Email, Messaging, & Video Calls Texting & Messaging The 7 Best Texting Apps for Android See which texting apps give you options you want and need By Karen Marcus Writer Karen Marcus is a former Lifewire writer who has also written for companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Samsung, and others. our editorial process Twitter LinkedIn Karen Marcus Updated January 16, 2020 Hero Images / Getty Images Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls Tweet Share Email If you’re still using the default messaging app that came with your Android phone, it’s time to branch out. These seven apps go beyond the basics with features like customization, message prioritization, quick reply, beautiful designs, and compatibility with related apps. Many of them also boast responsive developers, so if you run into problems it’s likely you’ll get the issue resolved fast. The information below should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc. 01 of 07 Great Basic Texting App: Android Messages Google The official Google SMS app is widely recognized as being a good, basic option for Android users. A couple of handy features are the ability to set custom notification tones for each conversation, and using RCS functionality for chat features, including read receipts and file sharing. You can even text via your computer, through the app’s website. Requirements: Android 5.0 Lollipop or later What We Like Dark mode for low-light environments Ability to send audio messages to contacts Search feature What We Don't Like Some carriers don’t allow RCS functionality Price: Free 02 of 07 Newer Texting App: QKSMS Moez Bhatti A newer app, QKSMS is streamlined, with a nice-looking interface. Features include a blacklist, Android Wear compatibility, message prioritization, and night mode for darker environments. The app is powerful enough to share photos and stickers, and you can easily back up and restore messages. Note: QKSMS supports dual-SIM and multi-SIM phones. Requirements: Android 5.0 or later What We Like Shows full content of long messages No ads Highly customizable What We Don't Like High battery usage Price: Free with in-app purchases 03 of 07 Customizable Texting App: Chomp SMS Delicious As an app that’s been around for a long time, Chomp SMS has had the opportunity to keep improving. Useful features include app locking, scheduled message sending, the ability to prioritize conversations, and number blocking. You can also choose the way the app looks with themes and skins, and customize many other aspects of it as well. Requirements: Android 2.3 or later What We Like It’s updated with every Android update You can stop a text while it’s being sent Choice of emoji styles What We Don't Like Notification sound for incoming texts may be too loud with earbuds Price: Free with in-app purchases 04 of 07 Highly Compatible Texting App: Textra SMS Delicious If you love customization, you’ll love this app, which allows you to tweak the background, icon, notifications, and emoji and bubble styles. It also includes dark, light, and auto-night modes, stop during send, multi-select photo gallery, contact customization, and quick-reply popup, just to name a few. It’s compatible with Android Wear, Pushbullet, and MightyText for maximum efficiency. Use the copy feature to easily transfer information between apps. Requirements: Android 4.1 or later What We Like High speed Continuous improvements User-friendly What We Don't Like Features may not keep up with Android updates Price: Free with in-app purchases 05 of 07 App for Texting and Messaging: Mood Messenger Calea A newer addition to the Android texting app selection, Mood Messenger is simple, yet fully functional, including the ability to send GIFs and animated emojis, location sharing, and quick reply options. Choose your own background to match your personality. Use it for SMS texting, or just send messages directly through the app with others who have it installed. Protect your privacy with app locking. Requirements: Android 4.1 or later What We Like Personalize contacts No ads Typing indicator so you can see when the other person is responding What We Don't Like Some users report technical issues. Price: Free with in-app purchases 06 of 07 Messaging App With Best Security: Signal Private Messenger Open Whisper Systems Technically a messaging app similar to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, Signal allows you to exchange messages directly with others who have the app (if they don’t have the app, they receive a standard text message). Signal includes robust security with end-to-end encryption. In addition to messaging, it can be used for group chats or phone calls. Requirements: Android 4.0 or later What We Like Disappearing messages option Ability to send any media, including GIFs and audio files Open source, so code can be audited for security What We Don't Like Not compatible with tablets Price: Free 07 of 07 Texting App to Use With All Your Devices: Pulse SMS Highly customizable, this app is also highly flexible because it works across all your Android devices, as well as PCs. The easy-to-navigate interface allows you to focus on communicating with your contacts. Keep up with the most important messages by pinning them to the top of the list, and eliminate clutter by archiving completed conversations. Use the search function to find past messages. Requirements: Varies with device What We Like Password protection Ability to share GIFs Search feature What We Don't Like Some users report missed MMS messages Price: Phone-only version is free. Enable additional devices starting at $0.99/month.