Communication has come a long way since the appearance of letters, from letters to SMS messages. Now, most communication takes place through messaging apps that often have end-to-end encryption, free text messages and phone calls, and convenient voice messages. There is a wide variety of text messaging apps, from team-oriented apps like Slack to casual apps like Skype and Viber. All you need is a modern Android tablet and a stable internet connection. This article lists the best free messaging apps for Android, iOS, and Windows.
The best text messaging apps
The most common form of messaging around the world is through over-the-top (OTT) services that run on top of another service. In this case the internet. Apps offering OTT messaging grew in popularity in the 2010s because they were free and not tied to a mobile phone service or contract.
What’s up
Popular all over the world
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In-app purchases |
Not |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
That |
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Date of publication |
October 18, 2010 |
WhatsApp is the most popular OTT messaging app in the world. In addition to premium messaging, you can make voice and video calls without working with ads. The app supports group chats and WhatsApp communities for your friends, family or Pokémon GO raid crew.
WhatsApp hasn’t caught on in the United States like it has in other countries (India has more WhatsApp users than people living in the US). Still, with nearly 100 million users and money transfers in the works, it won’t be long before it shows up on your phone. WhatsApp offers desktop apps. You don’t have to reach for your phone to continue communicating through the platform.
Facebook Messenger
Popular in the US
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In-app purchases |
$0.05 – $399.99 per item |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
That |
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Date of publication |
January 30, 2014 |
There isn’t much that differentiates Messenger from its closest competitor, WhatsApp, other than Facebook’s huge user base, which is associated with Messenger. That alone made Messenger the king of messaging apps in the US, holding nearly 65% of the market.
Plus, Messenger doesn’t require a phone number like WhatsApp, meaning you don’t need a plan (or a phone) to use it. Along with its desktop version integrated into Facebook, Messenger offers a more modern mobile application.
Telegram
Group chats galore
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In-app purchases |
$4.99 – $289.99 per item |
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Subscription |
That |
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ChromeOS support |
That |
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Date of publication |
September 6, 2013 |
On the surface, Telegram looks a lot like WhatsApp or Messenger. It offers text messaging, voice and video calling, multimedia (including emojis, GIFs and stickers) and group chats. When you dig into the service, it becomes clear that Telegram is different.
Telegram groups can hold up to 200,000 members and have channels (like a cross between a subreddit and a chat room), which means Telegram functions more like a social network than a messaging app. Unlike WhatsApp and Messenger, Telegram offers a premium plan to unlock more features for your account.
The best SMS applications
Although texting is not as widespread in the world, it is still one of the most common forms of texting in the US. Along with the interpersonal messaging we’re used to, SMS has become the de facto method of one-time password delivery. In other words, the messaging standard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Text messaging apps come in two varieties: apps that work with your existing phone plan, essentially replacing your default messaging app, and apps that give you an additional phone number to send messages from, often with restrictions.
Google messages
SMS messages from Google
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In-app purchases |
Not |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
Not |
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Date of publication |
November 12, 2014 |
Messages is the king of SMS on Android devices, with over a billion downloads. In addition to standard SMS and MMS support, Google’s main messaging app supports RCS messaging (if your carrier supports it).
In addition to sending audio and video, your conversations are end-to-end encrypted and can be sent over Wi-Fi, bypassing cellular networks. Messages is integrated with other Google services, meaning you can set reminders or add information to your calendar from within the app.
Chew SMS
Extensive customization
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In-app purchases |
$6.49 per item |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
That |
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Date of publication |
ON |
Chomp has been around since 2013 and stands above other apps with its customization options. Want to change the LED notification color? Chomp can do that. Want to change colors, fonts and ringtones? Chomp has it covered. In addition, you can schedule when you want to send messages, add a signature to your texts or lock them with a password to protect them from prying eyes.
Google Voice
International calls cheaper
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In-app purchases |
Not |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
That |
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Date of publication |
ON |
Google Voice goes beyond being a simple messaging app. When you sign up for the service, you get an application for sending messages (SMS and MMS, without RCS). You also get a new phone number with voicemail and free unlimited calling to any number in the US or Canada (except 800 numbers).
You can make international calls for just $0.01 per minute. The only caveat is that you have to be in the US to sign up for Google Voice. Once you sign up, you can call US and Canadian numbers for free anywhere in the world where you have internet access.
TextPlus
Free SMS messages
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In-app purchases |
$0.99 – $44.99 per item |
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Subscription |
Not |
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ChromeOS support |
Not |
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Date of publication |
ON |
TextPlus is similar to Google Voice, except it has more limitations. Offers free Wi-Fi texting in the US and Canada. You can also choose an area code for your new phone number (subject to availability) in case you’ve been dying to change your Manhattan 212 phone number.
If you don’t want a Manhattan number, you can change it for free. One drawback of the app is that you can only send messages within the US and Canada, but you can call almost anywhere in the world at rates of $0.02 per minute.
TextNow
Your own phone number
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In-app purchases |
$0.99 – $99.99 per item |
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Subscription |
That |
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ChromeOS support |
Not |
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Date of publication |
September 1, 2012 |
TextNow gives you your own phone number and unlimited texting and calling within the US and Canada. TextNow is ad-supported, so its basic services are free. It also has several subscriptions to enhance your experience.
For $5 a year, you get a premium number that’s easier to remember (think 444-333-1234). Like Google Voice and TextPlus, you can send your SMS messages over Wi-Fi. If you want more freedom, sign up for a TextNow data plan (starting at 1GB for $9 a month) and pay a one-time fee of $1 to have a physical SIM card sent to you.
Which messaging app should I download?
Android’s messaging app ecosystem is vibrant and growing, and this list is just a sampling of the messaging apps available. It’s a good place to start if you’re in the market for a new messaging service. If you want to know if you’ve stayed on a reading, turn on your reading receipts to find out. If privacy is your top priority, check out the best encrypted messaging apps on Android.