Slowly but steadily, the globe is shifting away from SMS and MMS as the primary means of texting others. It began with tools like AOL Instant Messenger and has now developed into a myriad of solutions that all perform quite well. Over the last five years, change has clearly accelerated. You now have more options than you’ll ever need.
The best messaging app, however, is one that you can persuade all of your friends and family to use. You’re likely to get more than one of them. Which are the best messaging apps? In this article, we’ll look at the best Android messaging applications and chat apps. Because IM applications are popular, this list will not update frequently.
The best Android message and chat applications
1. Band
Band is an up-and-coming group chat app. You may establish as many groups as you want and invite as many individuals as you want to them. This app is recommended by the makers for persons on sports teams, school groups, gaming clans, work groups, and similar groupings. Everyone gets involved, chats, and has a nice time. Similar to programmes like Discord and Slack, you may organise your groups into numerous channels. You may also mail individuals individually and create calendar events for group activity. It performed admirably in our tests and is completely free to use.
2. Discord
Discord is without a doubt one of the best communication programmes for gamers. It supports most mobile phone and computer operating systems across platforms. There is also a web client for systems that do not have a native app. Voice chat, multiple text conversations, GIF support, and other capabilities are also available in the app. People using the service can set up their own servers or join others as needed. It’s mostly used for gaming. Some individuals, however, utilise it only for its excellent organising system and above-average audio chat features. Everyone can utilise the service for free. With the Discord Nitro membership, you may, however, unlock certain decorative bonuses.
3. Facebook Messenger (Lite)
Facebook Messaging is one of the most widely used messenger programmes. For this, Facebook provides two chat applications. The standard version contains all of the features, such as chat heads, stickers, and other extras. The Lite edition is simply a simple chat app with considerably fewer bells and whistles. Those who have a strong attachment to the Facebook Messenger experience may prefer the normal app. Those who don’t want to deal with Facebook’s bullshit, on the other hand, should utilise the Lite version. Ads will soon be introduced to these chat applications by Facebook. They are, however, otherwise free to use. Earlier this year, Facebook had several security difficulties. However, we don’t see the social network becoming obsolete as a result of this. Many individuals will continue to use Facebook.
4. Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Communication is a full-featured messenger service with an emphasis on privacy. Text and image messaging, as well as audio and video call capability, are among the features. End-to-end encryption is also included in the app, and it was one of the first to offer it by default, alongside Telegram. Extras include a simple picture editor, a dark theme, and other features. It witnessed an increase in users in 2021 as a result of WhatsApp’s privacy policy hijinks, and it’s a decent alternative for privacy if you require it.
5. Slack
Slack is one of the best corporate chat software. It has a very clean and professional appearance and feel about it. Groups can build channels, have phone calls, and do other things. The app also supports third-party apps such as Giphy, Google Drive, Asana, and other entertaining or productive tools. Users can also join numerous Slack servers at the same time. To be honest, it’s similar to a more professional version of Discord. It’s also completely free, with no in-app payments, like Discord. Those with larger teams that want more functionality might pay an additional membership charge.
6. Skype
Skype is one of the most well-known communication programmes of all time. Everyone is aware of what Skype is and what it stands for. Other users can be contacted by text chat, video call, or phone call. You may even call folks on their genuine phone numbers for a little cost. A few more functions are included in the app, which may or may not be beneficial. It all depends on what you require. Nonetheless, this offers good cross-platform compatibility, multiple chat support, and support for most file kinds, including documents, GIFs, and other items. It’s a decent choice, plus there’s a Lite edition if you enjoy Skype but don’t require all of its capabilities.
7. Snapchat
Snapchat is a one-of-a-kind communication app. It provides a variety of features, such as phone calls, video communications, photo messages, and text messages. Messages are deleted once they have been seen by the service. Outside of a streak counter, there is no history to speak about. Snapchat Stories are also available. This allows users to send status updates that all of their followers may see. They are only valid for 24 hours. Many of the app’s features have been copied by other apps (Instagram, mostly). Snapchat, on the other hand, is still pretty popular among the younger generation and offers something unique.
8. Telegram
Telegram is one of the most popular privacy-focused messaging programmes. It has 256-bit symmetrical AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and other features. As a result, it is one of the safest texting systems available. The app also has file sharing, cross-platform compatibility, group chats, GIF support, and other features. It’s regarded as one of the best security systems, and it’s private enough that some countries don’t want their citizens using it. It’s more than enough as a chat service for just about anything you’d need.
9. Viber Messenger
Viber is not widely used in many regions of the world. However, it is one of the most popular communication programmes of all time. It offers a comprehensive experience that includes messages, calls, a self-destruct chat, group conversations, video messaging, video chats, and more. It also offers extras such as stickers, global news, and more. The majority of the sticker packs are extra-cost, thus the in-app payments. This is a reasonably well-rounded chat experience. It is, however, a little heavier than other chat programmes. Those looking for a cleaner, more simple experience should skip this one. Furthermore, this one receives the most of its popularity from nations other than the United States. That’s not a big deal, but it’s worth noting.
10
Everyone is familiar with WhatsApp. After all, it is the world’s most popular messaging app. It boasts a plethora of features, receives frequent updates, and competes favourably with virtually every other chat app. It supports phone and video conversations, text messaging, group chats, most multimedia types like as GIFs, video, and more. It’s effective, easy to use, and well-liked. That is the holy trinity of chat applications. It’s also completely free, with no in-app purchases.
