Socialization demands smooth communication and the exchange of text messages has always been an easy way of communication. We got the ability to send text messages even before smartphones came. Now that we have smartphones, we have instant messaging apps that have made texting even better. Today, we don’t need to pay for every message we send. With an active internet connection, we can send or receive any number of text messages. Not just messages, we can also share photos, videos, emojis, live locations, and documents using messaging apps. Most social media apps have also added a way to send messages to their friends or followers. If you are looking for a good messaging app to stay connected with your friends and family members, keep reading. In this detailed guide, I am making a list of the best messaging apps for Android and iOS.
Also see: Best Video Calling Apps for Android
While selecting a good messaging app, you need to consider several factors but mainly security features. The app should provide End-to-end encryption to ensure that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. To avoid unauthorized access, the app should also feature strong authentication or two-factor authentication to protect your account. Cross-platform compatibility should be another important criteria. It helps you connect with most people you know. For example, iMessage is only available for Apple devices. So, you cannot use it to connect with your friends who own Android. If the messaging app also has a calling feature, it will be even better. This is the reason most companies added the option to make video or voice calls. The group chat feature also makes texting better because multiple people can participate in the chat and have a meaningful discussion.
The messaging app should also offer an intuitive interface and fast performance.
Best Messaging Apps or Texting Apps
These are the best messaging apps or Texting Apps for chatting with your friends and loved ones for free. All of these free messaging apps are suitable for both Android and iOS.
1. Whatsapp:
WhatsApp brought in an evolution in the field of technology. Launched in the year 2009, WhatsApp is the most preferred texting application. The app has more than 450 million monthly users. The instant messaging feature without any extra charge is the key feature of Whatsapp.
Apart from that, the app is loaded with amazing features. It uses mobile data and enables the user to connect with anyone in their contact list. One can create groups in WhatsApp with as many as 256 participants. Documents, Contacts, Audio, and Live Locations can be shared through the app. The list does not end here, the free video calling and voice calling feature makes it even more suitable.
The end-to-end encryption ensures utmost security, which means no intruder can read your messages in between the network. Not even the WhatsApp people. The updated version of Whatsapp has a story feature, just like Snapchat and Instagram. Whatsapp was bought by Facebook.
2. Messenger:
February 4, 2004, witnessed young Mark Zuckerberg’s invention which later evolved into a multi-billionaire company. Messenger (also known as Facebook Messenger) is Facebook’s own messaging app and was launched in 2011. To use Messenger, one must have a Facebook account. Though being someone’s friend is not necessary to connect with them. Users can send each other texts, stickers, GIFs, videos, locations, documents etcetera.
The new update enables users to play games, transfer money, and open third-party apps; among other features. The voice calling and video calling feature makes communication way better. Augmented reality effects give a 3D effect to photos and videos. The users can also react to each other’s messages. The app is loaded with endless interesting features and is thus among the best texting apps.
3. Telegram:
With more than 100 million downloads, Telegram brings in a new era of messaging. It is free, without any ad or subscription fee. Founded by Parel Durov in 2013, the instant messaging app is available in 13 languages and uses numbers in the contact list to help users communicate with each other.
Telegram’s cloud feature lets you access messages from multiple devices. The app further allows users to create groups with up to 1,00,000 participants. Safety is guaranteed since the chats are encrypted. The app is both powerful and fast. The sticker and GIF make it even more enjoyable. Users can send each other any kind of document. All these features make this app, one of the best messaging apps.
4. iMessage (Only for iOS):
Apple’s default messaging app, iMessage was launched at the WWDC 2011 and became quite popular among Apple users. It is available for iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and MacBook. iMessage is way more advanced than the usual texting app. It provides features of any other social messaging app. Users can send each other textual messages, photos, videos, emojis, locations, documents, and much more. Apple has also added several other features to make the messaging experience better. If you are into the Apple ecosystem, you should give it a try.
5. Signal:
Another messaging app that defines comfortable communication is Signal. The key feature of the app is the encrypted feature that gives the user maximum security and privacy. The signal was released on July 29, 2014, by Open Whisper Systems. One can make voice calls and video calls through the app. Signal uses the Signal Protocol to encrypt messages, calls, and video chats. It ensures that your conversations are private and secure from third parties. The users can also send text messages, voice notes, documents, and GIFs. Signal also supports group chats with end-to-end encryption. Android users can make Signal their default SMS application. The app also lets the users set timers for messages. Since the app works either on Wi-Fi or mobile data, having an internet connection is a must.
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6. Google Messages
Google Messages is also a good texting app for Android. The app is developed by Google and is offered only for Android devices. It offers texting (SMS, MMS) and chat (RCS) experience. You can use it for messaging and staying in touch with your friends. It also supports pictures, GIFs, emoji, stickers, videos, and audio messages. It also comes pre-loaded on Pixel devices and several other Android phones. This app is clean and offers
Basically, it is used to send SMS and MMS, but it also supports RCS on supported carriers and lets you send and receive messages over Wi-Fi or your data network. Android Messages is also one of the best Texting Apps you can try.
Download: Android
Final Words
These are the best messaging apps or Texting Apps one can install on their phones in order to do free messaging. All of these free messaging apps or Texting Apps are good in their own respective ways. Do share your experiences with us after using one. Also, if you know about any other messaging app or Texting App better than these free messaging apps do tell us about that in the comments.
