An app is a software designed to provide functionality for mobile devices, such as Android smartphones or tablets. Apps are usually downloaded from an online store like Google Play.
To stay competitive, app developers have been adding new features, and messaging apps have evolved from simple text messaging solutions to full-fledged social networking platforms. Other ways people are using messaging apps are:
- To communicate with friends and family
- For professional use (e.g., work-related conversations)
- To identify people/services they know (recognizing contacts)
- To find new people/services to connect with (discovering contacts)
- To provide feedback on services or products
- To share pictures and videos
- To have private conversations (messaging app feature)
- To join group conversations (messaging app feature)
- To follow specific topics or interests (Twitter-like messaging app feature)
- To stay updated on current events (news-feed-like messaging app feature)
- To play games
- To create communities/groups (messaging app feature)
- To send money to contacts like in WeChat
- To access work documents on the go (using cloud-based messaging apps)
- To find and book appointments with service providers (using appointment booking features of some messaging apps)
Android users have various messaging apps to choose from, and the options continue to grow. You can visit Appsitory.com and find out some of the android apps to download. Here are five of the best Android messaging apps that you must have.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, and it’s no surprise why. It’s easy to use and has a ton of great features.
Pros of WhatsApp Android Messaging App:
- Allows you to send and receive messages from your computer via WiFi or data
- You can text internationally, but messaging is usually a bit pricier when going over borders
- The app has a variety of fun emoticons and stickers to choose from
- Supports pictures and videos
- Supports group chats
- Has an online status feature, so you know when people are active on WhatsApp
- It is fast and reliable
- Video and voice calling is available
Cons of WhatsApp Android Messaging App:
- You can only message people who have WhatsApp
- If you delete a message, it’s gone for good- there is no “delete for everyone” feature
2. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is another popular messaging app. It’s very versatile and has a lot of features.
Pros of Facebook Messenger Android Messaging App:
- You can message people who are not on Facebook
- Groups chats can have up to 50 participants
- Can make voice and video calls
- Integrated with Facebook so you can see when people are online and what they’re doing on the social media site
- Lots of emoticons and stickers to choose from
Cons of Facebook Messenger Android Messaging App:
- You can only message people who have Facebook Messenger
- If you delete a message, it’s gone for good- there is no “delete for everyone” feature
- The app can take up a lot of data due to all of the features
3. Telegram
Telegram is a versatile messaging app that includes the option for encrypted chats.
Pros of Telegram Android Messaging App:
- Includes end-to-end encryption (it is faster and simpler than other apps like WhatsApp with end-to-end encryption)
- Supports groups and broadcast lists
- Very versatile and easy to use
- You can create a passcode to lock the app.
- Has stickers and emoticons, but they are all free to use
- The developers claim that Telegram is faster than other messaging apps because it uses a different type of data compression that requires fewer resources from your phone.
- It is easy on the battery
Cons of Telegram Android Messaging App:
- Doesn’t have as many features as other options like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger
- Doesn’t include the “delete for everyone” feature that most apps support nowadays. This means that once you send something to someone, there is no way to take it back if you change your mind.
4. Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a messaging app that is integrated with other Google services.
Pros of Google Hangouts Android Messaging App:
- Integrated with other Google services like Gmail and Calendar, so you can easily message people from those platforms
- Supports group chats and conference calls
- You can use it on your computer or phone
- Photos, videos, and locations can be shared in a chat
- Can send and receive messages offline
- Emoticons, stickers, and GIFs are supported
Cons of Google Hangouts Android Messaging App:
- The app can take up a lot of space on your phone.
- It is integrated with Gmail, so it can be a bit confusing if you have a Gmail/Google account and a hangouts/google account.
- Doesn’t support end-to-end encryption like Telegram
5. Kik Messenger
Kik Messenger is popular amongst younger generations who use the app to send messages quickly.
Pros of Kik Messenger Android Messaging App:
- Emoticons, stickers, GIFs, videos, and pictures are all supported.
- You don’t need an account to use it- you can download the app and go! (If you want to sign up, you can use your email address or phone number)
- Has a variety of emojis that are free to use
- Supports Android Wear, so you can reply from your watch (if you have one).
- You don’t need WiFi to send messages like other apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. You can text people for free as long as you have a data plan!
- You can chat with strangers if you want- it’s not just for messaging people you know.
- The developer has a really cute FAQ page that is hilarious and informative at the same time!
Cons of Kik Messenger Android Messaging App:
- It can be confusing for people who are not used to the app
- The app can take up a lot of data
- You cannot delete messages for everyone, just for yourself
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an app with encrypted chats, stickers, or just a simple way to message your friends, there is an app out there that will fit your needs! This list is of some of the best messaging apps. However, there are many other options available for you.
