The 16 best messaging apps for Android and iOS in 2023
- WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, with over two billion users. It’s a great all-around option that offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing. WhatsApp is also known for its end-to-end encryption, which helps to keep your conversations private.
- Messenger
Messenger is another popular option, with over 1.3 billion users. It’s a great choice for people who already use Facebook, as it allows you to chat with your Facebook friends without having to download a separate app. Messenger also offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, games, and payments.
- Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app that focuses on speed and security. It’s a great choice for people who need to send large files or who want to keep their conversations private. Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, as well as secret chats that disappear after a set amount of time.
- Signal
Signal is another messaging app that focuses on security. It’s a popular choice for journalists, activists, and other people who need to keep their communications private. Signal offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice calls, and video calls.
- Skype
Skype is a video calling app that allows you to chat with people face-to-face. It’s a great choice for people who want to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. Skype also offers features like instant messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing.
- Discord
Discord is a messaging app that is popular with gamers. It allows you to chat with your friends while you’re playing games, as well as share voice and video. Discord also offers features like screen sharing and file sharing.
- Snapchat
Snapchat is a messaging app that focuses on disappearing messages. Snaps (photos and videos) that are sent through Snapchat disappear after a set amount of time, unless the recipient screenshots them. Snapchat also offers a variety of filters and effects that you can use to add to your snaps.
- Threema
Threema is a messaging app that focuses on privacy. It’s a great choice for people who are concerned about their data being collected by advertisers or other third parties. Threema does not require you to provide any personal information to sign up, and it does not collect any data about your conversations. However, Threema does cost money to use.
- Viber
Viber is a messaging app that is popular in some parts of the world, such as Eastern Europe and South America. It offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing. Viber also offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls.
- Line
Line is a messaging app that is popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. It offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing. Line also offers a variety of stickers and games that you can use to add to your chats.
- WeChat
WeChat is a messaging app that is popular in China. It offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing. WeChat also integrates with a variety of other services, such as payments and social media. However, WeChat is not available in some countries, and it has been criticized for its censorship practices.
- Kik
Kik is a messaging app that is popular with teenagers. It allows you to chat with people who you don’t know, which can be a safety concern. Kik also does not offer end-to-end encryption for your messages.