Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pics, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone downright free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation instrument for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features swift, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multiplicity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Dearest Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Observe apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation contraption for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone entirely free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation device for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features prompt, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Jiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple See apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a insanely popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone totally free, tho’ this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a multitude of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has spinned out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your beloved apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features quick, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a beloved of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious shove for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (pictures, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.
Best Talk Apps – Our Beloved Messaging Apps for Android and iOS
Best Messaging Apps
WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Remarkably effortless setup, automatic syncing with your phone’s contacts and a feature-rich, ad-free practice all combine to make WhatsApp (Android, iOS) a frantically popular mobile messaging app. Users can send text, photos, voice and brief movie messages to their WhatsApp contacts, and the app has continuously added fresh features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and most recently, fully encrypted messaging inbetween WhatsApp users. The app does require phone functionality, so it won’t work on all devices. While WhatsApp used to have a subscription fee, it’s now gone fully free, however this has led to some concerns about privacy and data sharing with third parties.
Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Viber (Android, iOS) is effortless to set up and still offers a diversity of options. Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and movie messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). In addition, Viber’s also introduced encrypted messaging features to the app, with a color-coded icon indicating talk security and encryption. You will need a SIM card and phone functionality to set up Viber.
Google Allo (Android, iOS: Free)
Not content to rest on its laurels, Google has flipped out another messaging app that adds AI assistant functions to your everyday talk and SMS app. Google Allo (Android, iOS) has your typical mobile messaging features such as talk, photo messaging, stickers, emoji, and a doodle/annotation implement for photos, but the standout addition is its use of Google Assistant, the AI-powered assistant that can suggest quick message replies or find information relevant to your talk conversations, such as nearby restaurants, the weather report, and more. Additionally, there’s an Incognito talk mode that features end-to-end encryption, private notifications and self-destructing messages.
Facebook Messenger & Messenger Lite (Android, iOS: Free)
Facebook’s own foray into the mobile messaging field is Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS), a dedicated messaging app that builds on Facebook’s existing talk network and adds more mobile messaging features. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual talk messages, as well as voice messages and voice calls to other Messenger users. On Android, Messenger has a neat "Talk Goes" feature that pops up in the screen to permit you to talk even when other apps are on-screen. Facebook also offers a slimmed down Messenger Lite intended for older Android devices that offers a slimmed down core messaging practice for older phones with less memory and processing power. And Facebook’s planning on adding talk extensions that promise to let you bring your dearest apps into Messenger.
Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram (Android, iOS) is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features rapid, encrypted talk messaging, with client-server encryption for standard talks. A Secure Talk mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share movies, documents and participate in group talks of up to two hundred users.
Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Open Whisper Systems’ Signal (Android, iOS) is another fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems’ private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a dearest of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.
WeChat (Android, iOS: Free)
With more than six hundred ninety seven million users, WeChat (Android, iOS) predominates in the Chinese mobile Web and is making a serious thrust for global reach. WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, movie and voice calls, group talk, and multimedia messaging (photos, movie, audio, stickers, etc). The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Wiggle" to quickly find fresh people to talk with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Witness apps are also available.