SMS, Viber, or WhatsApp – Which Messaging Channel is Right for Your Business?
In today’s digital world, businesses are looking for efficient and reliable ways to communicate with their customers. SMS, Viber, and WhatsApp are three of the most widely used channels for business messaging—each with its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
Quick Summary
This guide offers a practical comparison of SMS, Viber, and WhatsApp, helping you decide which messaging channel best fits your business needs.
Comparison Table: SMS, Viber, and WhatsApp
| Criteria | SMS | Viber | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Requirement | No | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery Speed | Instant (~6 seconds) | Slower (~10-30 seconds) | Slower (~10-30 seconds) |
| Fallback (Auto switch to SMS if undelivered) | – | Possible | Not possible |
| Popularity by Region | Universal | Popular in Eastern Europe & the Philippines | Popular in Western Europe, Latin America, India, Africa |
| Popularity in the USA | High | Very low (Alternatives: iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Google Messages) | Very low (Alternatives: iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Google Messages) |
| Multimedia Support (Images, Videos, Buttons) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Communication | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Restrictions & Banned Industries | No specific restrictions, but some countries require opt-in for marketing SMS. | Requires special approval for gambling & debt collection (higher pricing possible). | Prohibited for gambling, debt collection, financial reminders. |
Which is the Best Choice for Your Business?
SMS – The Universal but Limited Solution
- Guaranteed delivery to any device without requiring an internet connection.
- Best for transactional messages & Two-Way Verification (bank notifications, OTP codes, payment confirmations).
- Works in the USA, where Viber and WhatsApp are not widely used.
- Lacks multimedia support.
- Higher message costs compared to Viber in some regions.
Viber – Ideal for Marketing in Eastern Europe
- Popular in Bulgaria, Greece, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Serbia.
- Supports images, videos, and interactive buttons.
- Allows fallback to SMS.
- Requires internet.
- 85-90% of mobile users in Eastern Europe use Viber.
- Requires initial opt-in notification.
WhatsApp – Great for Two-Way Communication but with Limitations
- Popular in Western Europe, Latin America, India, and Africa.
- Enables marketing campaigns with multimedia elements.
- Uses a 24-hour session-based pricing model.
- Does not support fallback.
- Requires opt-in for all messages.
- Prohibited for gambling, debt collection, and financial reminders.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Channel?
- If you need a reliable communication method → SMS is the best choice for transactional messages & Two-Way Verification.
- If you operate in Eastern Europe and want a cost-effective marketing channel → Viber is the better option.
- If you work in Western Europe, Latin America, or India and require two-way communication → WhatsApp is a suitable choice.
- If you need multimedia-rich marketing messages (images, videos, buttons) → Viber and WhatsApp are preferable.
Each platform has its own strengths and limitations. The best choice depends on your target audience, budget, and business needs. If you would like to learn more about how to utilize these channels for your business, get in touch with the Procode team!
