With more than 6 billion SMS messages sent per day, it is no doubt that text messaging is one of the most popular, cost-effective, and easy way to communicate. And while all Android phones come with a default messaging app, they lack in features, are poorly designed and can’t handle basic MMS.
Fortunately, there are hundreds of third-party apps that you can use. They are feature-rich, user-friendly, and come in a sleek design. In this article, we will look at 12 of the best that you can download this year. Let’s see how they stack up!
Quick links:
- Google Messages
- Textra SMS
- Mood Messenger
- Chomp SMS
- Pulse SMS
- Signal Private Messenger
- Handcent Next SMS
- SMS Organizer
- QKSMS
- YAATA – SMS/MMS messaging
- Viber Messenger
- WhatsApp Messenger
First on the list is this messaging app from Google. Not only does it come in a clean and user-friendly interface, but it also comprises stellar features enabling you to send SMS, MMS, and use RCS. The smart design allows you to reply to text faster and get notifications promptly. The dark mode allows you to chat at night without eye strain.
What’s more? You can send emoji, audio messages, and even make payments via Google Pay. Want to view a specific message? Just type in the keyword on the search bar. With RCS, you can send and receive messages via data network or WiFi enabling you to chat on the go. Juice up your conversations with the Google Messages app.
Textra app is rich in customization. Whether you want to change the color, theme, fonts, etc. the app got you covered. With more than 180 themes, dual modes (light and dark), and numerous app icon colors to choose from, it allows you to customize it to your liking. Besides, if you want to call a person or delete a conversation, just tap on the conversation thread and slide.
The app presents you with other features such as blacklisting, blocking, and sending bulk SMS and MMS. Spice up your text using the provided emojis and GIFs. Also, you can change the color of the notification LED so that you can know when a text is sent.
Mood Messenger is a feature-rich app that comes in free and premium plans. For the free plan, you’ll enjoy sending texts, MMS, emojis, GIFs, changing themes, and more. You can also block spam messages and blacklist contacts, among others. Also, you can use the app at night or in low light thanks to the dark mode.
The premium version presents you all basic functionalities and additional ones such as backing up and restoring messages, encryption, theme customization, and more. Besides, you can watch YouTube videos from the app eliminating the need to switch between apps. You can also send a location to your friends so they can locate you easily.
If you want a lightweight messaging app, then this is the right app for you. With more than 10 million downloads and a 4.4 rating, it is no doubt that this app meets the needs of the user. Although lightweight, it comes with numerous features such as group messaging, emojis, GIFs, SMS blocker, blacklisting, and more.
You can also change the color of the notification LED, vibration, ringtone, background, theme, etc. to suit your preferences. The best part? It consumes 7.7mb of your storage. As such, it is compatible with any Android phone.
If you are looking for an app that can sync messages from all your devices, then get the Pulse SMS. It synchronizes messages from your smartphone, tablet, and PC. As such, you’ll be able to keep track of your conversations with ease. And if you want to protect your conversations from nosy hands, you can use a password.
The app also supports dual SIM allowing you to send texts using different contacts simultaneously. You can also blacklist spammers, reply faster thanks to the smart replies, back and restore messages, among others. However, to use it across devices, you’ll need to subscribe to a monthly or yearly plan.
The Signal app allows you to do more than send SMS. With it, you can video call, send messages via WiFi or data network, and much more. But, this is not the real deal. The app uses robust encryption protecting you from nosy hackers. As such, you can say what you want without fear of being tracked.
The user-friendly interface allows you to send and receive messages quickly regardless of low network connectivity. Like other apps, you can switch between light and dark mode, customize themes, and choose vibration patterns and ringtones. Its built-in photo editor allows you to edit photos and add text to your liking.
The app has undergone numerous transitions over the years with additional features with each upgrade. The latest upgrade is visually appealing and stable ensuring you are always connected to your family. With many themes to choose from, you can customize it to suit your preferences. The features that come with the app allow you to do more than sending texts.
With it, you can send emojis, files, MMS, GIFs, and more. Sending bulk messages? This app got covered. You can also sync it with your PC for computer texting. Thanks to the cloud-backup, you’ll never worry about losing your messages. The app is compatible with Android wear. As such, you can receive and send text via your Smartwatch.
Want an organized inbox? SMS Organizer leaves your inbox orderly regardless of how many texts you receive per day. A product of the Microsoft Garage project, it has become an alternative messaging app for most users thanks to its unique yet helpful features. The app can set reminders and also track your expenses in real-time.
With it, you can share locations with your family and get live updates on train schedules, especially if you are in India. Like Google Messages, you can pay your bills through the app. And, it presents you with offers so you can make informed purchasing decisions. Not in the mood to text? Well, the speech-to-text feature allows you to text using your voice.
This open-source app is an ideal alternative to your default messaging app. It comes in a unique, user-friendly interface that allows you to navigate with ease. With millions of themes to choose from, you can customize it to your liking. You can give each conversation thread a different color, for example. With the dark mode, you can text seamlessly in low light settings and at night.
You can send video and audio messages, emojis, GIFs, and engage in group conversations. Automatic or manual backup keeps your messages secure and accessible across devices. It also supports Wear OS so you can receive notifications on your Smartwatch.
Although new in the market, the app is gradually becoming a favorite for most Android users. It is a light app that requires 3.9MB of your storage space. But do not be fooled by its small size as it comes with stellar features, is fast, and reliable. It is user friendly and easily customizable to meet your preferences.
With it, you can send photos, audio, videos, GIFs, and more. You can choose to receive a delivery report on individual conversations. The app also allows you to chat in groups, convert SMS to MMS, and delay sending of text. The premium version comes with more functionalities such as auto-forwarding and responding, night mode, blacklisting, and more.
Viber not only allows you to send messages but also video, audio, files, and making calls. With more than 1 billion users, it provides you a simple and secure alternative to your default app. All you need is stable internet and you are set to go.
You can sync your desktop and tablet app for inclusive messaging regardless of the device in hand. It also allows you to make international calls so you can stay in touch with friends. You can create groups where you can chat with friends or colleagues.
Finally, we have WhatsApp Messenger which is arguably the most popular messaging app across the globe. You can receive and send videos, audio, files, photos, and more allowing you to make conclusive conversations. Besides, you can make free audio and video calls with clients, friends, or colleagues.
What’s more? The WhatsApp Web enables you to chat using your PC at any time. Prompt notifications ensure you don’t miss a thing in group chats. With the night mode, you can chat comfortably regardless of the light setting.
Conclusion
You don’t need to use the stock messaging app on your phone, while there are tons of stellar apps to choose from on Google App store. These alternative apps provide you with better functionalities, looks, and are easy to install and uninstall. So, jazz up your conversations using either of the above apps.
