Messaging apps are very essential way to your communication. Whether your are texting or making a audio or video call then these applications will make this easy to get in touch with your family, friends, and coworkers all across the world. It will be very difficult for you to decide that which is the the best messaging app. This guide will help you to find out the top 20 messaging apps and their features, benefits, and why they could be the best choice for you.
Best Messaging Apps
Messaging apps make it simple to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues no matter where they are. These apps allow you to send messages, make voice and video chats, and share files immediately. With a lot of options available. Here is the list of top 20 messaging apps, chosse the best which suits you for communication.
1. NewsTalk: Secret Messaging App
NewsTalk is one of the best messaging app also known as secret chat app. Since this app look like “News App“, that’s why it is considered as “Secret App“. This app mostly used by couples, lovers, lawyers, friends and co-workers.
To maintain the privacy, this app has the best feature which is whenever there is a new message in NewsTalk, you get notification as “News“. So no body can find out that you got a message.
Check out the other important feature which is mentioned in below banner.
Note: Click here to get more information on “NewsTalk: Secret Messaging App“
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most well-known and actively used messaging apps globally. More than 2 billion users actively using this application. The application is designed to enable users to send messages, voice notes, photos and videos, and it also has features of group chatting and audio and video calls.
WhatsApp is one of the easiest applications to use and end-to-end encryption means that your communication is secure. This also enables you make calls to other users for free irrespective of the country where they are from, making this app useful for international calls. It is user friendly and can support a variety of features making it ideal for all ages of users.
Some Important features of WhatsApp Messaging App
- Secure messaging
- End to end encryption
- Self disappearing messages
- It offers voice and video calls, including group calls
- It allows to share images, voice notes, videos and variety of document types like PDFs, spreadsheets, and slideshow
- It includes features like contact labels, broadcast messaging, product catalogs, quick replies, and automatic away messages
3. Telegram
Telegram is quite famous for privacy and security and people prefer using it instead of WhatsApp and similar platforms. It contains options such as disappearing messages and secret chats so your discussions are always confidential.
That is why the primary feature of Telegram from most other instant messaging apps is the ability to send large files, use bots for performing various tasks, and channels for broadcasting messages to a large number of subscribers. It also supports groups up to the members of 200,000 which makes it even suitable for both personal and professional use.
Some Important features of Telegram Messaging App
- Telegram encrypts all messages and media files, and provides a Secret Chat option with end-to-end encryption.
- Self-destructing messages
- You can send media and files of any type and size.
- Provide the best security combined with ease of use
- You can create group chats with up to 200,000 users
- Telegram provides advanced photo and video editing features, animated stickers and emoji, and fully customized themes.
4. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger works together with your Facebook profile; hence, you can communicate with your Facebook friends conveniently. However, if you are not a Facebook user, you can still install and use this Messaging app as it also offers the normal text, voice, and 1v1 video messaging.
However, in addition to simple text and multimedia messaging, Messenger includes a number of features such as, stickers, games and, of course, a function of money transfer to friends. It’s a multitasking platform for communication and can also provide an opportunity for more engaging social interactions.
Some Important features of Facebook messenger
- You can send text messages, documents, images, videos
- Mute notifications
- Make audio or video calls, host group video calls with up to 8 people
- Customize your reactions, with lots more emojis
- Watch videos, tv shows, and movies with your friends over Messenger
- Send and receive money securely and quickly
5. Signal
Signal is one of the popular messaging apps that have attracted many user due to the stringer security measures that allow users to enjoy their privacy. It offers encrypted messaging, voice and 1v1 video call so that all communication is safe.
Signal has become popular because of a focus on security and preserving the users’ privacy. Every message that is transferred through the Signal also goes through encryption and thus only the recipient of the message can have access to it. It is also 100% free with no designated ads and also, it is very useful especially to those who are very much concerned with data privacy.
Some Important features of Signal Messaging App
- Send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files
- Supports encrypted voice and video calls
- You can create group chats up to 1,000 people
- Share image, text, and video Stories that disappear after 24 hours
6. WeChat
WeChat is also one of the most flexible ways to communicate with others through the messaging app especially in China. They differ from traditional messaging as they include payment services, social connections, and even delivery services in the single application.
WeChat is not only a messenger; it is that app which includes a possibility to chat, to shop, and even to pay the bills. For users who are in search of features more than communication, WeChat is an efficient mix of socializing tool and utility applications.
Some Important features of WeChat App
- Allow you to send text, voice, and video messages
- It also includes social feed where users may send updates, images, and videos
- Allows users to make online and offline payments
- WeChat offers a variety of video games that users can play within the app.
- Individuals and businesses can build their own WeChat Channel Accounts to share short videos and live streams with a large audience.
- This also offer various services such as shopping, gaming, and utilities.
7. Viber
Viber is also one among the popular messaging apps similar to whats app, and it offers the free international calls. It has an excellent voice call, 1v1 video call feature, as well as lots of fun icon such as and sticker, GIF’s
As mentioned above, Viber suits the users who often initiate international calls, and it offers Viber-to-Viber calls are free of charge. It also includes a feature for creating public chat groups so that connecting with communities is possible.
Some Important features of Viber Messaging App
- Send a free text, photo, sticker, GIF, voice or video message, along with many other types of files.
- Make free audio and video calls
- On by default for all 1-on-1 calls, chats, and group chats, end-to-end encryption
- Create group chat for up to 250 members
- Get creative with fun, funny, and beautifying Viber lenses
- Use disappearing messages
- You can create your own Community or Channel
- Rakuten Viber’s AI bots will answer all of your queries and transform your words into stunning artwork.
8. Skype
Skype was launched long ago, and it is still one of the best platforms to use for 1v1 video call and voice call. It is primarily deployed for corporate communication but can also be used for personal conversations.
The quality of the video and voice calls makes Skype perfect for business and communicating with people in the other countries. It also includes the feature for text messaging, group calling, and even screen sharing which would be helpful in cases of having meetings and presentations.
Some Important features of Skype
- Skype offers free group video and voice calls and you can record the calls
- Share your screen during a call to show presentations or photos.
- You can share any file saved on your computer, such as documents, music, and presentations.
- It allow you to share your location
- Skype offers end-to-end encryption
- Skype supports third-party bots that use AI capabilities to provide contextual responses
9. Snapchat
Snapchat although known for the disappearing messages also has in app features like 1v1 chat, 1v1 video call, and voice call. It is used mainly by young people because the app allows adding filters and lenses to the videos and photos.
Snapchat is also good if you want a fun and engaging way of talking to the person of interest. The app allows you to share messages, pictures, or videos which self-destruct once they have been opened, making the conversation more casual. Moreover, the app’s different filters and AR lenses are an added bonus to conversations between friends.
Some Important features of Snapchat app:
- Users can post photos and videos to a Story that lasts 24 hours
- Allows users to send text, audio, and video messages to friends and groups
- An interactive map that lets users find content from a specific location
- Lets users add custom filters to their photos
- End-to-end encryption
10. Google Duo
Google Duo is also one of the most used messaging apps, and designed especially for 1:1 video calling and stresses on the level of quality of the connection. One of the most attractive features of the application is that it is designed in a clean and simple style so that as many people as possible will be able to understand how to make a video call. This app is compatible with Android devices and the iPhone and iPad.
When it comes to the interface, Google Duo has chosen to focus on simplicity rather than quality. Through the application, you can make High Definition video call with almost no configuration needed. A knock-knock feature is a unique feature which enables you to see the video of the caller before replying his/her call.
Some Important features of Google Duo messaging app:
- You can make video calls with anyone in your contacts
- End-to-end encryption
- Automatic network switching
- Knock Knock feature
- High quality audio and video calls
- Live sharing allows you to watch YouTube videos, listen to music, and play games from anywhere in the world.
11. iMessage
iMessage is an in-built messaging application developed by Apple Incorporation and supported only by iPhones and iPads only. It is easy to use for Apple users since it integrates standard texting with rich elements like stickers, games, and secure texting.
For an Apple user, iMessage is one of the most valuable and effective messaging apps out there. It offers text messaging in which you can send stickers, GIFs, and even you can play the games with your friends. Moreover, all messages between the Apple devices are secure to enhance the security of the devices.
Some Important features of iMessage:
- You can send photos, videos, audio messages, payments, and stickers.
- Using your phone number or Apple Account, send contacts texts, images, videos, voice messages, documents, stickers, Memoji, and other content.
- It also has emoji or stickers, animated text effects, full-screen effects, and bubble effects which bring your conversations to life.
- You can add or change keyboards
- With Send Later, you can schedule a message to be sent at a specific time.
- You can type, dictate, select, and edit text, and use predictive text and text replacements
- Allows Screenshots and screen recordings
12. Line
Line is an instant messaging app that enables users to communicate as well as have fun. It has free unlimited text, calling, voice and video calling, and has fun icons its own store in which people can get fun and expressive icon stickers to send to their friends in conversation.
Line is more than just a messaging app; it’s more like a platform similar to social media. It lets you follow official accounts and play games and you can even shop directly using Line Pay. I would say it is perfect for users who seek to have a more fun conversation with the bot.
Some Important features of Line – Messaging App:
- It allow you to make voice and video calls and exchanging messages with your LINE friends.
- It has stickers, emojis and customized themes
- Save your personal information with Keep Memo.
- Messages protected with Letter Sealing
- Access this app on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or desktop.
13. Kik
Kik is a special option of the messaging app because the users able to chat without providing the phone number. There is no registration procedure hence you only make a username; therefore, it is suitable for users who wish to have more privacy in their chats.
One more thing is that Kik is targeted at young audiences and those who prefer to remain anonymous. It allows you to communicate with the friends, participate in various communities, or even find people with similar interests.
Some Important features of Kik – Messaging App:
- Chat with one-on-one and in groups
- You can have private chats or create groups of up to 50.
- Share pics, videos, gifs, games, and more
- Meet new friends with similar interests
- You can invite your friends and family to Kik by Facebook, Twitter, or email.
14. Threema
Threema is among the most secure messaging applications out there because it prioritizes the privacy of its users by allowing them to remain unidentified and encrypts their messages. Users do not use their phone numbers or emails to create an account on the application and the general communication is secured through the end-to-end encryption.
Threema is the best messaging app especially if security comes first. This is designed with privacy in mind, where you can anonymously chat and even encrypt your group chats.
Some Important features of Threema – Messaging App:
- Send text messages, voice messages, files like PDF, animated GIF, MP3, DOC, ZIP, etc.
- Edit and delete sent messages on the recipient’s end
- Make voice, video and group calls
- Share videos, images and locations
- Create groups and polls
- You need not to give any personal details like phone number and email, so that you can chat anonymously
15. Discord
Originally designed for gamers, Discord has expanded to include communities of all types. The app offers text, voice, and video chat, along with the ability to create servers where users can chat about specific topics or interests.
Discord is good for individuals who would like to make or find groups with people who share similar preferences. It’s great for gaming, as well as for those who are looking for people with common interests for communication or, for instance, teamwork.
Some Important features of Discord – Messaging App:
- Create custom emoji, stickers, soundboard effects
- Offers voice, video, or text chat and play games, all in one group chat.
- High-quality and low-latency streaming
- Users can share their screen with friends.
- Rich text formatting
16. Element
Element is an encrypted messaging app which was previously known as Riot.im and is based on the Matrix network. It also provides encrypted one-on-one text and voice calls and group chats where users can control their data and privacy.
Element is ideal for users who are interested in secure and decentralized applications. It is perfect for both private and business messaging, has end-to-end encryption
Some Important features of Element App:
- All messages, calls, and shared files are encrypted
- Advanced online communication tools
- Secure file sharing with encrypted data
- You can make voice and video calls
- Group Video chat with voice over IP and screen sharing
- Your message history is synchronized across all your devices and on the web
- Integration with other apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal.
- You can create private and public groups
17. Dust
Dust is one of the best messaging apps that focuses on the privacy of user’s conversations by deleting all the messages after 24 hours. It allows 1v1 chat, sharing of media, and has an encryption feature to ensure that the conversations are protected.
Dust is perfect for those who prefer their messages to be deleted after a certain time and who require privacy while ensuring the same. It can be used for personal and professional purposes.
Some Important features of Dust – Messaging app:
- It supports End-to-end encryption
- Dust automatically deletes messages after certain time. You can delete messages from receiver end too
- Detects and notifies you if a screenshot is taken
- Dust allows only text messages but doesn’t allow voice or video calls
18. Wickr Me
Wickr Me is another app which focus on privacy and security of users’ information. It has end to end encryption for each and every message and has 1v1 video call to make all the communication secured. It also lets people decide when the message should get deleted.
Wickr Me is the most suitable option if you are concerned about the privacy of your interaction. It is an excellent app for personal and work-related messages, as it has encryption and such features as self-deleting messages.
Some Important features of Wickr Me – Messaging app:
- Allows 1:1 and group messaging with up to 500 members
- End-to-end encryption
- Offers Audio and video calling
- Allows Screen sharing and broadcasting
- You can share files, images
- It supports two-factor authentication
19. Wire
Wire is an end-to-end encrypted instant messenger designed for business and workplace but individual Wire accounts are possible as well. It includes the encrypted text, voice, and 1v1 video chat, and the app is very easy to use with its simple design.
Wire is for people who require a safe professional environment and want to have fast and efficient way of communication. It is useful for companies that process personal information, but it is also convenient for everyday messaging.
Some Important features of Wire – Messaging app:
- Allow you to communicate through private or group conversations with your team
- Share files, documents, links with reactions
- Create voice or video calls or meetings
- Supports End-to-end encryption
- Available on multiple devices such as iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and in your browser.
- Wire supports screen sharing
20. Zalo
Zalo is also one of the most widely used applications in Vietnam, providing free text, voice and video messages. It is popular for its instant messaging application and has other products, for instance, Zalo Pay for mobile money.
Zalo is the most popular and reliable free messenger in Vietnam for fast communication with friends or anyone from the country. Some of the services include: The app is linked with several services that would be useful for local users.
Some Important features of Zalo – Messaging app:
- Message your friend in a snap
- End-to-end encryption – Supports for high level of privacy.
- Send voice messages and group messages
- Discover and play games with your friends.
- Allow you to share your location
- Supports for self-destructing messages
- Zalo connects with Google Drive to share documents
