If there is an essential type of application on Android phones are instant messaging apps. This is the best way to stay in touch with our friends and family, as well as co-workers. It is a segment where we have more and more options available, so the choice may not always be as simple.
Then we leave you with the best instant messaging apps that we can download on Android. Most of these applications are known to you, because in many cases you probably have them installed on your smartphones. If you were looking for a messaging application to use on Android, we leave you with the following.
WhatsApp is the most popular among instant messaging apps and it is the best known among Android and iOS users. The application owned by Facebook is the most used to keep in touch with friends and family. The application allows us to have individual and group chats in a simple way, thanks to its very easy-to-use interface. In the chats in the app we can exchange messages, voice notes, as well as send files of all kinds (photos, videos, links, documents ...).
In addition to having written chats, on WhatsApp we are allows you to make calls and video calls with other users. So it is one of the best ways to be in contact with other people. In addition, we must remember that this app has its desktop version, WhatsApp Web, so that we can respond to the chats we have from the PC.
WhatsApp can download for free on Android from the Play Store. The application has no purchases or ads, so we can use all its functions without having to pay money. It is the best known of the messaging apps, as well as being the one with the most users, so most of your friends probably have an account with it.
Telegram
Telegram is WhatsApp's main rival in the field of instant messaging apps. The application has been gaining many users over time, especially since it is presented as a much more private alternative, which is something of great importance for Android users. One of the most popular functions in Telegram is the possibility of having chats that self-destruct, that is, you can determine how long it takes until that chat will be automatically deleted. In addition, in those chats you cannot capture, so that everything is private.
Like WhatsApp, in Telegram we can have individual and group chats (Groups can have thousands of participants in addition). There are also many channels to join, so that we can be aware of issues or have access to content. The app also has support for sending large files, being a much better option than WhatsApp for sending large photos or videos. We can also make group calls and video calls in the application, so we can always be in contact with others.
Telegram is one of the best messaging apps available for Android. The application can be downloaded for free from the Play Store. Inside the application there are no ads or purchases of any kind. In addition, it is a very secure and private app, which is one of the aspects that contribute to its popularity.
Signal
Signal is one of the messaging apps that is growing the most this year. The European Commission has called it as the most secure and private instant messaging app, something that has undoubtedly helped more and more people to open an account in it. One of the keys to Signal is that they only collect the user's phone number as personal data. The application makes no attempt to collect user data. This means that its use is private at all times.
In addition to its privacy, the application stands out for its many functions, some of which have been incorporating these months. We can have individual and group chats, as well as make calls and video calls. Like Telegram, we have a function that allows send messages that are automatically deleted, in case we want a more private chat, where captures cannot also be made. As in other messaging apps, it is possible for us to send files in chats (photos, videos, documents ...). In addition, Signal gives customization options, such as being able to change the background of each chat.
Signal is a messaging application that we can download for free for Android devices, available in the Play Store. The app does not have ads or purchases inside and is a guarantee in terms of security and privacy, which is why it has managed to gain a place as one of the best messaging apps on Android.
LINE
LINE is one of the least known messaging apps in Europe, compared to other names that we have mentioned in this list, although it is presented as an option to consider. It is an option that those who are looking for an app to talk only with friends may like more, since it is somewhat more casual and is based mainly on its many stickers. LINE is growing in the market and has about 170 million active users.
The chats in the application are end-to-end encrypted, although this option can be disabled in its settings, for example. It also has video calls, which can also be group calls, with support for video calls of up to 200 people. The application is cloud-based, but supports it to be used only on one device at a time. There is also a version for PC, so that you do not need the mobile to be turned on, they are independent of each other. The app has its own ecosystem, with its own stories and even its own payment system.
LINE is not as well known or widespread as other messaging apps, but it is an interesting option, because it is an option halfway between messaging apps and a social network, with its own payment system included. Downloading this app on Android is free, although there are advertisements and purchases inside.
Viber
With nearly a billion users worldwide, Viber is another of the most popular messaging apps. This application allows you to add your contacts automatically and it will give us access to the functions that we already know in the messaging apps on Android: having individual and group chats with friends and family. You can send text messages and stickers in the chats, as well as make calls or video calls with these people. The app supports video calls with up to 20 people at the same time.
Of course, it is possible to share files in the conversations we have in the app, so we can send photos or videos at any time. Group chats in the application are quite extensive, because they can have up to 250 participants, which undoubtedly makes it also a good tool for companies or students, who want to have their classmates in the same place. In-app chats are end-to-end encrypted, so we have that important security aspect.
Viber for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, where it is available for free. The application has purchases and advertisements inside it, with which you have access to some additional functions. It performs well in terms of functions, so it is another good app to consider in this market segment.
Google Messages
Google messages is the native SMS app on many Android phones, also compatible with most brands in the operating system. It is an application that goes beyond SMS, because for some time has support for RCS messages, which makes it an option to consider in messaging apps for Android. It is a much more basic application than others in the list, but it is oriented for those who simply want to send a message from time to time.
The operation of RCS messages also depends on your operator, so not all users who have Google Messages will be able to enjoy this function. It is the most basic app, being able to send messages and photos if we wish. Although in this case there are no options such as video calls, for this you have to resort to other apps like Duo, so it depends on other apps to have the same functions as other messaging apps.
Google messages can be download for free for Android phones from the Google Play Store. The app is compatible with many models, but there may be some phones where it is not possible to use it. In addition, the question is whether you have support for RCS messaging in your operator or not.
