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Some of your most personal moments are shared on WhatsApp, which is why we built end-to-end encryption into the latest versions of our app. When end-to-end encrypted, your message.

Nowadays, more people communicate through text messages than actual phone calls. I know I do. The “fire and forget” nature of it is more convenient and the message history doubles as a reference in case you need to revisit something someone said.

But SMS messages are passé. Now that Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and cell data usage prevalent, there’s no reason to keep using the antiquated SMS protocol. Looking for a better messaging experience? Check out these nifty apps!

Note: If you actually do prefer to use SMS and MMS even in this day and age, then you’ll be better off reading this article on SMS messaging apps instead.

1. Signal

4.6 rating across 98,000+ reviews.

Online privacy is a hot topic that’s only going to get hotter with every passing year. Did you know that your phone can be used to spy on you? And sometimes it’s not even about spying — it’s about the consequences of sharing too much information online.

That’s why Signal is such an important app to have. Endorsed by Edward Snowden himself, this encrypted messenger lets you communicate without any fear of eavesdropping or interception. It’s also open source in case you want to audit the code yourself.

Key features:

  • Signal-to-Signal phone calls are free (domestic and international).
  • Signal-to-Signal messages can include text, images, videos.
  • Signal-to-Signal messages can be sent to groups.
  • All messages are end-to-end encrypted.
  • SMS messages can be sent and received but are unencrypted.
  • Uses your existing phone number and address book.
  • Signal servers do not store any messages.
  • Available on Android and iOS.

Signal isn’t the only privacy-centric messaging app, of course — we’ve covered several encrypted alternatives in the past. That being said, Signal is one of the best. If you don’t like it, Telegram is the next best.

Windows

Download:Signal (Free)

2. WhatsApp

4.4 rating across 48,000,000+ reviews.

WhatsApp is arguably the most popular messaging app in the world. With over 1 billion installs, you can be sure that at least one of your friends or family members uses it. Not to mention that it can also be used on other devices as WhatsApp WebUse WhatsApp Web on Your PC: The Ultimate GuideUse WhatsApp Web on Your PC: The Ultimate GuideWhatsApp Web is a quick and easy way to use WhatsApp messages on your computer. We show you how to use WhatsApp Web on your PC.Read More.

WhatsApp truly is the standard by which all other messaging apps are measured. The only real downside used to be that WhatsApp lacked end-to-end encryption, but this feature was introduced in April 2016. Now there’s no reason not to use it.

Key features:

  • WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp phone calls are free (domestic and international).
  • WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp messages can include text, voice, images, videos, documents.
  • WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp messages can be sent to groups (256 limit).
  • All messages are end-to-end encrypted.
  • SMS messages can be sent and received but are unencrypted.
  • Uses your existing phone number and address book.
  • Available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and the web.

Download:WhatsApp (Free)

3. Viber

4.3 rating across 9,600,000+ reviews.

Viber is a cross-platform messaging app, and when they claim to be cross-platform, they mean it. It’s available on Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. If you have a smorgasbord of devices, this may be the one for you.

It’s a solid app that does everything well. That’s really what it comes down to with Viber; there’s nothing unique enough about it to warrant extra hype, but it delivers on what it promises to do, and you’ll enjoy it.

Key features:

  • Viber-to-Viber phone calls are free (domestic and international).
  • Viber-to-Viber messages can include text, voice, images, videos, documents, stickers.
  • Viber-to-Viber messages can be sent to groups (200 limit).
  • All messages are end-to-end encrypted.
  • Uses your existing phone number and address book.
  • Contact authentication prevents scams and impersonators.
  • Delete messages after the fact in case you change your mind.
  • Available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Download:Viber (Free)

4. Tango

4.3 rating across 3,600,000+ reviews.

Tango’s main focus is video calling, but its text messaging features are more than adequate for most users. Like Viber, there isn’t much to distinguish this one from a powerhouse like WhatsApp, but it’s a formidable alternative if WhatsApp doesn’t fit well with your needs.

One thing to note is that Tango doesn’t appear to have any kind of encryption on messages, so if you have concerns about online privacy, then you may want to forego Tango for one of the others.

Key features:

  • Tango-to-Tango phone calls are free (domestic and international).
  • Free non-Tango calls to U.S., Canada, India, and Mexico.
  • Tango-to-Tango messages can include text, voice, images, videos, documents, stickers.
  • Tango-to-Tango messages can be sent to groups.
  • Uses your existing phone number.
  • Requires Tango account creation.
  • Available on Android and iOS.

Download:Tango (Free)

5. KakaoTalk

4.2 rating across 2,300,000+ reviews.

KakaoTalk is used by over 90 percent of smartphone owners in South Korea, but it’s also extremely popular in the U.S. among Korean-Americans.

It has started gaining traction outside of the Korean community over the past few years, partly due to its modern interface, fast performance, and robust feature set. Unfortunately, the lack of encryption is a bummer.

App

Key features:

  • Kakao-to-Kakao phone calls are free (domestic and international).
  • Kakao-to-Kakao messages can include text, voice, images, videos, stickers.
  • Kakao-to-Kakao messages can be sent to groups (unlimited).
  • Uses your existing phone number and address book.
  • Exclusive deals and coupons for popular brands.
  • Available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Download:KakaoTalk (Free)

What’s Your Favorite Messaging App?

There’s one more alternative that didn’t make the list but deserves a mention: Google Hangouts. Not only does it handle SMS and MMS messages as well as group video calls, it lets you make phone calls using a Google-provided number (through Google Voice).

If you need to make calls more than you message, check out the best free calling appsThe 7 Best Free Calling Apps (Unlimited Calls and SMS With Wi-Fi)The 7 Best Free Calling Apps (Unlimited Calls and SMS With Wi-Fi)Need to make cheap calls while on Wi-Fi? Check out these phone apps that offer free calling and texting.Read More.

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  1. Telegram is best

  2. It was last summer when the internet service went kaput for two full days. Lord what a time we had in communicating with each other! Just imagine the frenzy this outbreak caused, and all we could do was call the other person for communication.

    In such cases the humble SMS service came as a blessing and bridged the gap for two full days. Professional API creators such as Aadishesh (http://www.aadishesh.com/) and Smswaala (http://www.smswaala.com/) are great as backup when the internet goes defunct.

  3. You may expand the list by considering Tango, KakaoTalk (Path; which is now owned by Dhum Kakao), WhatsApp, SnapChat, KIK, Telegram Messenger as they are doing pretty good...

  4. WeChat is monitored by Chinese intelligence, a fact now well known because of political arrests based on WeChat communications.

    If you or someone you know is in China then you have immediate cause for concern, especially if you belong, for example, to an occupied people such as Tibetans or Uyghurs.

    If you're outside of China, then you have to ask whether your really want to help China compromise your country's national security by helping them create databases of you and your contacts, map networks of acquaintances, track locations, etc. The popularity of WeChat in countries such as India is of particular concern.

  5. WeChat is monitored by Chinese intelligence, a fact now well known because of political arrests based on WeChat communications.

    If you or someone you know is in China then you have immediate cause for concern, especially if you belong, for example, to an occupied people such as Tibetans or Uyghurs.

    If you're outside of China, then you have to ask whether your really want to help China compromise your country's national security by helping them create databases of you and your contacts, map networks of acquaintances, track locations, etc. The popularity of WeChat in countries such as India is of particular concern.

  6. Whatsapp and Hike are also great. I prefer hike for
    1. I can chose who can see my profile i. e. last seen and profile pic
    2. Twitter like status updates with timeline.
    3. SMS chats
    4. You can create a group with contacts on hike and SMS together.
    5. Free mobile recharges (monthly) in India

  7. There's a few missing apps.

  8. Another Great app: Business Messenger. bit.ly/1qVQWYq
    1) It's free to download and lets you send and receive texts using your existing office number. No new number to remember.
    2) You can send and receive texts with anyone - prospects, customers, vendors - they don't need the app.
    3) You can also send and receive texts with colleagues - and their names appear in your app's co-worker directory when they download the app.
    Check it out: bzm.gr

  9. Hike is there!! Indian messenger app.
    [Broken Link Removed]

  10. Where's BBM? very secure, does phone calls and will have video capability on all platforms soon! The original messaging service still going strong.

  11. What is your favorite for international communication?

  12. Every time .. every single gosh dang damn time. I'll tell ya what, if I had a job where i wrote or submitted articles such as this.. I WOULDNT HAVE IT FOR LONG.. cuz I would tell so many of the responders WHERE they could.. well you know, sumthin of that nature.

    Thanks Joel, whom I believe to be the Author.. for the information and effort made. Perfect or not. To my particular liking or not.

    and for every responder to every post on every site on every day..

    damn you people just suk the potential postive out of everything.

    JT
    IMRGinc.
    ________________________
    ________________________

  13. In South Africa I think the most popular app is Whatsapp. I do have viber and FB messenger but stil prefer Whatsapp.

  14. You missed three very good apps: Telegram, Whatsapp and Tango. I would like you to review them.
    Jaime Salcedo

  15. Facebook would be my last resort, lol. I have been using google phone and text for free unlimited in the U.S. forever and even forward my calls with it. Phones or computers. Tango is another. There is tons of great apps that don't cost a penny.

  16. Facebook would be my last resort, lol. I have been using google phone and text for free unlimited in the U.S. forever and even forward my calls with it. Phones or computers. Tango is another. There is tons of great apps that don't cost a penny.

  17. Web-based TextNow allows you to text folks with a mobile even if you don't have one. Now that I have a Windows phone, I have added the app.

  18. Once you go WECHAT you ain't coming back no more. It's works really well. MMS, Video, Emoji...you name it.

    Bob is indeed your uncle.

  19. I have an issue with Facebook Messenger just because you're now required to use it. I'm annoyed by the fact that Facebook didn't keep messaging integrated into their own app. It is a fine app, though.

    My favorite is Telegram; encrypted, easy to use, free. It's not in wide use, but I'm still hoping that it takes off.

  20. I know a lot of people who swear by BBM. Myself included. Ever used it?

  21. Modulates.com has a full suite of tools to help you manage your Video Commerce.

  22. Whatsapp isn't free... at least in theory :P

    But the omission of hangouts puzzles me

  23. Where is WhatsApp?

  24. HOW can you forget whatsapp??

    • Compared to Viber it really sucks. Viber is available on ALL desktops and ALL platforms except one particular version ob Blackberry OS. Installs to SD card natively. By default uses wifi and warns you if data connection is needed.

      If you have a Viber Out subscription you can call absolutely every one in the world. In my opinion it is right next to Hangout.

  25. I wonder why you haven't mentioned WhatsApp - the king of messaging apps !

  26. Ummm, why did you leave hangouts out of the list? It can do free messaging plus SMS and mms and video calls. Everyone who uses Android and has a Google account have it preinstalled so you don't have to convince someone to download it just to try it out. Also, you can use it from your Web browser. In my opinion hangouts has no competition

    • I concur. With hangout you have access to practically every one in the world with an Android device.

  27. @Brian Compared to what exactly? Not having text messaging at all? If MMS is critical for you here's a thought...don't use a free service. Pay for it.

  28. This seems to miss the point..you indicate text messages are the most used but then offer 5 alternatives that are NOT text messages rather than provide the simplest solution. Google Voice can be used to send/receive free text messages and if you add in cyanogen's Voice+ OR the xposed framework module xvoice+ (which works on any rom that xposed works on) then you can even send/receive using the normal text messaging apps everyone is used to and the system will still route them through google voice. Free. Unlimited. Solves the problem. The only thing it doesn't do is provide MMS.

    • > The only thing it doesn't do is provide MMS.

      Well that's kind of a deal breaker...