If you’re reading this, you’ve probably started using a smartphone, or you’ve moved from iPhone to Android and are looking for an alternative to iMessage. Thankfully, Android is all about choice, and when it comes to messaging, there are only a few great texting apps.
At the forefront of this is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is one of the ubiquitous messaging apps around the world, known for its user-friendly interface and end-to-end encryption, allowing secure and instant communication. For those looking for even more features, consider his Telegram, which boasts a variety of features for both personal and professional communication needs, including self-destructing messages and robust group chat functionality.
Beyond these two, there are a variety of other messaging services that aim to make texting fun, each with their own strengths. So, we’re not only here to help iPhone movers find the best iMessage alternatives for non-iOS devices, but we’re also here to curate a list of the best messaging apps for Android. And the best part? Most of these apps are cross-platform, making them easier to suggest to iPhone users as well.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best text messaging apps available for Android.
These are the best messaging apps for Android users
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WhatsApp, which has dominated the messaging scene for over a decade, is like everyone’s default messaging service. As such, it is even preferred by businesses over traditional SMS when sending spam or promotional texts. We can thank Mehta and Zuckerberg for that.
Despite all its business activities, WhatsApp remains one of the most secure messaging apps on Android, with plenty of features for users who rely on text messages, voice messages, and video calls. Text conversations are end-to-end encrypted, as are voice and video calls. To make your conversations more fun, you can play with stickers, react to messages with emojis, reply to specific messages, edit/delete sent messages, send disappearing texts, and more. Tailored for low-end devices and poor networks, you can make the most reliable video calls on WhatsApp. You can also enjoy Snapchat-like Stories and create a community.
The app will also introduce Meta’s AI chatbot in the coming months. Overall, WhatsApp is currently one of the best, if not the best, messaging apps you can enjoy on Android.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Pixabay /Webster2703)
This anti-WhatsApp service is always ready to take over Meta’s flagship messaging app in case something goes wrong. But Telegram has become a cult favorite for a different demographic of followers who want to enjoy the internet in a very old-fashioned way.
This app is well known these days for getting movies, web shows, and other content from some large communities. Users can share files up to 2GB on groups, making media distribution more convenient. Unlike WhatsApp, all your data is stored in the cloud, making it easy to access all your messages on multiple platforms instantly. For security, end-to-end encryption of text messages works, but users must enable it manually from Settings.
Additionally, customization options are available for those who like to play with themes and colors. You also get the luxury of interacting with bots and getting the chance to edit media files directly within the app.
(Image credit: Provided by Telegram)
Google Messages will be your default app for sending and receiving SMS, but its RCS feature makes it an incredibly fun way to stay in touch with your contacts. What you need is[設定]All you have to do is turn on RCS from the menu and check if your network operator supports the format. You also need to make sure that your contacts have RCS enabled.
Once you’re all set up, Google Messages includes read receipts, typing indicators, downloading files over mobile data, message reactions, smart replies, responding to individual messages, and watching YouTube videos within the app. It adds some nifty features, such as: You can also create groups just like on WhatsApp and benefit from end-to-end encryption.
And when you run out of mobile coverage, Messages apps rely on good old SMS and MMS to send texts.
(Image credit: provided by Google)
Facebook Messenger has been around for almost as long as Facebook has been around. What started as a simple messaging app for chatting with your Facebook friends has gradually evolved into a highly capable service that offers more than most people need.
The feature set is somewhat similar to what you get with WhatsApp, but the biggest differentiator is the ability to access your Facebook contacts and SMS texts under one roof. You can make video calls, post stories 24 hours a day, send stickers, interact with the chatbot, and in the coming days you’ll be able to play with Meta’s girlfriend AI bot.
However, Facebook Messenger is notorious for violating your privacy, so you should be careful not to share sensitive information. Incognito mode is available with end-to-end encryption, but you can still access your regular messages.
(Image credit: Provided by Facebook)
Instagram direct messaging is probably the easiest way to share memes and funny reels with your friends. However, if you only want to use it for text messages and video calls, you won’t be disappointed.
Unlike Meta’s other two messaging apps, Instagram’s DM has a much simpler user interface, but it’s also very rich. DM is tightly integrated with Instagram Stories, allowing you to reply to someone’s story, create polls, watch videos together during a call, respond with emojis, and enjoy end-to-end encryption. You can also send sensitive items via the featured Vanish mode.
Speaking of downsides, first, you need an Instagram account to access it. There are also some privacy concerns, and Meta has recently increased its security measures to make it safe from threats.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash)
When it comes to messaging, Snapchat is a prominent name in the industry. Snapchat attempts to bring back the fun of texting with a rather unusual approach to staying in touch (without the headache of keeping streaks with Snap-addicted friends and keeping your Bitmoji character up to date). I am.
Although Snapchat’s primary purpose is to encourage users to communicate through video/photo-based stories, it also allows for meaningful text or video conversations with friends and family. You can also make video calls within the group. The app lets you share your location with your contacts and shows you a map showing the areas with the most activity from Snapchatters. Besides text and voice messages, you can also respond with a video or take advantage of countless girlfriend Snapchat filters to spice up your message.
However, note that end-to-end encryption only applies to photos and videos. So if you’re sending text messages on Snapchat, those messages can be intercepted. Additionally, most text messages typically disappear automatically once read, making them inconvenient to save for reference.
(Image credit: Courtesy: Alexander Shatov/@alexbemore/Unsplash)
DMs on X, formerly known as Twitter, is an amazing way to get in touch with friends and anonymous people. You can also have text conversations with your followers on the platform and utilize multimedia items like GIFs, stickers, and emojis. You can also easily share links to posts, and unlike other messaging apps, X DM automatically shortens links to keep your conversations neat and clean. You also have the option to respond to individual replies with emojis.
However, the most interesting feature of X DM is the ability to chat with xAI’s new AI chatbot, Grok. Locked behind a Premium+ subscription, users can have information about recent events at their fingertips in an organized way.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash)
Signal rose to prominence a few years ago when WhatsApp was exposed to controversy related to data privacy. For anyone deeply concerned about the health of their conversations, Signal is one of his highly recommended messaging apps for Android users.
This app prides itself on providing an end-to-end encrypted platform for text, audio, and video conversations with friends, family, and groups. Some of the great features include scheduling messages on Android, sharing stories, customizing the user interface with themes, in-app payments, sharing group links or his QR codes, secret his keyboard, proxy support, and more.
The recently released desktop app extends its versatility by being configurable from an Android or iOS app as well.
(Image credit: Courtesy Signal)
Discord is more than just a messaging app. Unlike the other messaging apps listed here, Discord fosters a vibrant ecosystem of communities built around common interests like gaming, art, and professional pursuits.
Discord users can create their own spaces through customizable servers divided into channels for focused discussions, voice chat, and media sharing. The platform allows members to self-organize these servers through customizable roles and permissions. You can also deal with bots that inject elements of fun and practicality and offer features such as music playback, games, and automated tasks.
If you’re looking for a platform for casual banter or a dedicated space for passionate discussions, Discord’s free and versatile nature may be just what you’re looking for.
(Image credit: Provided by: Discord)
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
– What is the best alternative to iMessage on Android?
WhatsApp is the best iMessage alternative for Android users.