There is no shortage of VoIP apps available for both Android and iOS platforms, but most of them fall down in one of several ways. The first sticking point that can mar an otherwise perfect app is the presence of advertisements. If these are not present it is likely that you will need to purchase credits in order to make call or send messages. Add to this the possibility for an app to just be bad, and any VoIP app vying for attention has to be something pretty special to avoid criticism. Viber falls into this latter category, being as it is, free, well designed, free from advertisements and lacking the requirement to purchase credits.

As a VoIP app, Viber is pretty much what you would expect – it enables you to send text messages and make phone calls using a wifi or data connection. If you have the app installed on a phone, you can use it to keep in touch with people without racking up a huge bill and without eating into your monthly call and text allowance; if you have it installed on a non-Phone device, you can add phone functionality free of charge.

Unlike some other VoIP and messaging app, in order to use Viber you do not need to send messages or make calls to a special number or address for your contact. Providing they already have the app installed you can use Viber to keep in touch with people using their regular mobile number. This may seem like a minor thing, but it saves a great deal of hassle, particularly if you have a lengthy address book.

The app’s interface ties in neatly with the Android and iOS messaging and phone system to the extent that it is easy to forget that you are using a third party tool. Spend a little while working with the app and you’ll quickly come to realise that this could be a serious contender to Skype’s crown. There are still improvements to be made in the fields of stability, call quality and customisation option, but things are looking very good already.

Viber is available for iOS and Android. You can find out more and download a free copy of the app by paying a visit to the Viber review page.