If you’re still using the Android devices feature that came with your phone, it’s time to branch out. With features including customization, message prioritization, quick reply, stunning templates, and connectivity with compatible applications, these seven apps go beyond and above the basics. Many of them still have sensitive developers, so if you have a problem, you may be able to fix it easily.
Note: The information below should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.
Best Text Messaging App For Android
1. Great Basic Texting App: Google Messages
For Android users, the official Google SMS app is widely regarded as a fine, simple alternative. Setting custom message tones for each conversation and utilizing RCS capabilities for chat features like reading receipts and file sharing are two useful features. You can also use the app’s website to text from your computer.
Requirements: Android 5.0 Lollipop or later
What We Like
- Dark mode for low-light environments
- Ability to send audio messages to contacts
- Search feature
What We Don’t Like
- Some carriers don’t allow RCS functionality
Price: Free
QKSMS is a newer app with a simplified interface and a nice-looking interface. A blocklist, Android Wear accessibility, notification prioritization, and night mode for darker conditions are included in the features. The app is capable of uploading images and stickers, as well as backing up and restoring posts.
Note: QKSMS supports dual-SIM and multi-SIM phones.
Requirements: Android 5.0 or later
What We Like
- Shows full content of long messages
- No ads
- Highly customizable
What We Don’t Like
- High battery usage
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Customizable Texting App: Chomp SMS
As an app that’s been around for a long time, Chomp SMS has had the opportunity to keep improving. Useful features include app locking, scheduled message sending, the ability to prioritize conversations, and number blocking. You can also choose the way the app looks with themes and skins, and customize many other aspects of it as well.
Requirements: Android 2.3 or later
What We Like
- It’s updated with every Android update
- You can stop a text while it’s being sent
- Choice of emoji styles
What We Don’t Like
- Notification sound for incoming texts may be too loud with earbuds
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Highly Compatible Texting App: Textra SMS
You’ll love this app if you like customizing things like the background, icon, notifications, and emoji and bubble styles. To list a few features, it has dark, light, and auto-night modes, as well as a stop during send, a multi-select photo gallery, contact customization, and a quick-reply popup. For optimum performance, it’s compatible with Android Wear, Pushbullet, and MightyText.
Tip: Use the copy feature to easily transfer information between apps.
Requirements: Android 4.1 or later
What We Like
- High speed
- Continuous improvements
- User-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Features may not keep up with Android updates
Price: Free with in-app purchases
App for Texting and Messaging: Mood Messenger
Mood Messenger is a newer addition to the Android texting app selection, with the ability to share GIFs and animated emojis, as well as location sharing and quick reply options. Personalize your history to suit your style. Use it to send SMS text messages to those who have the app installed, or simply send messages directly from the system to those who have it installed. App locking protects your privacy.
Requirements: Android 4.1 or later
What We Like
- Personalize contacts
- Typing indicator so you can see when the other person is responding
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report technical issues.
- Contains ads.
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Messaging App With Best Security: Signal Private Messenger
Signal is a messaging app that works similarly to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger in that it allows you to send messages directly to other Signal users (those who don’t have the app will get a standard text message). Signal has strong security features, including end-to-end encryption. It can be used for community conversations or phone calls in addition to texting.
Requirements: Android 4.0 or later
What We Like
- Disappearing messages option
- Ability to send any media, including GIFs and audio files
- Open source, so code can be audited for security
What We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with tablets
Price: Free
Texting App to Use With All Your Devices: Pulse SMS
This app is extremely adjustable and flexible, as it runs on all Android devices as well as PCs. You will concentrate on communicating with your contacts due to the simple interface. Keep track of the most important messages by pinning them to the top of the list, and tidy up your inbox by archiving completed conversations.
Tip: Use the search function to find past messages.
Requirements: Varies with device
What We Like
- Password protection
- Ability to share GIFs
- Search feature
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report missed MMS messages
Price: Phone-only version is free. Enable additional devices starting at $0.99/month.
