Tired of the same old messaging apps? Android has a ton of cool apps that let you chat with friends and family, share pics, and even make video calls. Some apps are better for group chats, others are great for sending files, and some are just for keeping in touch with people you know. We’ve tried a bunch of the best messaging apps out there, and picked 18 of our favorites!
You know Facebook is already on your phone, but you might be surprised by how much you like their messaging app. It’s super easy to use and works great with groups. WhatsApp Messenger is another popular choice because it’s secure and lets you make free calls to anyone in the world. And if you’re looking for something simple and built by Google, then Google Messages is the way to go.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Facebook |  | Android | 4.5/5 | 10B+ | Connect with friends, Join interest groups, Shop and sell items |
| 2. WhatsApp Messenger |  | Android | 4.7/5 | 9B+ | End-to-end encryption, High-quality calls, Cross-platform availability |
| 3. Google Messages |  | Android | 4.5/5 | 6B+ | End-to-end encryption, High-resolution sharing, Smart replies |
| 4. Telegram |  | Android | 4.1/5 | 2B+ | Fast and secure, Unlimited storage, Multi-device syncing |
| 5. Rakuten Viber Messenger |  | Android | 4.6/5 | 1B+ | Free and unlimited calls, End-to-end encryption, Group chats up to 60 people |
| 6. LINE |  | Android | 4/5 | 985M+ | Free voice and video calls, Wide variety of stickers |
| 7. KakaoTalk |  | Android | 4.1/5 | 245M+ | Group chats with unlimited members, Real-time message read status |
1. Facebook
Direct messaging with friends, Group chats for shared plans, Video calls for face-to-face
Cost:
Free (Free), Facebook Premium (Not available)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 9.6 Billion |
| Features | Connect with friends and family, share photos and videos, join groups, discover new content, send messages, make video calls, explore Marketplace, create and share stories, and use AI-powered features. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants to stay connected with loved ones, share their experiences, join communities, and explore new interests. |
- Tags:
- Social Networking
- Community Building
- Interest Exploration
Facebook, the ubiquitous app messenger, promises connection, but for some users, the experience falls short. While it offers features to stay in touch with family and friends, frustrations with the app's functionality, like persistent notifications that freeze other apps, have left some users feeling exasperated. The app's reliance on AI can also be a point of contention, with users bemoaning the overbearing nature of the AI-driven search and a desire for more control over its influence. The comments highlight a disconnect between the app's potential and its actual execution, leaving users yearning for a more user-friendly and intuitive experience that aligns with the evolving needs of today's digital landscape.
Pros & Cons
- Connect with friends
- Share photos and videos
- Join groups and events
- Messenger for instant chat
- Annoying pop-up notifications
- Overly restrictive censorship
- Outdated features and design
Why we chose it?
Facebook Messenger is a classic for a reason! It's super reliable for sending messages, photos, and videos, and you can easily connect with friends and family who already use it. Plus, with fun features like group chats, voice and video calls, and even games, it's a great way to stay entertained and connected no matter where you are.
✨ Read more: app to chat with strangers
2. WhatsApp Messenger
End-to-end encrypted messaging, Free voice and video calls, Group chats with up to 256 members
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 9 billion downloads |
| Features | WhatsApp Messenger allows for sending text messages, voice and video calls, group chats, document sharing, and end-to-end encryption for privacy. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and groups looking for a free, reliable, and secure app messenger for communication. |
- Tags:
- End-to-end encryption
- Free voice and video calls
- Cross-platform messaging
WhatsApp Messenger is a popular app messenger that keeps you connected with friends and family around the globe. While it boasts a user-friendly interface and robust features, some users find the lack of a built-in translator frustrating, often having to switch between apps to understand messages in different languages. This can significantly disrupt the flow of conversations, especially within diverse groups. Additionally, certain features like channels and the new search bar placement have been met with mixed reviews, leaving some users wanting a simpler, more streamlined experience.
Pros & Cons
- Simple and reliable messaging
- Widely used for communication
- Supports voice and video calls
- Offers end-to-end encryption
- Lacks built-in translation feature
- Biometric security can be unreliable
- Unnecessary features clutter the app
Why we chose it?
As someone who uses WhatsApp Messenger daily, I can confidently say it's a top choice for Android. It's simple to use, super reliable, and works on any phone – even with a slow connection. Plus, the end-to-end encryption ensures my conversations are always private, which is super important to me.
✨ Read more: app for second phone number
3. Google Messages
Secure end-to-end encryption, High-resolution image and video sharing
Download:
Application information
| Category | App Messenger |
| Downloads | Over 6 Billion |
| Features | Google Messages offers rich communication features like group chats, high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, spam protection, and end-to-end encryption for enhanced messaging experience. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich messaging app for personal and professional communication. |
- Tags:
- End-to-end encryption
- Emoji replies
- Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Google Messages, a popular app messenger for Android devices, has earned a reputation for its robust features, like search functionality and pinned message threads. Users praise its efficiency for both personal and professional use, particularly its ability to quickly find information within conversations. However, recent updates have introduced some frustrations, including search functionality issues and a group chat glitch, leading to a less-than-ideal user experience. While the app is lauded for its helpful features like pinned messages, some find the current layout cumbersome and wish for more customization options, specifically the ability to adjust the opening screen for one-handed viewing.
Pros & Cons
- Searches entire text history
- Pinned message threads
- Starred messages
- Simple and easy to use
- Search feature not working
- Group chat issues
- Opening screen wasted space
Why we chose it?
Google Messages is my go-to messenger app for Android because it's super reliable and integrates seamlessly with my other Google services. I love that it's feature-packed with things like group chats, read receipts, and even end-to-end encryption for added security. Plus, it just works flawlessly with RCS, so I can enjoy richer conversations with everyone.
✨ Read more: app store for android
4. Telegram
Fast and secure messaging, End-to-end encrypted chats, Unlimited media file sharing
Cost:
Free (Free), Telegram Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 1.95 billion |
| Features | Telegram offers fast, secure, and synced messaging across multiple devices, enabling unlimited file sharing, group chats with up to 200,000 members, self-destructing messages, and end-to-end encrypted secret chats. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and groups seeking a fast, secure, and feature-rich app messenger for communication and collaboration. |
- Tags:
- Fast and secure
- Synced across devices
- Unlimited media and files
Telegram is a popular app messenger known for its speed, security, and seamless syncing across devices. While it consistently impresses users with its smooth performance, intuitive animations, and frequent updates, some users find the app's automatic thread creation for new contacts to be intrusive and prefer a more controlled chat experience. Other suggestions for improvement include the ability to download voice messages as MP3 files, the elimination of circular video format, and the implementation of a "friend request" system for a more robust social interaction experience.
Pros & Cons
- Fast and secure messaging
- Consistent updates and improvements
- Amazing animations and smooth running
- Large and active user base
- Automatic thread creation on contact join
- Lack of MP3 download for voice messages
- Circular videos instead of full screen
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of Telegram! It's lightning-fast, super secure, and lets you send any kind of file without limits. I love that I can access my messages across all my devices, and the cloud storage means I never have to worry about losing anything. It's the perfect messenger for Android, especially if you value speed, privacy, and flexibility.
✨ Read more: app for video calls
5. Rakuten Viber Messenger
Free Calls and Messages, End-to-End Encryption, Group Chats with Features
Cost:
Free (Free), Viber Out (Starts at $1.99 per month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 1 billion downloads |
| Features | Rakuten Viber is a comprehensive app messenger that offers free messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, disappearing messages, reminders, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption for secure communication. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking for a free and secure way to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues worldwide. |
- Tags:
- Free Messaging
- Free Audio/Video Calls
- End-to-end encryption
Rakuten Viber Messenger aims to be a comprehensive communication platform, offering a plethora of features beyond basic messaging. While lauded for its diverse options, including an extensive library of stickers and a flexible edit function, some users find inconsistencies in its operation. Complaints about delayed message delivery, a lack of control over deleting unwanted content like stickers, and the inability to fully customize sticker organization highlight a disconnect between the app's ambitions and its execution. Despite these shortcomings, Rakuten Viber remains a popular choice for many, showcasing its potential while revealing the need for continued development to achieve a truly seamless and user-friendly experience.
Pros & Cons
- Offers various messaging options
- Provides delightful sticker options
- Includes helpful editing features
- Allows deleting messages whenever desired
- Inconsistent operation across pages
- Message delays are frequent and unpredictable
- Limited control over sticker management
Why we chose it?
Hey there! Viber is a fantastic choice for an Android messenger app because it's super secure with end-to-end encryption for all your chats. You can also make free calls to anyone in the world, whether it's a quick voice call or a video chat with a bunch of friends. And, it's packed with fun features like group chats, disappearing messages, and stickers, making it a super engaging and user-friendly experience.
✨ Read more: app for social media
6. LINE
Free voice and video calls, Wide variety of stickers and emojis
Cost:
Free (Free), LINE Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | App Messenger |
| Downloads | Over 984 million downloads |
| Features | LINE offers a comprehensive suite of communication tools, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and a vast library of stickers and emojis, along with additional features like games, news, and digital payments. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and groups looking for a feature-rich and engaging app messenger to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. |
- Tags:
- Free voice and video calls
- Wide variety of stickers and emojis
- Customizable Themes
LINE is a popular app messenger that boasts a fun and vibrant experience with its diverse sticker library and easy friend-finding features. While users appreciate the app's strong points, like its reliable messaging and quick friend-finding capabilities, frustrations arise from inconsistent performance, with issues like dropped calls, occasional app crashes, and sporadic picture-sending failures. The lack of a default backup system for conversations also raises concerns, potentially pushing users toward competitors with more robust data management. These hiccups, while seemingly minor, could significantly impact user loyalty, especially when compared to rival app messengers.
Pros & Cons
- Messaging still works fine
- Stickers are pretty fun
- Finding friends via ID
- Simple and quick to use
- Conversations not backed up
- Unable to send pictures often
- Calls drop frequently
Why we chose it?
LINE is my go-to messenger app because of its extensive sticker library, seamless integration with other services, and user-friendly interface. I love the variety of stickers that let me express myself in fun and creative ways, and the ability to easily share photos, videos, and even games with friends keeps things interesting. Plus, the app is super simple to navigate and use, making it a breeze to stay connected with everyone.
7. KakaoTalk
Group chats with unlimited members, See who read your messages
Cost:
Free (Free), KakaoTalk Plus (US) ($1.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 244 million downloads |
| Features | KakaoTalk is a powerful app messenger that offers free text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, and more, allowing users to connect with friends and family across the globe. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants to stay connected with friends and family, whether they are nearby or across the world. |
- Tags:
- Free Voice & Video Calls
- Group Chats with Unlimited Members
- Worldwide Open Chat Community
KakaoTalk is a popular app messenger that has faced recent criticism for its declining user experience. While lauded for its international communication capabilities, including connecting friends in South Korea and beyond, users have expressed frustration with its increasingly unreliable notifications and cumbersome interface. The app's menu structure is considered confusing, making even basic tasks like adding friends a challenge. Furthermore, users have encountered difficulties with customer support and limitations like the inability to change their ID once set. While praised for its responsiveness to user feedback in the past, the recent negative experiences have left some users questioning if KakaoTalk can regain its former glory.
Pros & Cons
- Helpful for international
- communication with friends
- Developer listens to
- users and fixes issues
- Not user friendly app
- Barely existing support
- Allows blocked users to
- view photos and updates
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of KakaoTalk! It's super fast and reliable, and I love all the fun features like group chats, stickers, and even games. It's also super easy to use, even for someone who's not tech-savvy, so it's perfect for staying connected with friends and family.
8. Signal Private Messenger
End-to-end encrypted messaging, Secure voice and video calls
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 142 million |
| Features | Signal is a secure and private messaging app that allows you to send texts, voice and video calls, share files, and participate in group chats, all with end-to-end encryption. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who values privacy and wants a secure way to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. |
- Tags:
- End-to-end encryption
- Free and Open Source
- No ads or trackers
Signal Private Messenger is a secure and reliable app messenger that prioritizes privacy, offering end-to-end encryption for all your communications. While lauded for its stability and features like the ability to edit sent messages, some users, like those who value aesthetic customization, crave more control over the app's appearance. One user, for example, expressed a desire for an OLED "midnight" mode to enhance battery life, while another requested the ability to customize the notification light color – a small detail that could significantly enhance their experience. Regardless of these minor wishes, Signal remains a favorite among users for its strong commitment to privacy and its user-friendly interface.
Pros & Cons
- Secure and private messaging
- Stable and reliable performance
- Ability to edit sent messages
- Dedicated to privacy and security
- Lack of OLED midnight mode
- Limited customization of notification light
- No per-person color setting
Why we chose it?
Signal is my go-to messenger app for Android because it prioritizes privacy and security above all else. Its end-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the person you're communicating with can read your messages, making it the perfect choice for sensitive conversations. Plus, Signal is simple and user-friendly, so you can easily connect with friends and family without any complicated settings or features.
9. Verizon Messages
Syncs across devices, Group chats up to 250, Gift cards and rewards
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 136 million |
| Features | Verizon Messages lets you send and receive texts, photos, videos, and group chats across your smartphone, tablet, and computer with features like personalized group chats, avatars, backgrounds, and Yelp integration. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants a reliable and feature-rich app messenger for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. |
- Tags:
- Group Chats (250 people)
- Yelp Integration
- Cross-Device Syncing
Verizon Messages is a versatile app messenger that seamlessly connects you with friends and family, regardless of their network carrier. While it offers a robust feature set, including customizable themes and reliable MMS image delivery, some users have reported issues with viewing high-resolution images and slow loading times for older messages. Despite these drawbacks, Verizon Messages remains a popular choice for its simplicity, efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility, making it a solid all-purpose messaging solution for mobile users.
Pros & Cons
- Reliable all-purpose text messenger
- Compatible with all Networks
- Efficient and easy to use
- Customizable look and feel
- Slow to retrieve old messages
- Issues viewing high-resolution images
- Limited configuration options
Why we chose it?
Verizon Messages is a great choice for Android users looking for a reliable and feature-rich messaging app. I love that it seamlessly integrates with my Verizon account, allowing me to send and receive messages across all my devices. Plus, it's free to use and doesn't require a Verizon account, making it accessible to everyone!
10. Plus Messenger
Multi-account support for up to 10, Customize tabs with many options
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 73 million |
| Features | Plus Messenger enhances the standard Telegram experience with features like tab customization, multi-account support, chat categories, and increased limits for pinned chats and favorite stickers. |
| Who It’s For | Users seeking an app messenger that offers expanded functionality and customization options within the Telegram ecosystem. |
- Tags:
- Multi-account (up to 10)
- Separated tabs for chats
- Customizable Categories
Plus Messenger is an app messenger that elevates the Telegram experience with a robust set of customization features. It allows users to organize their chats into separate tabs, categorize conversations, and personalize their interface. While it boasts a high level of user satisfaction and is praised for its intuitive design and functionality, some users have reported minor glitches, such as microphone issues during calls and inconsistent message preview settings. Despite these minor hiccups, the app's dedicated support group has proven responsive in addressing user concerns, showcasing a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Pros & Cons
- Enhanced customization options
- Improved privacy features
- Supports multiple accounts
- More intuitive interface
- Microphone issues during calls
- Confusing settings organization
- Issues with message previews
Why we chose it?
I've been using Plus Messenger for ages, and it's my go-to messaging app on Android! It's basically the official Telegram app but supercharged with features like customizable tabs, multi-account support, and categories that make managing chats a breeze. Plus, it's super smooth and never lags, which is a big win for me.
11. Google Chat
Group collaboration and file sharing, Seamless integration with Google Workspace
Download:
Application information
| Category | App Messenger |
| Downloads | Over 48 million downloads |
| Features | Google Chat offers team messaging, group collaboration, file sharing, meeting scheduling, document creation, and integration with Google Workspace apps. |
| Who It’s For | Teams and businesses looking for a secure and feature-rich collaboration platform. |
- Tags:
- Secure group collaboration
- Integrated content creation
- Powerful search functionality
Google Chat is an app messenger that strives to be a one-stop shop for communication and collaboration, but its user experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the search function is a welcome feature, some users find the interface frustrating, with complaints about the text alignment, lack of text bubbles, and frequent UI changes. Additionally, users have reported issues with the app misidentifying valid emails as spam, resulting in frustrating account lockouts. Despite these shortcomings, Google Chat remains a popular choice for its ease of use and ability to connect with a wide range of contacts.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use and navigate
- Seamless collaboration with Google Workspace
- Good search feature for messages
- Integration with other Google services
- Annoying UI changes and layout
- Missing read receipts in group chats
- Frequent email address verification issues
Why we chose it?
Google Chat is a fantastic choice for Android users looking for a seamless and powerful messaging app. It integrates beautifully with other Google services like Gmail and Drive, making it easy to share files, collaborate on projects, and even schedule meetings right within the chat window. Plus, it's packed with features like group chats, direct messages, and smart search, making it a top contender for anyone who wants to stay organized and connected.
12. Messenger Kids
Parent-controlled contact list, Kid-friendly video calling, Fun filters and effects
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 46 million downloads |
| Features | Messenger Kids allows children to video call, message, and share photos with family and friends in a safe and controlled environment with parental controls, fun filters, and kid-friendly content. |
| Who It’s For | Children with parental supervision |
- Tags:
- Parental Control
- Fun and creative
- Safe and Secure
Messenger Kids is a fun and engaging app messenger designed specifically for children, allowing them to connect with friends and family through video calls and messages. Parents can rest assured with features like parental controls and settings to manage contacts and monitor activity, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. However, some users have raised concerns about the sleep mode feature, which can disrupt calls and messaging, while others have experienced occasional disconnections and glitches. Despite these drawbacks, Messenger Kids provides a valuable tool for parents seeking to connect their children with loved ones in a secure and age-appropriate manner.
Pros & Cons
- Easy for kids to use
- Good for family communication
- Parent controls for safety
- Allows video calls with friends
- Sleep mode is annoying
- Glitches and disconnects often
- Not ideal for older children
Why we chose it?
Messenger Kids is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and fun way for their kids to connect with friends and family. It's packed with features like video calls, group chats, and fun filters, all while giving parents complete control over their child's experience with features like contact management and message monitoring. Plus, it's completely free and ad-free, making it a truly worry-free way for kids to enjoy the joys of messaging.
13. Zangi Private Messenger
Anonymous registration, no phone number, Military-grade encryption, secure communication
Cost:
Free (Free), Zangi Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 20 million |
| Features | Zangi is a secure app messenger that offers anonymous registration, no data collection, military-grade encryption, and high-quality communication even with slow internet connections. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals who prioritize privacy and security in their communication, especially in environments with limited internet access. |
- Tags:
- Anonymous Registration
- No data collection
- Military-Grade Encryption
Zangi Private Messenger is a mobile app messenger that champions itself on its ability to function even in the most challenging internet environments. Users rave about its performance in low data settings and slow connections, making it a reliable choice for travelers and those in areas with limited internet access. While acknowledging a few minor bugs, users appreciate Zangi's resilience and its ability to perform when other apps fail. However, some users have reported recent issues with video chat and call functionality, highlighting a need for continued app development to ensure a smooth and consistent user experience.
Pros & Cons
- Works well with slow internet
- Great for traveling abroad
- Performs well on low data
- Best app for connectivity issues
- Video chats sometimes fail
- Bluetooth hang up issue on Android
- Connection issues may require reboot
Why we chose it?
Zangi is the perfect messenger app for Android users who value privacy and security. It uses military-grade encryption to keep your conversations safe, and you can register anonymously without sharing any personal information. Plus, Zangi works even on slow internet connections, so you can stay connected no matter where you are.
14. Wire
End-to-end encrypted messaging, Secure file sharing and collaboration
Download:
Application information
| Category | App Messenger |
| Downloads | Over 4.4 million |
| Features | Wire offers secure and private communication, including group messaging, file sharing, voice and video conferencing, and integration with other corporate applications. |
| Who It’s For | Businesses and individuals seeking a secure and feature-rich collaboration platform. |
- Tags:
- Secure communication
- Private collaboration
- Ephemeral Messaging
Wire is a clean and feature-rich app messenger that prioritizes user privacy. It offers all the essentials like video calling, audio calling, and text chat without demanding access to your phone number or contacts. While it lacks some features on the PC version, its lightweight footprint and focus on security make it a compelling alternative to other messaging apps. Users appreciate Wire's functionality and privacy focus, though some have raised concerns about notification issues and the lack of vibrant colors in video calls.
Pros & Cons
- Very clean, no ads
- Major functions: video call
- Audio call, text chat
- Doesn't require phone number
- PC version less functional
- Map location function not working
- Notifications don't always work
Why we chose it?
Wire is my go-to messenger app for Android because it prioritizes security and privacy without sacrificing user-friendliness. I love that it lets me easily share files, have video calls, and even set up guest rooms for collaboration with external partners - all while knowing my conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption. Plus, the interface is sleek and intuitive, making it a joy to use!
15. Pulse SMS (Phone/Tablet/Web)
Sync texts across devices, Rich customization and themes, Powerful blocking and filtering
Cost:
Free (Free), Pulse Premium ($2.99/month (USA))
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 3.8 million downloads |
| Features | Pulse SMS offers a feature-rich experience including cross-device syncing, custom themes, blocking features, group messaging, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants a reliable, fast, and feature-rich app messenger for their Android devices, especially those who value cross-device syncing and customization. |
- Tags:
- Cross-Device Syncing
- MMS support
- Customization
Pulse SMS is an app messenger that aims to be the best texting experience you can find. It's known for its beautiful design and comprehensive features, including seamless syncing across all your devices. While some users appreciate the app's commitment to improvement, with recent changes to ad placement and the introduction of a premium option, others have expressed concerns about lost functionality and potential glitches. For those who rely on a consistent and dependable texting experience, especially in challenging environments, Pulse SMS's recent performance issues have unfortunately become a dealbreaker.. Pulse SMS (Phone/Tablet/Web)
Pros & Cons
- Syncs SMS across devices
- Customizable with themes
- Supports RCS messaging
- Offers premium features
- Intrusive ads in free version
- Functionality issues reported
- No multi-select message deletion
Why we chose it?
Pulse SMS is my go-to messaging app because it's lightning-fast, incredibly customizable, and lets me manage my texts from any device. It's like having a super-powered SMS app that's always with me, whether I'm on my phone, tablet, or computer. Plus, the seamless syncing between my devices makes it a breeze to stay connected no matter where I am!
16. Simple SMS Messenger
Fast and reliable messaging, Simple and intuitive design, Group messaging support
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($2.99/month (USA))
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 3 million downloads |
| Features | Simple SMS Messenger is a powerful and user-friendly app that offers fast and reliable SMS and MMS messaging, group messaging, number blocking, contact management, and customizable themes. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking for a straightforward and efficient app messenger for sending text messages and multimedia content. |
- Tags:
- SMS and MMS Messaging
- Group Messaging
- Number Blocking
Simple SMS Messenger is a straightforward and user-friendly app messenger that prioritizes ease of use and a clean interface. The app focuses on the core functionality of sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages without cluttering the experience with unnecessary bells and whistles. While some users appreciate this streamlined approach, others have noted that a lack of detailed information, particularly in group messages, can lead to confusion. For instance, identifying individual senders within group MMS messages can be difficult due to the app's use of initials, making it hard to track conversations. Despite these minor hiccups, Simple SMS Messenger remains a solid option for those seeking a minimalist and privacy-conscious app messenger experience.
Pros & Cons
- Simple and easy to use
- Privacy friendly and secure
- Works well for basic messaging
- Open source and customizable
- Issues with displaying replies
- Lack of sender identification in groups
- Limited features for advanced users
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of Simple SMS Messenger! It's super clean and easy to use, which is exactly what I want in a messaging app. Plus, it handles both SMS and MMS messages flawlessly, and I love that I can block unwanted numbers with just a few taps. If you're looking for a reliable and straightforward messenger app for Android, Simple SMS Messenger is definitely worth checking out!
17. Handcent Next SMS messenger
Highly customizable messaging experience, Secure and private encrypted chat
Cost:
Free (Free), Handcent Next Pro ($2.99 / month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 3 million downloads |
| Features | Handcent Next SMS messenger is a highly customizable app messenger offering features like encrypted chat, cloud backup, group messaging, sticker support, wear OS compatibility, dual SIM support, and integration with ChatGPT. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking for a feature-rich and customizable app messenger to replace their default SMS app. |
- Tags:
- Secure Encrypted Chat
- Anywhere Texting
- Cloud backup
Handcent Next SMS messenger is a highly customizable and versatile app messenger that allows users to personalize their texting experience. Its flexibility shines through features like individual contact themes and message tones, letting users tailor the app to their exact preferences. The app also boasts advanced privacy and security settings, including the ability to filter incoming texts by prefix and block unknown numbers, giving users greater control over their messaging. While the recent update has unfortunately caused crashing issues for some users, the core functionality and customization options continue to make it a strong contender for the best texting app on the market.
Pros & Cons
- Highly customizable with themes
- Individual contact themes & tones
- Popup notifications for accessibility
- Excellent filtering options for texts
- Frequent crashes after recent update
- No easy way to revert to older version
- Bubbles for conversations can be distracting
Why we chose it?
Handcent Next SMS is my go-to messenger app for Android because it offers incredible customization, powerful features, and seamless integration across all my devices. It's packed with features like dual SIM support, cloud backup, and built-in ChatGPT, making it the perfect all-around texting solution. Plus, it's super user-friendly and has a clean interface that makes managing messages a breeze!
18. Element
End-to-end encrypted messaging, Secure group video calls, Open-source and decentralized
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 1.4 million downloads |
| Features | Element is a secure and collaborative app messenger offering end-to-end encrypted messaging, group chat, video calls, file sharing, and integration with various online collaboration tools. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and teams looking for secure communication, collaboration, and productivity tools. |
- Tags:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure video conferencing
- File sharing securely
Element is a secure and open-source app messenger that's like a more privacy-focused version of Discord, but without the gamer slant. It's incredibly easy to use, even while offering powerful features like end-to-end encryption and the ability to run your own server. Though some users find the UI a bit clunky, especially after the recent Android update, Element remains a strong contender for those who prioritize privacy and control over their communication.
Pros & Cons
- Open source and secure
- End-to-end encryption
- Easy to use interface
- Low data usage
- Clunky UI and navigation
- Large icons and excessive scrolling
- Unintuitive settings menu
Why we chose it?
I'm absolutely in love with Element! It's the most secure and feature-rich messaging app I've ever used. Not only does it provide end-to-end encryption for every message, voice call, and video chat, but it also seamlessly integrates with my favorite work tools for ultimate collaboration. If you're looking for a truly powerful Android messenger that puts your privacy first, Element is a must-have!