Features:

  • Skype offers more advanced, enterprise-level features, while Viber is more focused on individual users.

In conclusion, the choice between Viber and Skype depends on the user's preferences, device, and intended use. Skype is more suitable for desktop users and professional conversations, while Viber is better for mobile devices and casual, fun communication.

Comparative Table: Viber vs Skype

Here is a table comparing the differences between Viber and Skype:

Characteristic Viber Skype
Group Video Calling No Yes
Contact Synchronization Yes (Based on phone number) Yes (Based on Microsoft account)
Platform Support Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Smart TVs
Public Chats No No
Viber Out (Call to Phone) Yes (Paid service for non-Viber calls) Yes (Paid service for non-Skype calls)
Instant Messaging Yes Yes
End-to-End Encryption Yes Yes

Both Viber and Skype are popular communication applications, but they cater to different user needs and offer unique features. Viber is more focused on mobile devices and offers a more casual, fun, and family-friendly experience, with features like stickers and GIFs in chats. On the other hand, Skype is more focused on desktop usage and offers additional features like group video calling, Skype Out service for paid calls, and integration with Microsoft Teams.