Top 12 Best Texting Apps (2022): Compared & Reviewed
Introduction
Today we live in a digital era that is connected through devices. It's hard to imagine our life without them. Initially, people had STD booths to go to and make a call.
Then came landlines in every household. Soon, mobile phones entered the market and penetrated every household.
However, today if we look at the ease of communication that we have, it is almost astonishing. It is possible to call someone living in another country with the help of the internet.
This has changed the way we consume content, how we share it and how we talk. Earlier, the main difference was access.
There was no access to this technology and if there was it was for the privileged. That is not the case anymore.
Today texting has become the new norm. It has been observed that some people prefer texting over calls and would only call under extreme circumstances.
Especially when it comes to the generations such as the GenZ or even millennials, texting is a huge part of their lives.
More often than not, it can help you steer away from awkward situations in public such as waiting alone or spending time with someone you do not want to.
Today, even professions are managed with texts. People send resumes via text and end up getting jobs as well. Networking has also changed in this world of technology.
People have groups or text threads with their friends and family and have gotten increasingly creative with the way they use it.
There are images, videos, and voice messages shared on these text threads as well. Even organizations have groups in order to interact with each other outside.
In schools, parents and teachers have official groups for ensuring that the notices reach on time.
On the whole, we can establish that texting today has become an important component of our lives both formally and informally.
This article talks about the 12 best texting applications that are there today for you to be able to enjoy texting. There are a variety of features provided by each.
We also dive into the pros and cons of using each application to get a holistic view. In the article, texting etiquettes and the features that one can look for in a texting application are provided for you to be able to make a good decision.
We hope that the article is helpful to you and you can up your texting game!
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most popular and widely used texting applications. It has almost become a synonym for texting.
There are people who ask you to ‘WhatsApp’ images or content to you instead of asking you to send it, that itself is a remarkable example of how dependent people are on this application.
It is an application that can be used by iOS as well as Android users. You can also use it on the web, Windows, or mac.
It is available for free of cost and has been around for quite a good number of years.
Features:
WhatsApp is known for the number of features that it provides. It supports regular chatting, there is a backup available as well.
You can also share content such as images, videos, documents, and voice messages. With newer updates, it is possible for the users to even share their live location, adding to the convenience of finding a particular spot.
WhatsApp has its very own user interface. It is easy to navigate and does not require technical knowledge as such.
There is a seen feature where one tick is sent, two is delivered and if those ticks turn blue it means the person has seen your message. There are multiple features such as these.
Pros
Cons
WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the best texting apps that there are. Some people have security issues however the messages are end to end encrypted.
It is available for free of cost and provides a wide range of features. You can also use it for business and professional purposes. It is an application for all age groups.
2. Signal
Signal is considered as the common alternative for WhatsApp. It is from open whisper systems and is available for both iOS and Android.
You can also use it on Windows, mac, and Linux operating systems. It is also available for free of cost.
When it comes to using these messaging applications the most common concern that people have is privacy.
It has been said that signal comes with military-grade privacy and is a top pick for everyone who gives the first priority to safety when using digital platforms.
It is another extremely convenient and option worth trying.
Features:
All the features that might be required by anyone when using a text message application are provided by signal.
All your chats are on one single screen and is a fairly simple user interface. Like WhatsApp, it is possible to see whether or not the person has seen your message.
It also allows you to do voice or video calling on a one-on-one basis. It does not have restrictions on the number of people you can call.
There are expiration dates set for each conversation which means that it is not possible to recover these conversations once expired.
There is a note to self-option available to ensure that you do not end up forgetting your messages or any important appointments.
Pros
Cons
Signal is definitely one of the best alternatives when it comes to messaging applications and security. A lot of people consider it a priority.
This is an application that can be used by all age groups for various purposes. It is available for free of cost as well.
3. Telegram
Unless you are living under a rock, you might have heard of Telegram. It is another texting application that has been around for quite some time.
Millions of users are active on Telegram. It is available across various platforms and devices such as iOS, Android, web, Windows, and Linux.
Considered one of the fastest messaging applications, and is available free of cost.
It has an open API and hence users can build various unofficial services using the application. This has resulted in many interesting projects being born.
Features:
Telegram offers a variety of features that can be useful to the users. You can use it for regular functions such as texting, sending images and videos, sending files to telegram users, and allows you to create group chats that have a good number of participants.
You can store your conversations in the cloud and can be accessible for a Telegram client. This can provide a good use.
There is a secret chat feature that has end to end encrypted messages and chats stored in the secret chats, will only be there for the time being. In order to erase these messages, it is important to add these to the self-destructive timer.
The regular chats are also encrypted when stored and decrypted only when downloaded.
Pros
Cons
Telegram is a really good texting application for users who are looking mainly for texting and sharing media along. This can be useful for the people who mainly require these features.
There is added security by having self-destructive timers and secret chat facilities. It is a free platform and can be used along with other platforms.
In today’s time, Facebook has itself become synonymous with social media.
Hence, it is a common understanding that one requires a Facebook Messenger in order to use the messenger that is offered.
However, that is not the case. You only are required to enter your mobile number to use it.
It is possible to access Facebook Messenger with platforms such as iOS, Android, and the web.
This application is also available for free of cost. There is also a messenger lite application available for devices that might be older.
It provides a variety of applications that can be available to the users.
Features:
Facebook Messenger provides several features. Once you sign up in your account you can message all your friends that have also signed up on messenger.
It includes almost all the features that one could require in a messaging application. These include texting, inserting images and videos, creating groups, adding emojis and gifs.
It is also possible to create polls to get a general idea of the group. This could help professionally and make social plans.
Apart from texting, you can play games, sharing music, or even money. Some various interesting graphics and designs can make the experience of using Facebook even more fun.
Pros
Cons
Facebook Messenger is a really good option for people who might want easy accessibility and a good amount of features. It is more of an informal application.
The poll feature for group chats is a very interesting option and can make meeting at restaurants an easier task. Being free of cost, it can be used by all age groups.
5. Viber
Viber is known as the popular all-access messaging application that has a very large user base as well.
You can use various platforms such as iOS, Android, mac, and Windows. This means you can also use it on different devices.
This increases the convenience. It is considered one of the best messaging applications for public group chats and can also help you network.
You can use this application for free. You can build a community here and even make new friends without having social media profiles.
It is a VoIP tool and you can connect to users with the help of their VoIP addresses as well.
Features:
There is a wide range of features that Viber has to offer. You can message, video call, and then audio call your users.
You can either talk to individuals that you might know or have group chats. Viber is specifically known for group chats. It is possible to send audios, videos along with stickers and gifs as well.
There is an end-to-end encryption that is allowed by all users. If you are concerned even more about security, you can create keys to maintain the security and share your details with the contacts.
It is also possible to make a free Viber call with this application.
Pros
Cons
Viber is a really good option for teenagers who are lazy but are also looking for friends. You can make calls quite easily and connect with several people.
The application is available for free of cost. Your already established group of friends can also make a group there and use the features provided easily.
6. Wickr.me
Wickr.me might not be as popular as the different applications that we have seen today.
However, it keeps security as its prime importance and provides various features that are not provided by different options.
It can be used by people who use iOS, Android, mac, Windows, and Linux. This application is also available for free.
For someone who gives prime importance to security, Wickr.me is definitely the perfect application for them.
It provides all the necessary features that one might look for in a text messaging application. However, there are a few minor limitations.
Features:
There is a wide range of features that are provided by Wickr.me. You are capable of sending texts, videos, and images. You can also send files that are up to 10 Mb much more securely.
The standard is an end-to-end encryption. The voice calling offered by Wickr.me is also encrypted providing protection.
There is no identifying information such as a phone number or an email address required. You can make your username along with a password and use it.
However, it is important to not lose your password. You can enable a built-in VPN as well.
Pros
Cons
Wickr.me is a really good option for someone who is most concerned about security. It can be used for conversations however it does not provide enough features for a user to use it for professional purposes.
There are various features provided by Wickr.me that are unique to it.
7. WeChat
One of the most popular applications in China is the WeChat application. It is known to have around a billion users there.
It can be used by both Android as well as iOS users. It is considered to provide various features to be able to do seamless communication online.
This application is available for free of cost. You can contact various people both known and unknown on this platform.
The user interface is also quite unique to the application however, it is not frustrating in nature.
It is quite simple to understand and operate. There is a wide range of functions that are provided by WeChat.
Features:
The features provided by WeChat are simple in function but quite effective. It makes it possible for you to chat and share media with other users.
You can also share your location with your friends in case you are planning to meet somewhere. The calling feature of WeChat is the most popular.
It makes it extremely convenient for you to send voice messages and make calls.
It is also possible to share snapshots and memories of your day with your friends. The application is also known to support various activities such as playing games and making payments.
Hence, it adds so much more to the mere text messaging application.
Pros
Cons
We chat is a really good option for people who are looking for an application that is mainly for audio and video calls.
It can also help in sharing content and is more applicable for informal usage. It is available for free of cost and can be tried if one is curious.
8. Snapchat
Snapchat is an extremely popular application of communication especially amongst celebrities and the yonder generation.
It has been observed that this application is popularized mainly by celebrities.
The user interface of this application is very unique to it and it provides a variety of functions as well.
There is a wide range of features that are provided by Snapchat which has catered to it creating its own identity.
This application is available for free of cost. You can use it across both Android and iOS devices.
It can be a good option to advertise your business on this application and create a connection with the consumers.
Features:
As mentioned above there are a variety of features that are provided by Snapchat. One of the most popular aspects of Snapchat is the filters.
There are a variety of filters that one can use to click pictures in. Now creators can also make their own filters. This can help in marketing as well.
Users can either send snaps on a one-to-one basis or create groups. These snaps can disappear when seen or you can change the user setting for them to stay for 24 hours.
Bitmoji is another fun feature that can assist you in sending stickers in your conversations.
Pros
Cons
Snapchat is a very popular application amongst youngsters. It can be used for social networking as well as for business purposes.
There is a space for creators as well. They have created their own niche in the snap arena. It is available for free of cost and is definitely worth trying once.
9. Line
Line is a popular application in Asia which has millions of users. It can be used by iOS as well as Android users. You can download it for free as well.
It can work on operating systems such as Firefox, Windows, Blackberry as well. This makes this application a lot more flexible.
You are required to make an account on this application.
The platform provides various features that are more than just for a text messaging application.
It also integrates various features of a social media platform. It is possible to interact in your group chat while watching videos as well.
Features:
There are a good variety of features that are provided by line. Doubling up as a social media application, line allows you to interact personally as well on group chats.
You can send images, videos and interact. Apart from this, there is a timeline that is available when using line, this allows users to comment and like pictures on the timeline.
There are options for video as well as audio calls. There is a wide range of stickers that are available with line. Encrypted chats are also supported. You can set up albums and listen to your favorite artists in the group chat.
Pros
Cons
Line can be used by people who are looking for a social messaging application. There are great features such as the timeline, group messaging options, and stickers.
It is available for free of cost and can be used by anyone across all age groups. It is definitely an application worth considering.
10. Kik
When we look at texting, naturally the younger generation tends to use it more. Kik is an application that is available for both Android and iOS users.
You are not required to insert your phone number, rather you simply insert a username and start texting. This further simplifies the process.
Kik has been around for some time only and is free to use. It can also act as a social networking application for youngsters.
There is a unique QR code that is provided to each and every user of Kik which enables them to add each other without the exchange of private information.
Features:
As mentioned above, kids are not required to share private information such as phone numbers but can still add each other. They can also make groups using these.
The text messaging feature is similar to that of WhatsApp. It is possible for the users to download videos and a sketchpad is also available.
You are also enabled to block users you do not want to converse with quite easily. Hence, even when it allows you to share your codes very easily, it is equally easy to block out if any nonsense occurs.
The browser updated easily enhances the user experience further.
Pros
Cons
Kik is a really good social messaging application for youngsters especially. It is available for free of cost and can also be used on a variety of platforms as well as devices.
It is ideal for young people who are looking to connect and share content in their group chats.
11. Tox
Tox is a unique kind of application that has an open-source developmental model. It is more like a messaging service than an application.
You can use it on various platforms such as iOS, Android, mac, Windows, and Linux.
This also gives the discretion to use it on multiple devices. This is also available free of cost.
Tox was developed with the concept of user privacy in mind. It is not an official application but can be used for messaging across different platforms.
The service supports a variety of functions that can help users.
Features:
This service enables the users to do one-on-one as well as group messaging. You can also share images, videos, and files.
The communication is encrypted on both ends and no servers can be raided. Server downtime is also not an issue that is generally faced. Based on your hardware, you can choose the client that you would like to use.
The community gets these projects for free. There are different features that are available for different clients. Tox as an application is constantly updating and upgrading itself to incorporate usable features.
Pros
Cons
Tox is a good decentralized messaging application and can be beneficial for someone who is looking for one as such.
It is available free of cost hence it is possible to try the application first as well. The user interface is easy to navigate.
12. Discord
Discord is an application that has been around for a few years now but has increasingly gained much more popularity recently.
It is also available for free of cost and provides a variety of new features. There is a desktop as well as a mobile version available.
Currently, there are 250 million users and there are 14 million who log in every day.
It is more popularized amongst youngsters and specifically in the gaming community.
It can be used over other applications, that is, you can converse with people while doing other work.
Features:
There are many features that are provided by discord. It allows you to have one to one conversation with people and share media as well. It also enables you to have group conversations.
You can either have a locked and private group or make public channels where it is possible to make friends that have similar interests.
The discord users also are allowed to share images and videos. You can make voice calls or video calls as well. Discord users can also share their screens and discuss projects.
As mentioned above, you can create a whole community that fits well with your interests.
Pros
Cons
Discord is a really good option for people who are interested in gaming. It is also a good idea to use it to discuss projects and talk on calls as well.
There are voice channels that can be made in order to make this easier. It is definitely a very creative option for the users.
What Are Texting Etiquettes?
As mentioned above, today not many people are unfamiliar with the concept of texting. However, some activity so widely informally also has several rules.
These rules can help you make your communication smoother and much more accurate. The texting etiquettes are:
1. Getting replies right away: Because the access is so quick, it has been observed that there is a certain kind of expectation to immediately respond to your text.
It also depends on the nature of the text as to how quickly one can respond. It can be quite unreasonable for someone to respond to your text within a few minutes if it is not urgent or professional.
It is considered rude not to respond to official texts as fast as possible. However, when it comes to informal texts it is important to consider that the other person might be busy or not feel like talking.
2. Always reply: While you might take your sweet time to reply, it is important to understand that one should always reply. The time taken to reply should also be reasonable.
It is important to keep the other person in your shoes and consider what will be reasonable for them as well. However, if the person talking to you is a stranger and seems unsafe to you, do not respond.
3. Do not phub: Phubbing is a word that has been made for the era of texting. It is to use your phone while you're sitting across from someone and there is communication occurring between the two of you.
This is an extremely rude habit. It gives away the message that you are not interested in talking to the person sitting across from you.
Hence, whether you are sitting in a cafe with your friends or having a family dinner, try not to phub.
4. Surroundings are important too: Apart from phubbing, another thing to keep in mind is that texting cannot be optimal in certain surroundings.
If you are going to watch a movie in a theatre, it is dark and you decide to text can become an inconvenience to the people sitting around you. It can spoil the experience for them.
Other aspects such as driving and texting are not about etiquettes much more about safety. One can always text someone after they reach the destination.
5. The length of your text: The length of the text that one should send is a controversial topic in itself. It has been observed that some replies can be too short, double texts are not a good answer and sometimes you do not need to write a novel.
This will also depend on the kind of relationship you have with someone. In a professional relationship, you should only reply to what you are asked to.
Even when you have just started talking to someone double-texting might seem too clingy and unnecessary. At the same time replying to something as short as ‘k’ can make the person never talk to you again.
The length of the text that can be considered acceptable will depend on factors such as your relationship and the context of the text mainly.
6. Let us talk about chatspeak: When people initially had phones where they had to press the same button, it seemed like a hassle. At that time, it was natural to chatspeak.
However, the gen z might not even know the kind of talking I am referring to here. Those days are long gone. In smartphones, it is very handy to type.
Hence, you can use full words to build more credibility and for people to be able to talk to you more seriously. In case you are interested in using abbreviations, it is advisable to use abbreviations that are known to all.
This way you can avoid miscommunication. Avoid using words that you are unaware of as well.
7. Do not call directly: With the changing world, it has been observed that it might be rude to simply pick up your phone and text someone.
It comes off as inconsiderate to the person. The society that we live in is becoming increasingly more sensitive.
It is important to consider the fact that the other person might be an introvert, and even if they are not busy, it is possible they don't enjoy talking on calls.
Hence, when a person wants to talk on a call with the other person, it is always a good idea to consult whether or not they would like to.
This way, you talk to people only when they are interested in improving the quality of your conversation as well.
8. Text what you can talk about: The common mistake that most people make with texting is that they end up texting like they are never going to meet the other person.
This can result in a number of consequences. You should only text people things that if they meet you in person, you could say the same thing to them.
The people you text will meet you in person, and if there are discrepancies in the way you behave it might result in distrust as well.
Apart from this applying to texting people you might know, do not start telling your deepest secrets to people you have just started talking to as well.
9. Not everything can be texted: While it has become a normal thing to text, it is still considered that some things should only be said face to face otherwise they lose the value of it.
Some events such as your friend getting engaged, someone losing a family member are serious situations in a person’s life. Just sending a text to someone you are close to can come off as rude and insensitive.
10. Text if you are late: While this might not be required in every single situation, at the same time it is advisable to make sure that you text a person if you are supposed to reach a place but you are learning late.
While the person might not be expecting it, it can prove to be a very respectful gesture that the person will appreciate for sure.
These are the top ten etiquettes that you must keep in your mind whenever texting. It can help you in building a better reputation as well.
Why are People Using Texting Applications?
As we have already made clear, texting is a popular form of communication today. There are a lot of benefits that are provided by these texting applications. There are a variety of reasons for it.
1. Increased privacy: A common problem that people face when talking on calls is that someone overheard their private conversations.
Even on early mornings or late nights, it is observed that talking on the phone might wake up others around you that might be sleeping.
With texting, there is increased privacy in this case. It is a form of private communication and also accommodates more people in a smaller space.
When talking on a call, many people cannot sit in the same room, however, that is not the case with text.
2. Accessibility and convenience: When we look at the options that are mentioned above, these applications can be accessed by anyone.
It is also much more accessible for people who are hearing impaired. These apps can also be considered convenient. You can inculcate in your workflow as well.
The possibility of talking one-to-one with people can be much more beneficial for businesses who have consumers, and give a sense of personalization to the consumers.
3. Time-efficient: When we talk about texting one key thing to point out is that it is much more efficient in the way that the other person will also revert when they are free to do so.
With a call, you might get distracted by talking and end up wasting time. There is a shorter and to the point of exchange of information when it comes to texting.
These are the major reasons why texting is a very popular form of communication.
How To Choose A Good Texting App For Yourself?
Looking at the number of options that are available with the users when it comes to technology, it can be quite confusing to choose the application that is right for you.
It is always possible to use multiple text messaging applications for different purposes. However, there are some aspects that you can take into consideration when choosing the application.
1. Paid or free: Whenever you are looking at a list of applications, a key thing to consider is whether it is free or paid.
Most texting applications are free, there might be some features that are paid for within the application. However, if there are paid options, you must consider your budget.
2. Features: Features play a very role important in ensuring that your user experience is good. There are some basic features such as texting and sharing content that is available on all platforms.
Apart from this, there are various features such as stories, filters, that various platforms provide. Based on the kind of usage and features you like you can choose the application.
3. Security: Another important component is security and privacy. Some people give higher importance to the aspect of security as compared to others.
There are applications that can help you maintain more privacy in terms of your data.
4. Purpose: The purpose of using the application will also determine what application fits you well. There are applications that have specific features that are dedicated to enabling you to grow your business.
There are other applications that are more applicable for personal uses.
These are the four major aspects you can consider when you are looking at the 12 applications that are listed above. The features, pros, and cons can also be analyzed from this perspective.
Conclusion
We have seen a variety of texting applications that can fulfill the different needs of the users. Hence, it is important to be aware of the needs that you might have as a user and whether or not you are capable of fulfilling them.
All of the applications that we have seen are free of cost and this is why you can even try these applications before committing to them. We have explored the features, pros, and cons of each of the applications.
Texting has become the new norm however it is also important to keep the etiquettes in mind. Today users not only use it for personal purposes but for professional use as well.
This means that this can also end up either making or breaking the business. Hence, it is important to be aware of the etiquettes that are mentioned above.
Texting has made our life easier and quicker. These applications can simplify our life further if chosen with the right perspective.
We hope this article can provide you with the information that helps you to do so.