You might be familiar with popular ones likeFacebook MessengerandFaceTime.
But there are many more options out there, each with its own special features.
Most Popular Messaging App: WhatsApp
Group messaging supports over 1,000 people.
Send documents as large as 2 GB.
Voice calls are not available in all countries.
This app also includes access toMeta AIfor image generation, topic-based communities, disappearing messages, and polls.
Send Self-Destructing Photos: Snapchat
Easily send photos and short videos.
Add filters, effects, and drawings to images.
No easy way to save incoming images.
Snapchat also supports highly customizable Bitmojis to personalize your digital avatar.
Best Cross-Platform Messager: Telegram
Share files without limits.
Customize the theme and loads of other configs.
Includes lots of stickers with more as free downloads.
Seems to attract lots of spam messages.
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging service accessible from all of your devices.
Unlike most messaging apps, it allows you to edit and delete messages even after sending them.
It also lets you send messages that automatically delete after a designated time.
Unlimited Group Chats: Viber
End-to-end encryption by default and disappearing messages.
Up to 60 people in one call.
Access bots and channels for more features, such as AI-powered text generation.
May have more features than you need.
Less likely that your friends already have it.
Viber users can text and call each other for free.
Best Walkie Talkie App: Voxer
Share files from Dropbox.
Built-in GIFs available through GIPHY.
Post status updates on your profile.
Group chats support 500 people.
Many features require a paid account.
Voxer is a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk app that delivers live voice messages.
Voxer also supports texting, photo messaging, and encryption.
you’ve got the option to also make notes to yourself and star and share messages.
Best Paid Features: LINE
Huge user base.
Group messaging supports up to 500 people.
Send and receive money.
Lots of useful customization options.
Store content for yourself in your Keep Memo.
It’s a bit much if you just need a mobile messaging solution.
Use LINE for free one-on-one and group chats with your friends from anywhere.
Custom Phone Numbers: Talkatone
Works like a normal phone number.
Includes free calling, texting, and picture messaging.
Has a GIF gallery built in.
Your phone number can be changed at any time.
Can only get numbers from Canada or the U.S.
International calls are not free for non-users.
Your number expires unless it’s used once every 30 days.
Talkatone offers free voice calling and text messaging over Wi-Fi or data plans.
It turns your tablet into a phone, even if it doesn’t have a cellular plan.
When you sign up, you get an actual phone number for free.
you might call not just other Talkatone users but even regular landlines and cell phones.
This messaging app works like your phone’s calling and texting features.
Paying unlocks more features like call forwarding and voicemail transcriptions.
you’re free to also remove ads for a fee.
Most Secure Messaging App: Silent Phone
Centered around encryption and privacy.
Send documents, videos, and images up to 100 MB.
A real phone number isn’t required.
Can pay to communicate with non-members.
Quickly drains phone battery.
Group chats and calls limited to six people.
Silent Phone supports one-on-one video chat, multi-party voice conferencing for up to six participants, and voice memos.
A Silent World subscription lets you call users who don’t have a Silent Phone account.
No User Account Required: HeyTell
You don’t need to create a user account.
All the options and features are self-explanatory.
Stores a history of past messages.
Messages you’ve sent can be shared over other apps like email.
No option to cancel a message while it’s in progress.
Must pay to unlock extra features.
HeyTell is another push-to-talk app that allows for instant voice messaging.
If the recipient has the app open at the time of the message, it plays for them automatically.
type your name and add contacts by their phone number or email address.
Why Use a Messaging App?
There are a few reasons you may want to use a messaging app instead of traditional text messaging.
