Skype and Viber are two of the most popular communication applications on the market.
They are available for Android, Windows Phone and iOS devices, and if you want to use VoIP, they are your best option. That is, until WhatsApp releases its voice calling feature. Both applications work on the same principle, but they serve you in different ways. Sometimes, the best option is to install both, but if you want to choose between them, we can help you compare.
Consumption of bandwidth
To make your VoIP calls free, you need to connect to a Wi-Fi. If you use your 3G network, Skype uses a lot more bandwidth, which translates to higher internet and phone bills. Viber consumes around 250 KB per minute, while Skype takes few times more. However, with the added bandwidth, Skype offers better call quality, while few seconds delay is common for Viber calls. Another advantage of Skype is that the application uses HD voice, which is a much better option.
Who you can call?
Both Skype and Viber can help you connect with all your contacts, and call them for free directly. Viber to Viber users and Skype to Skype calls are free of charge, provided you are connected to the internet. Recently, Viber also added the Viber Out feature, which enables users to call any cell phone or landline in the world, for a small fee. Skype also allows its users to call devices that are not connected to it.
Special features
While both applications offer VoIP, Skype has several special features that make the application better. For example, you can organize conference call through Skype (multiple participants per call), record calls, and access some advanced settings and many more. One advantage of Viber is that the application displays users’ real phone number to the recipients, so they know who is calling them.
Difference in rates
While the calls between users are free, international calls made to users without the application are not. This is where the difference in rates lies, for some of the most popular destinations. The receiver of the calls is also subject to charge, depending on his GSM provider. For US, the price for calls via Viber is 1.9 cents per minute. Via Skype, the price is 1.7 cents if you use the Pay as You go feature. Subscription rates are as follows: 60 minutes – $1.17 cents per month, 120 minutes – $2.23 per month, 400 minutes – $4.61, and for unlimited minutes, the price is $6.6. Viber’s rates for the United Kingdom are 5.9 cents per minute for landline, and 1.9 cents per minute for mobile lines. With Skype, you can call contacts in the UK for 1.7 cents if you use the pay as you go feature. Subscriptions are as follows: 60 minutes – $2 per month, 120 minutes – $3.8 per month, 400 minutes $12 per month.
India is next on the list. With Viber, the price of the call is 2.2 cents per minute. Using Skype, you will need to pay 1.1 cents per minute (pay as you go feature). The subscription for landlines and mobiles is as follows: 120 minutes – $1.44, 800 minutes $9.24, 2500 minutes $20 per month. China rounds up the list of most popular destinations for international calls. The price for Viber calls is 1.3 cents per minute. Skype rates are following: 120 minutes – $1.17, 400 minutes – $3.82, 800 minutes – $7.25 per month. Skype also offers unlimited call subscription for Europe and the World. If you like unlimited calls in Europe, it will cost you $8 per month. To call anyone, anywhere on the Globe, you need to pay $14 per month.
Payment methods
Users can purchase credit for Viber either through in app purchases through Google Play or Apple App Store (iTunes), or via Viber desktop with credit card/PayPal. Credits for Viber are available for amount of $4.99, $9.99 or $24.99. Skype offers two types of call rates: Pay as you go, or monthly subscription of 100, 400, 800 and unlimited minutes.
Related ItemsSkypeViber
