Text messaging is one of the most widely used modes of communication in the world. It’s quick and simple, and unlike phone calls, it doesn’t need you to stop what you’re doing. We recognise and appreciate that many individuals still prefer the personal touch of conversing on the phone. However, let’s face it: most people nowadays text. Let’s take a look at the best Android messaging and SMS apps. Because this sector hasn’t changed all that much in the previous year or two, many of these apps are still among the best, even if they aren’t the most recent.
The best messaging apps for android
1. Chomp SMS
Chomp SMS has been around since the early days of Android and was one of the very first, truly excellent third-party messaging apps. It has subsequently grown into an app that embraces Material Design while remaining feature-rich. Emojis, SMS blocking, rapid reply in alerts, MMS, and group messaging are among them. You may even pause an SMS message in the middle of it if necessary. It also supports Android Wear and Pushbullet. There are a plethora of different customization options available if desired.
2. Facebook Messenger
We’ll be completely honest with you. Facebook Messenger is a mediocre software. It consumes a large amount of battery, storage, and RAM. It also contains advertisements. However, it’s likely that you already have it on your smartphone. Facebook has a lot of users, and you’re probably still using it because you have loved ones who refuse to move to anything better. You might as well enable SMS support if you’re going to keep it around. This manner, you may effectively kill two birds with one stone. If that’s what you’re looking for, it has a good SMS integration. When it comes to messaging apps, it’s not the best option. It is, however, one of the most handy, and if you already use Facebook Messenger, it will remove one programme from your app drawer.
3. Google Messages
Google Messages (previously Android Messages) is a messaging programme that is available for free from Google. Android Messages keeps things simple in terms of functionality. There will be some light theming choices, some organising and backup tools, and a reasonable search function. Material Design is used throughout the design. That is, it looks attractive and is simple to use. Google has great ambitions for this app as well, including RCS compatibility and other cool features. There is also a web version available for messaging on your computer. However, it causes a significant battery drain, making it a hit-or-miss function.
4. Handcent Next SMS
Handcent and Chomp SMS were the first two incredibly good, really popular third-party messaging apps for Android. Handcent, like Chomp SMS, is a robust messaging software with a plethora of functions. Themes, a privacy box to save private chats, SMS backup, eCards, emoticons, and many more are among them. Handcent Anywhere, which allows you to type on your computer and tablet if desired, is one of the most intriguing capabilities. In terms of bugs, it’s had its ups and downs, but it’s typically very robust.
5. Mood Messenger
Mood Messenger is a better-than-average SMS app. It supports messaging, MMS, theming, emoji, and other standard functions. You also get a dark mode, spam blacklisting, and other features. The premium edition is either a one-time payment of $10.99 or a subscription plan. It comes with backup and restore, SMS encryption, extra themes, and a privacy locker to keep others out. The premium edition is a little pricey, but most users report a favourable overall experience.
6. Pulse SMS
Pulse SMS is one of the list’s most distinctive messaging apps. For the most part, it functions similarly to any other SMS app. There is, however, a back end that allows you to text from your PC, iPad, and other devices. It also supports dual-sim devices, blacklisting phone numbers, message backup, and other features. This is how it works. The texting app component of this is entirely free. Those who wish to text from PCs, tablets, and other devices can pay $0.99 per month or a one-time price of $10.99. It’s a clever technique of killing two birds with one stone. In 2020, Maple Media bought the app from its original creator. Unfortunately, the costs have risen significantly, but there is still a lifetime option. Fortunately, the SMS element of the software is still completely free. You only have to pay if you wish to text from a different platform, such as a PC.
7. QKSMS
QKSMS is one of the easiest and best SMS apps. It’s open-source, which is always a plus. Furthermore, the software has a slew of functions. Some of these include privacy features like as a deny list, compatibility for Android Wear, and even some useful accessibility features. The usage is as expected. It won’t blow your mind, but its simplicity is welcomed given how hefty other texting apps can become. It’s completely free and has no advertisements. There are some optional in-app purchases as well as donations.
8. Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Messenger is a messaging apps in the same vein as Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. The difference is that this one has end-to-end encryption and is popular among those who respect security. It also uses a phone number method, and if your contact does not have the app, it will just send a text message. We were impressed with how smooth that function is. It’s easy to use, looks fantastic thanks to Material Design, and it’s completely free to use with no in-app payments. It’s also open-source, allows for group conversations, and even make phone calls.
9. Textra
Textra SMS is one of the most reliable messaging apps on the market. This well-known and beautiful SMS app is also one of the most highly rated on the list. It has a theme selector (you choose the colours), a dark mode, floating alerts, delayed sending, slide to delete, and a slew of additional features. It also includes direct support for Android Wear, Pushbullet, MightyText, and other third-party apps. The majority of the features are free to use. To access the pro version, there is a single in-app payment of $2.99.
10. Yaata SMS
YAATA SMS is one of a few excellent up-and-coming messaging apps. It boasts a slew of capabilities, including group chat support, message scheduling, and full MMS support. If you purchase the premium version, you will also receive SMS blacklisting, an auto-responder, auto-forwarding, and the option to save and restore your settings in the event that you purchase a new device. It employs Material Design and looks rather nice. It also has widgets and chat heads similar to Facebook Messenger. There are several bugs, but the most of them are minor.
