Given the chance, I would use the only iMessage to communicate in both my personal and professional life. However, this is not possible as Apple does not offer its popular messaging app on Android. And what prompted me to explore the best iMessage alternatives. It’s not that rich messaging apps lack, they don’t provide the same level of security. Also, they don’t work as smoothly as Apple’s iMessage. However, when it comes to messaging times, these third-party messengers for iOS can outsmart iMessage.
1. WhatsApp – Editor’s Choice
No prizes for guessing, WhatsApp is by far the most popular messaging app in the world. With a staggering 1.5 billion users in 180 countries, this messenger stands out from the rest with its popularity.
You can use this app to have fun chatting and send/receive messages, calls, photos, videos, voice messages and funny GIFs. Since there is no additional charge, you can also send messages internationally.
Share your real-time location with close friends and also set cool status. Thanks to WhatsApp Web, you can send and receive messages even from your computer’s browser.
Price: Free
2. Facebook Messenger – for text, audio and video calls.
Facebook Messenger is arguably the most feature rich messaging app out there. From a huge library of GIFs to a gigantic collection of stickers, the app has everything you need. In addition, you can make audio and video calls, send photos, videos, and even play with friends.
Did you suddenly run out of money in your wallet? No problem, ask a friend to send you cash. What’s more, you can also contact your favorite companies to resolve issues or get immediate help.
Price: Free
3. Kik Messaging & Chat App – Stay Informed
Stay connected with friends and family. Kik can let you express all the colors of your emotions, mainly thanks to its large collection of emojis, GIFs and stickers. Plus, you’ll also create a group to keep in touch with your clients or funny pals.
Capture every special moment and share it with your loved ones. Also, make the most of the video calling feature to stay close to the people who matter most to you. And oh, the app can also help you meet new people with similar interests.
Price: Free (In-app purchase starts at $0.99)
4. Signal – say hello to privacy
“Signal”positions itself as a private messenger. And if you want to keep your personal information more private, this might be a smart option.
The app does not store your data and provides end-to-end encryption to protect it. In addition to reliable protection, it allows you to communicate using video, audio and text. On top of that, it also has the ability to send disappearing messages, which is great for a secret conversation. To learn more about how to use the Signal app and tips and tricks for Signal Messenger for iPhone, see
Price: Free
5. Telegram Messenger – fast, secure and powerful
What makes “Telegram Messenger”a worthy contender is the ability to keep your personal information secure. All your data is protected by advanced 256-bit AES symmetric encryption, as well as 2048-bit RSA encryption and secure Diffie-Hellman key exchange.
It works quite fast and also protects your messages. One of the notable features of this messenger is synchronization. This means you can start typing on your iPhone and continue on your iPad.
What’s more, you can create a group chat with up to 200,000 people to stay in touch with everyone who matters to you.
Price: Free
6. WeChat – good language support
WeChat is extremely popular in China and has over a billion active users worldwide. What stands out for this messaging app is the ability to create group chats with up to 500 people. So, whether you want to stay in touch with your clients or a range of friends, it can really suit your needs.
It allows you to make group video calls with up to 9 people. Record a short video and share it with your best friends in Time Capsule. The clip will automatically disappear after 24 hours. Plus, get the most out of custom stickers to spice up your conversation.
Price: Free
7. Viber Messenger – Confident Message
Viber has all sorts of ingredients to spice up your conversation. With over 1 billion users worldwide, it’s not far behind WhatsApp when it comes to popularity.
This app promises end-to-end encryption to give you the protection you want for your private messages. Create a group chat with up to 250 friends and stay in touch with them anytime, anywhere.
Use the self-destruct feature to delete accidentally sent messages. That’s not all, you can also create a Viber community to connect with like-minded people.
Price: Free
8. Skype is the best option for collaboration
If video calling is your top priority, choose Skype. You can use this app for one-on-one chat or group video chat with up to 24 friends at the same time.
Just in case you don’t want to chat face to face, use the audio call feature. In addition, you will also send beautiful photos and clips to your best friends. That’s not all, you can annotate your images as well as share some of the most captivating GIFs to keep the conversation going.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $3.49)
9. LINE – stickers, emoticons and themes
“LINE”may be less popular than most of its peers, but it can make them a lot of money. It deservedly has over 600 million users worldwide.
You can use this app to make group calls with up to 200 people. It allows you to store your favorite photos, videos, and even messages to share with your friends. The ability to make both voice and video calls ensures that you have all the tools you need to communicate.
In addition, it also has a social networking service to post amazing photos on the timeline and comment on photos shared by your friends.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $1.99)
10. KakaoTalk – connect everything
I found KakaoTalk to be more than a decent messaging app. A user-friendly interface combined with all the necessary tools means that your communication will remain free.
Whether you want to have a one-on-one chat with your close friend, or want to take a few friends along, the video call feature will meet your expectations. Schedule appointments and get timely reminders so you never forget about them. Check the ability to filter voice calls for entertainment.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
That’s all! So, these are my all-time favorite iMessage alternatives.
What is your main bet?
Agree, these apps cannot replace iMessage and cannot offer the same level of security and experience. However, they are enough for you to communicate with aplomb. And that’s what makes them worth a chance.
What is your favorite messaging app and why? Share your thoughts below.