How To Android The 7 Best Texting Apps for Android See which texting apps give you options you want and need Share Pin Email Print Hero Images/Getty Images Android Installing & Upgrading Basics Guides & Tutorials Tips & Tricks Key Concepts Samsung Quick Tips by Karen Marcus Karen Marcus has been a freelance writer in the tech industry for 20+ years. She's written for companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Samsung, and others. Updated February 12, 2019 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. 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 laterWhat We Like:Dark mode for low-light environmentsAbility to send audio messages to contactsSearch featureWhat We Don’t Like:Some carriers don’t allow RCS functionalityPrice: 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 laterWhat We Like:Shows full content of long messagesNo adsHighly customizableWhat We Don’t Like:High battery usagePrice: 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 laterWhat We Like:It’s updated with every Android updateYou can stop a text while it’s being sentChoice of emoji stylesWhat We Don’t Like:Notification sound for incoming texts may be too loud with earbudsPrice: 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.Tip: Use the copy feature to easily transfer information between apps.Requirements: Android 4.1 or laterWhat We Like:High speedContinuous improvementsUser-friendlyWhat We Don’t Like:Features may not keep up with Android updatesPrice: 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 laterWhat We Like:Personalize contactsNo adsTyping indicator so you can see when the other person is respondingWhat 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 laterWhat We Like:Disappearing messages optionAbility to send any media, including GIFs and audio filesOpen source, so code can be audited for securityWhat We Don’t Like:Not compatible with tabletsPrice: Free 07 of 07 Texting App to Use With All Your Devices: Pulse SMS Luke Klinker 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.Tip: Use the search function to find past messages.Requirements: Varies with deviceWhat We Like:Password protectionAbility to share GIFsSearch featureWhat We Don’t Like:Some users report missed MMS messagesPrice: Phone-only version is free. Enable additional devices starting at $0.99/month. Continue Reading