VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps have changed how people and businesses talk to each other around the world by providing cheap and flexible ways to talk and video chat. Voice calls, videoconferencing, messaging, and file sharing can all be done through these apps by connecting to the internet. This makes them essential for staying in touch with friends and family, working from home, and communicating with people in other countries.
Their importance comes from their ability to connect people in different places, lower the cost of communication, and offer a single, unified platform for all kinds of communication needs. In today’s connected world, VoIP apps are essential for staying connected in real time, promoting collaboration, and making sure that information is shared quickly and easily.
Skype and Viber are two well-known VoIP apps. Each has its own set of features and functions that make it useful for different kinds of communication. In the next section, we’ll look at the specific features of both Skype and Viber to help you make a choice based on your communication needs and preferences.
Skype vs Viber Comparison Table
People use Skype and Viber to talk to each other, send messages, make voice and video calls, and share files. Skype lets you call and message more people at once, but Viber is easier to use and encrypts everything from end to end, so it can meet the needs and wants of a wide range of users.
| Feature | Skype | Viber |
|---|---|---|
| Supported devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Xbox One | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Free calls and video calls | Yes, to other Skype users | Yes, to other Viber users |
| International calls | Yes, paid | Yes, paid |
| Group calls and video calls | Yes, up to 100 participants | Yes, up to 250 participants |
| Screen sharing | Yes | Yes |
| File sharing | Yes, up to 300 MB | Yes, up to 2 GB |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Fun features | Stickers, GIFs, emojis, games | Stickers, GIFs, emojis, polls, quizzes |
| Business features | Call recording, transcription, live translation | Paid: call recording, transcription, live translation |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Skype vs Viber: User Interface and User Experience
There are three panes in Skype’s user interface: a list of contacts on the left, a conversation window in the middle, and settings on the right. The interface looks more like a desktop. This layout might look a bit messy on smaller screens, but it works well for power users who need to get to all of Skype’s features quickly.
Viber’s user interface is better for phones, with a simpler layout that puts the focus on calls and chats. On the main screen, there is a list of recent conversations. At the top and bottom of the screen are buttons that let you get to other features. The interface for Viber looks better than the interface for Skype, and it’s easier to use on smaller screens.
| Feature | Skype | Viber |
|---|---|---|
| User interface | Desktop-focused, traditional three-pane layout | Mobile-focused, streamlined layout |
| User experience | Good, especially for power users | Good, especially for mobile users |
| Large group chats and calls | Better | Good |
People who use both Skype and Viber have a good experience overall. But there are some areas where one app works better than the other. Skype is better at things like group chats and calls with a lot of people. It also has more features for business users, like the ability to share screens and record calls. Viber has more features that work better on phones, like stickers and GIFs. There is also an easier way to send and receive payments with this one.
Skype vs Viber: Call Quality
One of the main reasons I like the quality of Skype calls more is that I can choose from more audio codecs. In this way, you can pick the codec that works best for you and your internet connection. In this case, if your internet connection is slow, you can pick a lower-quality codec to keep your calls from dropping.
“HD Audio” is another feature of Skype that can make calls even better, but both users must have a good internet connection and a device that works with it. On the other hand, Viber only has a few audio codecs, and the default codec isn’t always the best choice. You might have trouble with the quality of the call if people are using different devices or internet connections.
Another reason I like Skype calls better is that it has a stronger system for managing call quality. Skype is always checking the quality of your calls and making changes to make sure you have the best experience possible. Viber’s call quality management system, on the other hand, doesn’t look as good, which can cause more issues.
In general, I’ve found that Skype calls sound better than Viber calls. Most of the time, Skype calls are clearer, more stable, and more reliable. If you want to make the best calls possible, I suggest you use Skype.
Video Conferencing and Group Calling
When it comes to videoconferencing, both Skype and Viber have great sound and video quality, even on slow connections. Skype does have a slight edge when it comes to video quality, especially when HD is used. Viber doesn’t have as many video calling options as Skype does. For instance, Skype lets you blur your background, change the picture in your background, and record your calls. These are not things that Viber has.
| Feature | Skype | Viber |
|---|---|---|
| Video conferencing quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Group calling capacity | Up to 100 participants | Up to 60 participants |
| Video conferencing features | Blur background, change background image, record calls | None |
| Group calling features | Mute all participants, raise hand to speak | None |
Skype lets up to 100 people join a group video call, but Viber only lets 60 people join. There are also some features in Skype that make group calls easier to manage. For example, you can mute everyone at once and raise your hand to speak. These are not things that Viber has.
I’ve used both Skype and Viber for group calls and videoconferencing, and I think they’re both great in terms of quality and features. But I like Skype better for videoconferencing because it has more features and can hold more people at once.
File Sharing and Other Media Capabilities
There are some important differences between Skype and Viber when it comes to sharing files. It is possible to send files up to 2GB in size through Viber and up to 300MB in size through Skype. Skype also works with more types of files, such as pictures, videos, documents, and compressed files. Viber, on the other hand, only lets you share photos, videos, and documents.
Both Skype and Viber can do the same things when it comes to other media. You can send and receive text messages and make voice and video calls with both apps. Both apps also have a lot of features that can help you communicate better, like the ability to share your screen, chat with others, and send files.
Skype vs Viber: Cross-Platform Compatibility
Skype can be used on more devices than Viber. Smartphones, tablets, computers, game consoles, and even smart TVs can all use Skype. This means I can always get in touch with my contacts, no matter what device they’re using. On the other hand, Viber doesn’t work with as many devices. However, not all computers or game consoles can access it. Most smartphones and tablets can. This could be a problem if I need to video chat with someone whose device isn’t very common.
One more benefit of Skype is that it works better with other Microsoft products, like Teams and Outlook. This makes it simple for me to share files and set up meetings with my coworkers. On the other hand, Viber doesn’t work as well with other Microsoft products. In general, I think Skype is the better option for people who want to use it on more than one platform. There are more devices that can run it, and it works better with other Microsoft products.
Skype: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Widely used, supports larger group sizes
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Offers screen sharing during calls
Cons
- Some features are paid
- Interface can be complex for some users
Viber: Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- End-to-end encryption for calls and messages
- Free Viber-to-Viber calls
Cons
- Limited screen sharing capabilities
Skype vs Viber: which one should you consider?
It’s important to think about your specific communication needs when choosing between Skype and Viber. Skype is still one of the best options for business use because it is great for video calling and conferencing. A user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Microsoft services make it a great choice.
Viber, on the other hand, is great at offering a safe and dependable messaging service with a wide range of stickers and GIFs, making it perfect for a more casual user base. Viber is a great way to talk to people privately because it has end-to-end encryption and is easy to use. In the end, whether you choose Skype or Viber depends on your needs, such as whether you want to use them for business or personal communication.
FAQs
The two apps can be used on all common platforms and devices. Skype was first made as a desktop app, which you can see. For people who use desktop computers, it’s usually a good choice. Then there’s Viber, which is mostly a mobile app and works better with mobile devices.
It’s the best software for meetings, calls, and instant messaging. A user interface that looks good and is easy to use is a big selling point. Instant messages and calls are free, and the paid features are not too expensive. Because you can make both voice and video calls, it’s great for group meetings.
