26 Best Messaging Apps for Android

Nowadays, messaging apps on mobile phones have more traction on a daily basis than most apps can even come close to. The ease of use combined with the convenience is a good enough reason to justify their growth. The biggest messaging apps have an estimated 2.1 billion unique users daily. Facebook owns two of the best messaging apps for Android: WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Most, if not all, text messaging apps need internet to provide their services and act as a substitute for SMS. Some also require a phone number for registration like Viber and WhatsApp. As far as operating systems go, messenger apps are not exclusive to any, meaning they are available on both iOS and Android.

Consequently, these apps have replaced instant messaging platforms like Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger, which were only available on desktop computers.

Since the rise of smartphones, people migrated from calling and texting, and using SMS for messaging slowly started to lose popularity. The main difference between messaging apps and traditional SMS lies in pricing. While SMS charges for messages, apps are free with a minimal data charge.

In most countries, using SMS as a means of communication is losing prevalence. However, that’s not the case in the United States. SMS has managed to maintain its popularity in the US thanks to telecommunications carriers offering free SMS messages as part of their mobile plans.

So why do people prefer to use messaging apps over SMS? The answer boils down to a couple of factors, each presenting a unique value.

Best Android Texting Apps Features

If we put aside the cost, messaging apps provide a multitude of great features that are unavailable on SMS. Some of them include:

• Group messaging
• Voice and video calls
• Broadcast ability
• File sharing
• Cloud storage
• Conversational eCommerce

The Google-owned operating system boasts an incredible collection of texting apps. It’s hard to say which is the best Android messaging app since it all comes down to personal preference. In any case, there are apps that rose to popularity thanks to their quality of service and unique features.

Best Messaging Apps for Android

Facebook Messenger

This is an extension of Facebook’s direct messaging feature through a standalone app. Regardless of whether or not you like Facebook, Messenger is one of the best apps out there.

Android Messages

This is the built-in default messaging app on your Android device. Simple to use with a user-friendly interface, Android Messages is continuously upgrading with better features.

WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp is an all-encompassing messaging app that gives you the ability to text and call just about anyone. It is free of charge and works with an internet connection.

Slack

Slack is a chat room primarily targeted towards the corporate working environment to replace traditional email communication between employees.

Hangouts

With Hangouts, you can keep in touch with your contacts by sending messages and making video and voice calls. Communication with contacts is free, though charges may apply for outside communication.

Telegram

Telegram is a VoIP and instant messaging app that is cloud-based and exclusively available on mobile devices. Users can send text messages and media files.

Snapchat

As the name suggests, Snapchat allows you to snap moments of your life and share them with friends or the public. All messages are timed and deleted once they are expired.

Skype

Skype is a cross-platform communications app specialized in video chats and voice calls. You can also send texts and media files. Skype, however, is not a strictly messaging app.

Viber

Viber is a VoIP, instant messaging application that is available on all platforms.

Instagram Direct

Instagram Direct is not a standalone app—it’s the integrated messaging function within the Instagram app. You can text friends and share media files.

WeChat

WeChat is the most famous Chinese messaging app that serves multiple purposes, from messaging and social media to making mobile payments.

Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS is one of the oldest Android messaging apps that’s constantly developed with each software update. This free app has cool features like quick reply pop-up, different themes, blocking, and Wear OS support.

Evolve SMS

Evolve SMS has great customization options that provide a unique personalized messaging experience for users.

Handcent Next SMS

This app is as old as Android, but it has managed to reinvent itself enough to stay relevant throughout the years. Some of the best features include cloud and SMS backup and the ability to send text messages from computers.

Mood Messenger

As an alternative to Android’s default messaging app, Mood Messenger offers full customization and features like typing indicator and real-time caller ID.

Pulse SMS

Pulse adds a powerful web platform to an otherwise standard SMS app. It helps you access messages from any device, share media files, and add customization for a smooth experience.

QkSMS

An open-source messaging app free of ads, QkSMS lets you schedule messages and search through your old conversations. 

Textra SMS

Textra SMS is a fast and highly customizable messaging app with tons of features like slide to delete, slide to call, send a quick reply, and voice memos.

Yaata SMS

YAATA SMS is a user-friendly app that’s fast and small in size (just under 4MB).

Signal Private Messenger

Signal is the only private open-source messenger that guarantees 100% safety for calls and messages through special peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols.

Discord

Discord is a free cross-platform app with voice and text chat for gamers.

LINE Free Calls & Messages

LINE is a free messaging app that supports large chat rooms that can contain up to 200 people simultaneously.

GroupMe

GroupMe is a messenger app used for group chats. You can add just about anyone via a phone number or email address.

BiP Messenger

BiP is a messenger app that lets you follow the public channels of your favorite influencers and more.

Wire

Wire provides encrypted communication between different platforms and can be used to transmit media files, texts, and make video and voice calls.

Chanty

Chanty is an AI-powered team chat that is accessible via PC and mobile. It offers free-to-use iOS and Android mobile apps.