Text messaging is one of the most popular ways to communicate around the world. It's quick, easy to do, and doesn't require you to pause like phone calls do. We understand that many people still prefer the human touch of telephone conversation and we respect that. However, let's look at the facts, most people are texting these days. Here are the best messaging apps and SMS apps on Android in 2022.
Messages
Messages is a Google application for sending messages (SMS, MMS) and chat (RCS). In terms of features, Android Messages keeps it light. You'll have lightweight theme options, organization and backup features, and a decent search feature. The design is entirely material. That means it looks good and it's easy to use. Google also has big plans for this app, including RCS support as well as other cool features. This also has a web version for texting on your computer.
Chomping SMS
This application has evolved into an application that integrates material design while providing many features. Some of them include emoticons, SMS blocking, quick reply in notifications, MMS, and group messaging. You can even stop a text being sent if needed. It also comes with Android Wear and Pushbullet support. If you want them, there are plenty of other customization features.
Facebook Messenger
We will be honest with you. Facebook Messenger is not a good app. It uses a ton of battery, storage, and RAM. It also has ads. However, chances are you have it on your device. Facebook has tons of users and chances are you keep that because you have loved ones who just won't change for something better. If you need it, you can also enable SMS support. This way you can kind of kill two birds with one stone. The SMS integration is fine if that helps. It is not the best option for SMS messaging apps.
Handcent Next SMS
Handcent, along with Chomp SMS, are the first two third-party text messaging apps available on Android. Just like Chomp SMS, Handcent is a powerful and heavy texting app with a ton of features. Some of them include themes, privacy area to store private conversations, SMS backup, e-cards, emoticons, and much more. One of the coolest features is Handcent Anywhere, which lets you text on your computer and tablet if you want.
Mood messenger
Mood Messenger is one of the newer SMS messaging apps. It doesn't have a ton of features. However, it seems to have the right features. You can also get customizations, themes, GIFs, location sharing, media features, and more. It also has a courier service. Mood Messenger users can message each other without using SMS. Either way, the app is free, with no in-app purchases or ads that we found.
Press SMS
Pulse SMS is one of the most unique SMS messaging apps on the list. It's like any standard SMS app for the most part. However, there is also a back-end which allows you to send SMS from your PC, tablet and other devices. Besides, it also supports dual SIM devices, phone number blacklist, message backup, etc.
QK SMS
QKSMS is one of the simplest SMS apps. It's open source and that's always a good idea. Also, the app comes with a bunch of features. Some of them include privacy features such as a blacklist, Android Wear support. The use is in line with your expectations. It won't surprise you, but its simplicity is appreciated considering how cumbersome some SMS applications can be.
Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Messenger is actually a messaging app very similar to Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. The difference is that this one has end-to-end encryption and is the favorite of many people who value security. It also works on a phone number system and if your contact doesn't have the app, it just sends a text message. We really liked the transparency of this feature. It's simple to use, looks great with Material Design, and it's completely free to use. It is also open source, supports group chats and even makes phone calls.
Textra SMS
Textra SMS is one of the strongest SMS messaging apps on the list. This popular and very stylish SMS app is also one of the top rated on the list. It comes with a theme switcher (you choose the colors yourself), dark mode, notifications, send later, delete slide, and many other features. It also comes with direct support for Android Wear, Pushbullet, MightyText, etc. You can use most features for free. There is only one in-app purchase to unlock the pro version.
YAATA SMS/MMS
YAATA SMS/MMS is one of the currently high performing SMS messaging apps. It has a lot of features, including support for group chats, sending scheduled messages, and full MMS support. If you buy the premium version, you'll also get an SMS blacklist, autoresponder, auto-forwarding, and the ability to backup and restore your settings if you buy a new device.
Read also: 5 best encrypted messaging apps on Android
Conclusion
Here are the 10 best messaging and texting apps on Android in 2022. Majority of these apps are free but some of them are paid apps. You can choose the one that best suits your needs. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments section below. You can also consult the best video chat apps for Android on our website.
