eFreeware

Best messaging & SMS apps for Android

Messaging and SMS apps handle texts and chats with people you know, with group threads, photo and file sharing, read receipts and message search.

Advertisements

50 apps ranked · How we rank

  1. Number 1: Messenger

    Meta Platforms, Inc.

    4.7 out of 5 (114.6M) 5B+ installs

    A broad, free messaging hub that makes the most sense for people already connected through Facebook.

    Download Now: Messenger Read our review of Messenger

  2. Number 2: WhatsApp Messenger

    WhatsApp LLC

    4.6 out of 5 (245.3M) 10B+ installs

    A free, ad-free messenger with encrypted chats and calls, best for anyone who wants to reach the people they already know.

    Download Now: WhatsApp Messenger Read our review of WhatsApp Messenger
Advertisements

  1. Number 3: Google Messages

    Google LLC

    4.6 out of 5 (50.2M) 10B+ installs

    A free, ad-free RCS messenger that modernizes Android texting, though the richest features depend on your carrier and region.

    Download Now: Google Messages Read our review of Google Messages

  2. Number 4: WhatsApp Business

    WhatsApp LLC

    4.6 out of 5 (25.1M) 1B+ installs

    A free, ad-free messaging app that gives small sellers a professional profile, simple automation and in-app selling tools.

    Download Now: WhatsApp Business Read our review of WhatsApp Business

  3. Number 5: BAND - App for all groups

    NAVER Corp.

    4.8 out of 5 (798.4K) 50M+ installs

    BAND is a broad, well-established group organizer that suits families, clubs and teams, provided you accept ads and in-app purchases.

    Download Now: BAND - App for all groups Read our review of BAND - App for all groups

  4. Number 6: Slack

    SLACK TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.

    4.6 out of 5 (221.2K) 50M+ installs

    Slack is a free, well-established hub for team communication, but key features need paid plans.

    Download Now: Slack Read our review of Slack
Advertisements

  1. Number 7: Signal Private Messenger

    Signal Foundation

    4.5 out of 5 (2.9M) 100M+ installs

    A free, nonprofit messaging app with end-to-end encryption that suits anyone who wants private chats, calls and groups without SMS fees.

    Download Now: Signal Private Messenger Read our review of Signal Private Messenger

  2. Number 8: Discord - Talk, Play, Hang Out

    Discord Inc.

    4.3 out of 5 (7.1M) 500M+ installs

    A free, ad-free group chat hub that suits friend groups and communities who want to talk, stream and play together.

    Download Now: Discord - Talk, Play, Hang Out Read our review of Discord - Talk, Play, Hang Out

  3. Number 9: Messenger SMS - Text Messages

    SMS Messenger, Text App

    4.5 out of 5 (367.4K) 50M+ installs

    A free, feature-rich SMS replacement for heavy texters who want customization, privacy tools and spam blocking in one app.

    Download Now: Messenger SMS - Text Messages Read our review of Messenger SMS - Text Messages

  4. Number 10: Microsoft Teams

    Microsoft Corporation

    4.6 out of 5 (8.8M) 500M+ installs

    A free, ad-free coordination hub for workgroups, communities and families.

    Download Now: Microsoft Teams Read our review of Microsoft Teams

More of the best messaging & SMS apps

  1. 11 Rakuten Viber Messenger Viber Media 4.1 1B+
  2. 12 Google Chat Google LLC 4.4 50M+
  3. 13 JusTalk - Video Chat & Calls JusTalk 4.6 10M+
  4. 14 Marco Polo - Video Messenger Joya Communications 4.6 10M+
  5. 15 GroupMe GroupMe 4.6 10M+
  6. 16 Session - Private Messenger Session Foundation 4.7 5M+
  7. 17 botim ALGENTO DMCC 4.3 100M+
  8. 18 JusTalk Kids - Safe Messenger JusTalk 4.6 5M+
  9. 19 Messenger - Texting App Emoji SMS Messenger 4.5 10M+
  10. 20 Spruce: Medical Communication Spruce Health 4.9 500K+
  11. 21 Messenger: Text Messages, SMS aMessage studio 4.4 10M+
  12. 22 TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited TextNow, Inc. 4.6 100M+
  13. 23 Zangi - Private Messenger Secret Phone, Inc 4.2 50M+
  14. 24 Messages - SMS Texting App Battery Stats Saver 4.4 10M+
  15. 25 Telegram Telegram FZ-LLC 3.8 1B+
  16. 26 Kinzoo: Fun All-Ages Messenger Kinzoo Technologies Inc. 4.7 1M+
  17. 27 Snapchat Snap Inc 4.2 1B+
  18. 28 Messenger - Color SMS Taka Group - Maxlabs Personalization Tools 4.3 10M+
  19. 29 BiP - Messenger, Video Call Turkcell İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş 3.9 100M+
  20. 30 Text Free: Second Phone Number Pinger, Inc 4.5 50M+
  21. 31 Telegram X Telegram FZ-LLC 3.9 100M+
  22. 32 Messages: Text SMS Phone call 4.2 5M+
  23. 33 Plus Messenger rafalense 3.9 50M+
  24. 34 Messages - SMS, Chat Messaging Phase Zero Apps 4.6 1M+
  25. 35 MONOPOLY GO!Chat Scopely 4.5 1M+
  26. 36 Handcent Next SMS messenger Handcent 4.3 1M+
  27. 37 Textra SMS Delicious 4.0 10M+
  28. 38 Messenger Kids – The Messaging Meta Platforms, Inc. 3.8 50M+
  29. 39 Magic SMS - Text Messages Snug Apps 4.5 1M+
  30. 40 Link Messenger Link Messenger 4.1 5M+
  31. 41 Messenger Chat Home Avalon Solutions LLC 4.2 1M+
  32. 42 Fambase: Live & Group Chat Nextwave Media Holdings Limited 4.3 1M+
  33. 43 Messages Messages Text 4.2 1M+
  34. 44 Messages Text SMS Messages SMS Text Messenger 4.2 1M+
  35. 45 We Call - WiFi Calling Hangout Studio 4.2 1M+
  36. 46 Messages: SMS Texting App Apps Specials 3.9 10M+
  37. 47 Messages - sms text message SMS Messenger - Text Messages 4.2 1M+
  38. 48 Messages: Text Message, SMS Calendar 2025 Planner 4.1 1M+
  39. 49 textPlus: Text Message + Call textPlus 4.1 50M+
  40. 50 Threema. The Secure Messenger Threema AG 3.9 5M+
Advertisements

About messaging & SMS apps

The aim is one reliable place for personal conversations, without missed or delayed texts, cluttered group threads, failed attachments or inboxes split across several apps. Carrier-based SMS and RCS work with any phone number and need no account, but group features and media handling stay basic. Internet messengers keep chats going over Wi-Fi or mobile data with richer features and syncing across devices, though everyone in the conversation has to install the same app. Some lean toward privacy with end-to-end encryption, others toward convenience with desktop pairing and cloud backup.

What to look for

  • Check whether messages send over your carrier number or an internet connection, since that decides whether the app works when data is off and whether your contacts need the same app installed.
  • Look at how group chats are managed, including member limits, admin controls and whether replies stay threaded, because busy groups fall apart without them.
  • See how the app handles photos, videos and voice notes, particularly compression and size limits, so shared media stays readable instead of arriving as a blurry copy.
  • Find out how the app pays for itself, such as paid tiers, promoted content or optional extras, and what those change about the experience.
  • Read the privacy policy for what message data is stored, for how long and whether it is encrypted, since a texting app holds some of your most personal conversations.

How we rank

Apps are ranked by their Google Play rating (weighted by how many people rated them), their number of installs, how recently they were updated and how closely they fit the category. Only apps we've reviewed are included.