Popular chat applications are getting more and more diverse over time. This cannot be separated from the increasing needs of human digital communication. Apart from establishing communication with colleagues or friends, you can also use it to connect with new people.
The messenger application is a solution to the high cost of SMS or telephone calls at operator rates. Now, various messaging applications are increasingly popular with various attractive features. Here are some recommendations for the best messenger applications for desktop and Android.
11 Best Text Messenger App for Android
Here are recommendations for global chat applications that you can use to exchange greetings with relatives or new people:
1. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp is a messenger application that is no longer foreign, in fact, almost everyone has it. This app is designed for smartphones and tablets to send messages, video calls, voice notes, GPS, and view other people’s locations without leaving the app.
WhatsApp is one of the popular global chat applications that has served more than two billion monthly active users. There are many interesting features that you can use with this one messaging application.
For example, such as sending photos, videos, voice messages, documents, locations, and contacts. Apart from that, this application also allows you to easily make phone calls and video calls anywhere.
Not only that, WhatsApp is also equipped with end-to-end encryption technology that can guarantee the confidentiality of messages sent by its users.
Apart from that, WhatsApp also supports sending files up to 100 MB, the appearance is also quite comfortable because there are no advertisements, and you can create groups of up to 275 people.
Price: Free
Here is a table comparing some pros and cons of WhatsApp Messenger when compared to other messaging apps:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User base of over 2 billion users, making it one of the most popular messaging apps in the world | No built-in support for video or audio calls with more than 8 participants |
| End-to-end encryption for all messages, providing a high level of privacy and security | Limited customization options, with few options for personalizing chats or conversations |
| Integration with other Facebook-owned apps, such as Instagram and Messenger, providing a seamless experience for users | Limited support for business or professional use, with no dedicated business account options |
| Ability to send and receive messages from any device, including desktop and tablet | Requires a phone number to sign up and use the app, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer to use a separate number for messaging |
| Range of features, including voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing | Limited functionality for socializing or discovering new content, compared to other messaging apps with public chat or community features |
It’s important to note that these pros and cons are not definitive and can vary depending on the user’s needs and preferences. Additionally, the comparison between WhatsApp Messenger and other messaging apps can be subjective and depend on the specific features and capabilities of each app.
2. Telegram
The Telegram app uses end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp and includes a free chat service. The developer also admits that the application is safer than WhatsApp because it uses the MTProto protocol.
In some countries, their governments discourage their citizens from using this messaging service because of its very good security. Even Russia has blocked all Telegram access in its territory.
The Indonesian government itself through the Ministry of Communication and Informatics had blocked Telegram regarding the issue of radicalism and terrorism. However, now access to Telegram in Indonesia has been reopened and can be used like a chat application in general.
Price: Free
| Pros of Telegram (Pros) | Cons of Telegram (Cons) |
| 1. Can be downloaded and used for free. 2. Free from ads. 3. A lightweight and fast messaging application. 4. Using an end-to-end encryption system. 5. Able to send files as large as 1.5GB. 6. Has a large capacity Channel feature. 7. The existence of the Bot feature. 8. Can be used on several types of devices. 9. Able to accommodate 30 thousand people in a group. 10. Requires small storage space. 11. Offers free sticker feature. | 1. Does not provide video call feature. 2. It doesn’t have story sharing. |
3. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is from the same company as WhatsApp. The features possessed by Facebook Messenger are not much different from WhatsApp. Apart from being able to send text messages, pictures and more, both of them can also make voice or video calls.
Even though many of the features look similar, there are several unique features that Facebook Messenger has, including users not having to have the intended telephone number to chat with but only needing to know the username of that person’s Facebook account.
Besides that, on Facebook Messenger users can watch videos together while making video calls. Facebook Messenger can be downloaded via Google Play, the App Store or the Web page for free.
Price: Free
| Pros of Facebook Messenger (Pros) | Cons of Facebook Messenger (Cons) |
| 1. Has voicemail, telephone, and video call features. 2. Can be downloaded for free. 3. Automated contacts with Facebook. 4. Accessible on all platforms. 5. Not only for personal, but also has features for high-quality group videos. 6. Has a dark mode. | 1. The feature to send and receive money is still limited to users in the United States. 2. Apps must be downloaded separately, not be part of Facebook itself. 3. Must have a Facebook account. 4. Has a monotonous look. |
4. Instagram DM
Instagram Direct Message, commonly known as DM, is a feature on the social media platform Instagram that allows users to send private messages to one or more users. It enables Instagram users to send text messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and even voice notes to other Instagram users who follow them or who they follow.
To send a DM on Instagram, you need to open the app and tap on the paper airplane icon at the top right corner of your screen. This will take you to your inbox where you can start a new conversation or continue an existing one. You can search for a specific user or group by typing their name in the search bar, and you can also share posts and stories directly with other users through the DM feature.
DMs on Instagram can be used for various purposes, such as networking, socializing, customer service, or even as a marketing tool for businesses. Users can also choose to receive notifications for new DMs and can customize their DM settings to control who can and cannot send them messages.
Price: Free
| Pros of Instagram DM (Pros) | Cons of Instagram DM (Cons) |
| 1. Can be used for free. 2. There is no need to download the app separately. 3. Send pictures, voice messages, text messages, videos, and GIFs. 4. Can be used on the web or desktop. 5. Can store answers to frequently asked questions. 6. There is a feature of liking received messages. 7. It can be for voice calls or video calls. 8. Can reply to specific messages. | 1. Emoticons are less attractive. 2. Considerable volume of data. |
5. WeChat
WeChat is a popular chat app that has become an essential part of daily life for many people in China. However, its reach extends beyond just messaging and social networking. WeChat is also widely used as a mobile payment platform, with users able to link their bank accounts to their WeChat account and make payments through the app. This has made WeChat a convenient and easy-to-use payment option for everything from groceries to taxi rides.
In addition to messaging and payment features, WeChat also offers a variety of other services, such as news, entertainment, and gaming. Many businesses in China use WeChat to interact with customers and market their products, with the app serving as a hub for e-commerce and advertising. As a result, WeChat has become an important tool for businesses looking to reach Chinese consumers.
WeChat’s popularity has not gone unnoticed outside of China, and the app is increasingly being used by people in other parts of the world. However, it is important to note that the app’s features and availability can vary depending on the user’s location. Despite this, WeChat’s ability to seamlessly integrate messaging, payments, and other services has made it a compelling option for many people, and its continued growth and evolution will be interesting to watch.
Price: Free
| WeChat Strength (Pros) | WeChat Shortage (Cons) |
| 1. Can find new friends just by shaking handphone. 2. There are features look around which allows users to search for other users who use WeChat. 3. Bida hides certain people using features hidden. 4. Have payment options cashless. 5. Easy to know the activities of new friends. | 1. There is a limit on the number of group members. 2. The shake feature is only limited to the same country. 3. All group members have limitations such as to change the group name. |
6. Discord
Discord is a popular chat app that has gained a large following among gamers and online communities. One of the unique features of Discord is its ability to create servers, which are essentially virtual meeting places where people can chat, share media, and participate in group activities such as gaming or streaming. Users can create their own servers or join existing ones, making Discord a versatile platform for connecting with people who share similar interests.
In addition to its chat and social networking features, Discord also offers a variety of tools for online collaboration and communication. For example, users can share their screens, stream video, and collaborate on projects in real-time. This has made Discord a popular choice for online communities such as artists, writers, and programmers who need a way to work together on projects and share ideas.
Discord’s user base has grown rapidly in recent years, and the app has become an important tool for content creators and online communities. However, its popularity has also led to some challenges, such as moderation issues and concerns about user privacy. Nevertheless, Discord’s versatile and user-friendly platform has made it a popular choice for people looking to connect with others and collaborate online.
Price: Free
| Discord Strength (Pros) | Discord Deficiency (Cons) |
| 1. Voice meeting it can be a lot. 2. Data usage lighter. 3.If there is a connection interruption, it will not affect other users present. 4. Can be used on various gadgets. 5. Account security guaranteed. 6. Have a variety of communities. | 1. Only the admin can determine who can talk. |
7. Skype
Skype is a widely-used chat app that has been around since 2003, making it one of the oldest and most established players in the market. One of Skype’s main features is its video calling capabilities, which have made it a popular choice for personal and business use alike. Skype’s video calling is known for its high quality and reliability, and the app also offers a variety of other useful features such as messaging, screen sharing, and file sharing.
In recent years, Skype has faced increased competition from other chat apps, such as WhatsApp and Zoom, but it remains a popular choice for many people. Skype is particularly popular among businesses, where it is used for virtual meetings, interviews, and training sessions. The app’s ease of use and compatibility with different devices and operating systems have made it a convenient and reliable option for remote work and communication.
One of the benefits of Skype is that it is owned by Microsoft, which has allowed the app to integrate with other Microsoft products such as Outlook and Office. This has made it easy for users to schedule and join meetings directly from their calendar or email, making Skype a seamless part of many people’s daily workflow.
Price: Free
| Advantages of Skype (Pros) | Skype Disadvantages (Cons) |
| 1. More economical because you can make calls for free anywhere. 2. Has high sound quality. 3. Decentralized global user search data and tools. 4. Have strong security. 5. Easy to use (user friendly). | 1. Open the opportunity for fraud because registration can be done without including a valid self-identity. 2. The capacity is quite large, because Skype takes up around 23MB on the hard disk. 3. Users who want to make a call must be both online. |
8. Line
Line is a popular chat app that was first launched in Japan in 2011. Since then, it has become one of the most widely-used chat apps in the world, with over 187 million monthly active users. Line is known for its diverse range of features, including messaging, voice and video calls, social networking, and mobile payments. The app’s stickers and emojis have also become a popular way for users to express themselves and add some fun to their conversations.
One of Line’s unique features is its “Timeline,” which is similar to a social media feed where users can share photos, updates, and posts with their friends and followers. This has made Line a popular choice for people who want to stay connected and up-to-date with their friends and family. In addition to its social networking features, Line also offers a variety of services such as music streaming, online shopping, and food delivery, making it a versatile platform for users’ daily needs.
Line’s popularity has not been limited to Japan and Asia, but has also spread to other parts of the world. The app’s ability to seamlessly integrate messaging, social networking, and other services has made it a compelling option for many users. While Line may not be as well-known as other chat apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, its unique features and wide range of services have made it a popular choice for millions of people around the world.
Price: Free
| Overload Line (Pros) | Line Disadvantages (Cons) |
| 1. Can be downloaded and used for free and easy. 2. Can be used to send text messages, pictures and call. 3. Use a telephone number as an account identity. 4. Users can create QR Code to use as a friend enhancer. 5. There are so many interesting stickers and emoticons that can be downloaded for free or paid. 6. There are features Black List ID. 7. Can be used on mobile devices or even tablets or desktops. | 1. Can only accommodate group members up to 100 people. 2. Phone features can be of good quality on a network of at least 3G. 3. The size of the application is large. |
9. Snapchat
Snapchat is popular in many countries around the world, but it has a particularly strong user base in the United States. According to recent statistics, the United States is the country with the highest number of Snapchat users, followed by France and the United Kingdom.
Snapchat is a social media and messaging app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages with other users. The unique feature of Snapchat is that the content shared on the app is temporary and disappears after a set amount of time, usually 24 hours.
Snapchat is especially popular among younger users, with the majority of its user base consisting of people aged between 13 and 29. The app is known for its fun and playful features, such as filters, lenses, and stickers that can be applied to photos and videos.
Snapchat is used for various purposes, including casual messaging with friends, sharing personal moments, and even for marketing and advertising by businesses. The app also features a Discover section where users can view content from publishers and creators on a variety of topics, including news, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Snapchat is also popular in other countries such as Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The app has been successful in attracting a young and engaged user base in many countries, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Price: Free
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Content disappears after a set amount of time, providing privacy | Messages and content cannot be backed up, which can be a disadvantage for some users |
| Fun and playful features, such as filters and lenses, that make messaging more engaging | User interface can be confusing for new users |
| Strong user base among younger demographics, which can be advantageous for socializing and sharing personal moments | Limited functionality for business or professional use, compared to other messaging apps |
| Discover section provides access to a range of content from publishers and creators | Limited integration with other apps or platforms, which can be an inconvenience for some users |
| Ability to send money to friends through the app | No option for end-to-end encryption, which can be a security concern for some users |
10. Viber
Viber is a popular messaging app that offers free messaging, voice, and video calling services. The app is known for its high-quality audio and video calls, which allow users to communicate with their friends and family members across the world with ease. One of the unique features of Viber is its ability to make calls to both Viber users and non-Viber users, as long as they have a phone number.
Another interesting feature of Viber is its self-destructing messages. Users can choose to send a message that will disappear after a set amount of time, which can be helpful for maintaining privacy and security. Viber also offers end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, which provides an added layer of security for users.
Viber has also expanded its capabilities beyond messaging and calling, with the addition of features such as public chats and communities. Users can join public chats based on their interests, and engage with other users on a variety of topics. Additionally, Viber allows businesses to create public accounts and engage with customers through messaging and chatbots, making it a useful tool for customer service and marketing. Overall, Viber offers a range of features and services that make it a popular choice for communication and socializing.
Price: Free
| Excess Viber (Pros) | Viber Disadvantages (Cons) |
| 1. Has original and funny emojis among all chat applications 2. Can hide chat / communication 3. Can be accessed through mobile and desktop devices 4. Unlimited free calls to people both locally and internationally | Does not work well on iOS devices Has a rather outdated interface Cannot receive calls unless the application is in use The option to back up files and contacts to cloud storage isnt exists There are no filters for spam in public groups and finally notifications continue to appear on mobile |
11. MiChat
MiChat is a social messaging app that offers a range of features for communication and socializing. The app allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share media files with other users. MiChat also features a social feed where users can post and share updates, photos, and videos with their friends and followers.
One of the unique features of MiChat is its group chat functionality, which allows users to create and join groups based on their interests or social circles. Users can also send anonymous messages to other users, providing an added level of privacy for those who wish to remain anonymous.
MiChat also offers a range of fun and interactive features, such as virtual gifts, games, and quizzes, that make the app more engaging for users. Additionally, the app allows users to earn rewards and points for various activities, such as inviting friends to join the app or completing certain tasks within the app.
Overall, MiChat is a messaging app that provides a range of features for communication, socializing, and entertainment. While it may not be as widely known or popular as some of the more established messaging apps, MiChat has gained popularity in certain regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, and offers a unique set of features and capabilities for its users.
| Advantages of MiChat (Pros) | MiChat deficiency (Cons) |
| 1. Great application for social networking and connecting people 2. Help find many new friends 3. Sound recordings are very clear, including video call recordings | 1. Does not indicate people who are online unless they reply to a previous message 2. A pop up notification continues to appear around the application 3. Photos that are downloaded can still be seen by other users even if they have been deleted |