Free apps for texting on Android and iOS are the driving force of day-to-day conversations across the globe. But, with so many messaging apps on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you and your needs.
After reviewing a bunch of mainstream free apps for texting, here are two of our recommended free apps for texting out of the 9 best free texting apps for Android and iOS in 2022:
- WhatsApp: With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is by far the most popular messaging app in the world. It offers end-to-end encryption for all conversations, meaning that only you and the person you’re talking to can read your messages. You can also make audio and video calls, and there’s a built-in payment system so you can easily send money to friends and family.
- Facebook Messenger: With 1.3 billion monthly active users, Facebook Messenger is the second most popular messaging app. It offers many of the same features as WhatsApp, including end-to-end encryption, audio and video calling, and payments. However, it also has some unique features.
The 9 Best Free Texting Apps for Android and iOs in 2022
There are many messaging apps available for Android, but not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are more popular than others. Here are 9 of the best texting apps for Android in 2022:
1. WhatsApp Messenger
2. Facebook Messenger
3. Google Hangouts
4. Skype
5. Viber
6. LINE
7. WeChat
8. Telegram
9. Signal
WhatsApp Messenger
Almost anyone I know in my social circle has WhatsApp Messenger installed on their smartphone. Not only is WhatsApp Messenger a free texting app, but it also offers free voice and video calls. WhatsApp uses your phone number as your primary identifier, making it easy for your contacts to message you.
You can also create group chats with up to 256 participants. Plus, with end-to-end encryption enabled by default, you can be sure that your messages are private and secure.
Download: WhatsApp Messenger (Free)
Facebook Messenger
If you’re already using Facebook, then you should definitely check out its dedicated messaging app—Facebook Messenger. With over 1 billion monthly active users, there’s a good chance that many of your friends are already using it.
Like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger lets you make free voice and video calls. You can also send money to friends and family members in select regions as of now.
Download: Facebook Messenger (Free)
Google Chat Messenger App [ Formerly Google Hangouts ]
Google’s free texting app Chat is what was formerly known as Google Hangouts is a free texting app that’s pre-installed on most Android smartphones. It offers features like group chat, video calling, and integration with Google’s other products. You can also use Google Hangouts as your default SMS app if you want to.
With Google workspace, I have found Chat messenger app become a lynchpin in my daily business and personal communication with my remote team and loved ones.
Download: Chat (Free)
Skype Free Texting And Video Calling App
Skype is one of the most popular video calling apps out there, but it can also be used as a free texting app. Skype lets you make voice and video calls, and you can also use it to send instant messages.
You can even add emojis, photos, and GIFs to your conversations.
One neat feature of Skype is that you can use it to call landlines and mobile phones. However, you will need to pay for this service. Download: Skype (Free)
Viber Free Texting And Calling App
Viber is another free texting app that’s very similar to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. It offers features like end-to-end encryption, group chat, voice and video calls, and more.
You can also use Viber to make calls to landlines and mobile phones. However, like Skype, you will need to pay for this service. Download: Viber (Free)
LINE Free Texting And Calling App
LINE is a free texting app that’s very popular in Asia. It offers features like group chat, voice and video calls, stickers, and more.
One neat feature of LINE is that you can use it to call landlines and mobile phones in select countries. However, you will need to pay for this service. Download: LINE (Free)
WeChat Free Texting And Calling App
WeChat is another free texting app that’s very popular in Asia. It offers features like group chat, voice and video calls, stickers, and more.
One neat feature of WeChat is that you can use it to call landlines and mobile phones in select countries. However, you will need to pay for this service. Download: WeChat (Free)
Telegram Free Texting App
Telegram is a free texting app that’s very popular among privacy-conscious users. That’s because Telegram offers features like end-to-end encryption, group chat, self-destructing messages, and more.
Telegram also has a dedicated desktop app, which is great if you want to use the app on your computer as well. Download: Telegram (Free)
Signal Private Free Texting App
Signal is a free texting app that’s very popular among privacy-conscious users. That’s because Signal offers features like end-to-end encryption, group chat, self-destructing messages, and more.
Signal also has a dedicated desktop app, which is great if you want to use the app on your computer as well. Download: Signal (Free)
How to choose the best free texting apps for Android and iOS.
Now that you know what free texting apps are available, you may be wondering how to choose the best one for you. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do you need features like end-to-end encryption or self-destructing messages?
- How important is it to you that the app has a dedicated desktop app?
- Do you want to be able to make calls to landlines and mobile phones?
- Are you looking for an app that’s popular in your region?
Once you’ve considered these factors, you should be able to narrow down your options and choose the best free texting app for your needs.
When I travel, the best free texting app for Android or iOS is WhatsApp because it’s popular worldwide and offers features like end-to-end encryption. However, if I’m just looking for an app to use for general day-to-day chatting, I usually go with Facebook Messenger because it integrates well with other Google products.
Finally, if I need an app that has a dedicated desktop app and offers features like group chat and voice/video calls, I’ll go with Skype.
Comparing the features of each app.
Because each free texting app offers different features, it’s important to compare them side-by-side to see which one is best for you. Here’s a quick comparison of the features offered by each app:
Skype:
– Offers group chat, voice/video calls, and file sharing
– Supports landline and mobile phone calls (but you need to pay for this service)
– Has a dedicated desktop app
Viber:
– Offers group chat, voice/video calls, and file sharing
– Supports landline and mobile phone calls (but you need to pay for this service)
– Has a dedicated desktop app
LINE:
– Offers group chat, voice/video calls, stickers, and more
– Supports landline and mobile phone calls (but you need to pay for this service)
WeChat:
Offers group chat, voice/video calls, stickers, and more
- Supports landline and mobile phone calls (but you need to pay for this service)
Telegram:
- Offers end-to-end encryption, group chat, self-destructing messages, and more
- Has a dedicated desktop app
Signal:
- Offers end-to-end encryption, group chat, self-destructing messages, and more
- Has a dedicated desktop app
WhatsApp:
- Offers end-to-end encryption and group chat
Facebook Messenger:
- Integrates well with other Google products
As you can see, each free texting app has its own unique set of features. So, when you’re choosing a free texting app, be sure to consider which features are most important to you.
Deciding which app is best for you.
As you can now see, deciding which texting app you should choose will come down to your individual needs and preferences.
Do you need features like end-to-end encryption or self-destructing messages? If so, Signal or Telegram might be the best choice for you.
Are you looking for an app that’s popular in your region? If so, WhatsApp is probably your best bet.
Do you want to be able to make calls to landlines and mobile phones? Skype will be the best option for you.
Finally, if you’re just looking for an app to use for general day-to-day chatting, Facebook Messenger is a good choice.
I hope this article has helped you understand the different free texting apps that are available and how to choose the best one for you.
Overall, the Watchdog editorial team recommends Whatapp messenger and Facebook Messenger as the top best choices. However, the best free texting app for Android is the one that best suits your individual needs.
All of the apps we’ve mentioned have their own unique set of features, so it’s important to compare them and decide which one is best for you.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a free texting app is to consider what features are important to you. If you need an app with end-to-end encryption, Signal or Telegram are good choices.
If you’re looking for an app that’s popular in your region, WhatsApp is a good option. And if you want an all-in-one messaging solution, Skype has everything you need.
So, take some time to think about what features are important to you and then choose the best free texting app for Android!
