best messenger apps for Android
Slowly but surely, the world is moving away from SMS and MMS as the default way to text message people. It started years ago with apps like AOL Instant Messenger and has evolved into a plethora of options that all work really well. The evolution definitely kicked it up a notch over the last few years. You have basically more options now than you’ll ever need. Which messenger apps are the best? In this list, we’ll explore the best messenger apps for Android.
Discord is easily among the best messenger apps for gamers. It features cross-platform support between most mobile phone and computer operating systems. The app also features voice chat, multiple text chats, GIF support, and more. People on the service can create their own servers or join others as they need. It's mostly for gaming. However, some people use it just for its fantastic organizational system and ubiquitous voice chat capabilities. It's also completely free with no in-app purchases or ads.
Facebook Messenger is among the most popular messenger apps. Facebook has two apps for this. The regular one includes all the features like chat heads, video calls, stickers, and more. The Lite version is just a basic chat app with voice calls and no frills. Those heavily invested in the Facebook Messenger experience may want the regular app. However, those who don't want to deal with Facebook's nonsense should use the Lite version. Facebook is eventually introducing ads to these chat apps. However, they are otherwise free to use. It's a good option because most of the people you know already have it.
Google Allo and Google Hangouts are both messenger apps. Allo is the newer one. It features integration with Google Assistant and the usual stuff like stickers, GIF support, and more. Allo also supports Google Duo as well as an incognito chat that self-destructs if needed. Google Hangouts is the older the app. It has superior cross-platform support between computers and phones. Hangouts also has video chats, voice chats, and a few other fun features included. You can't go wrong either way. They're both decent chat apps
Kik is another popular messenger app. It lets you choose a screen name instead of a real name or a phone number. That gives it a distinctly old school feeling. The app is especially popular with Clash of Clans players and other gamer types. The app also includes stickers, emoji, group chats, video chats, themes, and Material Design. The in-app purchases give you additional sticker packs and other stuff like that. Another good app in this genre is GroupMe. It has many of the same features.
Slack is one of the better messenger apps for business. It has an extremely clean and professional look and feel. Groups can create channels, conduct voice calls, and more. The app also features support for third party apps like Giphy, Google Drive, Asana, and other fun or productive tools. Users can also join multiple Slack servers. It's kind of like a more professional version of Discord, honestly. Like Discord, it's also entirely free with no in-app purchases. Those with larger teams that need more features can pay an optional subscription fee for extra stuff.
Skype is one of the most recognizable messenger apps ever. Everybody knows what Skype is and what it's about. You can text chat, video call, and voice call other members. You can even call people on a real phone number with a nominal fee. The app includes a few extra features that may or may not be useful. It depends on what you need. Still, this has excellent cross-platform support, support for multiple chats, and support for most file types, including documents, GIFs, and other stuff. It's a rock solid option.
Snapchat is one of the more unique messenger apps. It supports quite a few things, including voice calls, video messages, photo messages, and text messages. The service deletes messages after viewing. That means there is no history to speak of outside of a streak counter. There are also Snapchat Stories. That lets people send messages viewable by anyone that follows them. They expire in 24 hours. Many of the app's features are imitated by other apps (Facebook, mostly). However, none of have come close to the charm of Snapchat. The app is also getting an overhaul soon. Yay!
Telegram is among the most popular messenger apps for privacy. It boasts 256-bit symmetrical AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and more. That makes it among the safest messaging services out there. The app also has file sharing, cross-platform support, group chats, GIF support, and more. It grew in popularity very quickly. That made it hard to judge at first. However, tons of people use the service now. Signal Private Messenger is another decent app in this space. However, Telegram is just better.
Viber isn't big in some parts of the world. However, it's among the most popular messenger apps ever. It boasts a full experience, including messages, calls, a self-destruct chat, group chats, video messages, video chats, and more. It also includes some extras like stickers, worldwide news, and more. Most of the sticker packs cost extra, hence the in-app purchases. This is actually a fairly well-rounded chat experience. However, it is a little heavier than most chat apps. Those that want a cleaner, more minimal experience may want to avoid this one.
Everybody knows WhatsApp. It's the most popular messenger app in the world, after all. It has a ton of features, gets frequent updates, and competes positively with basically every other chat app. It includes voice and video chats, text messages, group chats, support for most multimedia formats like GIFs, video, etc, and more. It's powerful, accessible, and popular. That's the holy triumvirate for chat apps. It's also free with no in-app purchases.
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