Telegram
Close matchFreeThe closest free chat app with a strong Linux version, and unlike Viber the desktop app works on its own without the phone nearby.
Does Viber run on Linux?
Verdict: Yes
Yes. Viber makes a Linux version and offers it on the same download page as the Windows one, with installer files for Ubuntu style and Fedora style systems.
Rakuten builds Viber for Linux itself. The download page lists Windows, Mac and Linux side by side, and for Linux there are three choices: a file for Ubuntu and Mint style systems, a file for Fedora, and an AppImage, which is a single file you can run without installing anything.
Setting it up works the way it does on Windows. Viber is built around your phone number, and the desktop version links to the Viber on your phone before your chats appear.
Because the account lives with your phone number rather than with the Windows computer, moving the desktop app to Linux does not lose your contacts or your chats. Anything you paid for sits with the account and carries on.
Viber on Linux, and alternatives
Signal
Close matchFreeWorth knowing about if privacy is the reason you use Viber. Official Linux app, also linked to your phone number.
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