Text messaging is one of the most popular ways to communicate around the world. It’s quick, easy to do, and it doesn’t require you to take a break like phone calls do. We understand that many people still prefer human touch over phone conversation and we respect it. However, let’s look at the facts, most people are texting these days. Here are the best messaging apps and SMS apps for Android.
The best messaging and SMS / MMS apps on Android
Messages
Messages is an application from Google for sending messages (SMS, MMS) and chat (RCS). In terms of features, Android Messages keeps the light on. You’ll have light theme options, organization and save features, as well as a decent search feature. The design is entirely material. It means it looks good and it’s easy to use. Google also has big plans for this app, including RCS support as well as other cool features. This also has a web version for sending SMS to your computer.
Chomp SMS
This app has evolved into an app that integrates material design while providing many features. Some of them include emoticons, SMS blocking, quick reply in notifications, MMS, and group messaging. You can even stop a text being sent if necessary. It also comes with Android Wear and Pushbullet support. If you want them, there are plenty of other customization features.
Facebook Messenger
We will be honest with you. Facebook Messenger is not a good application. It uses a ton of battery, storage, and RAM. It also has ads. However, there is a good chance that you have it on your device. Facebook has tons of users and you are likely to keep that up because you have loved ones who just won’t change for something better. If you need it, you can also enable SMS support. This way you can kind of kill two birds with one stone. SMS integration is fine if that helps. It is not the best option for SMS messaging apps.
Handcent Next SMS
Handcent, along with Chomp SMS, are the first two third-party text messaging apps available on Android. Much like Chomp SMS, Handcent is a powerful and heavy text messaging app with a ton of features. Some of them include themes, privacy area to store private conversations, SMS backup, email cards, emoticons, and much more. One of the coolest features is Handcent Anywhere, which lets you send text to your computer and tablet if you want.
Mood Messenger
Mood Messenger is one of the new SMS messaging apps. It doesn’t have a ton of features. However, it seems to have the right features. You can also get customizations, themes, GIFs, location sharing, media features, and more. It also has a courier service. Mood Messenger users can send messages to each other without using SMS. Either way, the app is free, with no in-app purchases or ads we found.
Pulse SMS
Pulse SMS is one of the more unique SMS messaging apps on the list. It’s like any standard SMS app for the most part. However, there is also a back end which allows you to send SMS from your PC, tablet and other devices. Besides, it also supports dual SIM devices, phone number blacklist, message backup, etc.
QKSMS
QKSMS is one of the simplest SMS applications. It’s open source and it’s always a good idea. In addition, the app comes with a bunch of features. Some of them include privacy features like blacklist, Android Wear support. The use is in line with your expectations. This won’t surprise you, but its simplicity is appreciated considering how cumbersome some SMS apps can be.
Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Messenger is actually a very similar messaging app to Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. The difference is that this one has end-to-end encryption and is a favorite with many people who value security. It also works on a phone number system and if your contact doesn’t have the app, they just send a text message. We really liked the transparency of this feature. It’s simple to use, looks great with Material Design, and it’s completely free to use. It’s also open source, supports group chats, and even makes phone calls.
Textra SMS
Textra SMS is one of the strongest SMS messaging apps on the list. This popular and very stylish SMS app is also one of the top rated on the list. It comes with a theme picker (you choose the colors yourself), dark mode, notifications, delayed send, slide to delete, and lots of other features. It also comes with direct support for Android Wear, Pushbullet, MightyText, etc. You can use most of the features for free. There is only one in-app purchase to unlock the pro version.
YAATA SMS / MMS
YAATA SMS / MMS is one of the currently very successful SMS messaging applications. It has many features including support for group chats, sending scheduled messages, and full MMS support. If you buy the premium version, you will also get an SMS blacklist, auto responder, auto transfer, and the ability to back up and restore your settings if you buy a new device.
