There are literally hundreds of different messaging platforms to choose from these days. WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. But the one messaging platform that still works on every single phone is SMS/text messaging. The default SMS apps that are pre-loaded on phones are often not very good. You can find a much better alternative in this list of the best text messaging apps for Android.
1. Android Messages (Top Choice)
Tech mistake |The good news for a lot of people is the best text messaging app is probably already on your phone. Android Messages is Google’s own SMS app and it comes pre-loaded on Pixel devices and several other phones. The app is clean, simple to use, RCS-compliant, and will soon be rebranded and pumped with new features. If you aren’t already using this app, you will in the future.
2. Chomp SMS
Chomp SMS is an old classic and it’s still one of the best messaging apps. The app has evolved with every new Android release to stay fresh. Some of the best features include quick reply pop-up, blocking, Wear OS support, and a bunch of themes to choose from. Chomp SMS is free with a few optional in-app purchases.
3. EvolveSMS
EvolveSMS is a very well-designed app from the creator of Talon for Twitter. The app boasts a ton of customization when it comes to notifications, which can be very important for a messaging app. Quick replies can appear as a full version of the app on top of whatever you’re doing. Downloadable themes help you get the look you want.
4. Facebook Messenger
A lot of people don’t like Facebook, but they do offer one of the best messaging apps. Facebook Messenger has SMS built-in and integrated with internet messaging. That means you can have all your conversations in one app. If you’re not already a Facebook user, this app probably isn’t what you’re looking for. But Facebook users should give it a shot.
5. Handcent Next SMS
Handcent has been around for almost as long as Android itself. The app has continued to get better and better as the years have passed. Handcent takes the “kitchen sink” approach by offering a ton of great features and settings. One handy feature is called “Handcent Anywhere,” which allows you to send text messages from your PC.
6. Mood Messenger
Mood Messenger is one of the youngest apps on our list. It doesn’t have a million and a half features, but that’s one of the nice things about it. Mood Messenger keeps things simple while still offering the key features you’ll want. Mood Messenger users can also send messages to each other without using SMS. The app is completely free with no in-app purchases.
7. Pulse SMS
If you’re looking for a text messaging app that will work on nearly every platform (PC included), Pulse SMS is a great choice. You can use your phone number and text from your PC or tablet (for $0.99 per month). The app also has a conversation backup tool and the ability to blacklist certain numbers. You can give individual conversations custom themes as well.
8. QKSMS
QKSMS has been around for just a couple of years and it’s one of the best-looking apps on our list. As the name implies, this app is all about speed. It’s lightweight and very fast. You can get in and out of conversations without getting bogged down. The app is also open-source, which is very cool, and it’s completely free.
9. Textra SMS
Text Messaging Apps – Textra is a very popular SMS app and for good reason. This app offers a plethora of customization options. Everything from the background, notifications, contacts, emoji, and bubbles can be completely customized. Textra is free and the developers have pledged to keep it that way forever.
Text Messaging Apps – YAATA SMS is a new app in the messaging world. Some of the features that set it apart are scheduled messaging, auto-responses, conversation backups, and blacklisting. The Material Design looks great and the app is very easy to use. Some of the features require an in-app purchase, but for the most part, this is a great free SMS app.
