20+ Best SMS Apps for Android [Updated]

The quest for the best SMS apps for android can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Once you have the right app, it can transform your texting experience from mundane to extraordinary.

Now imagine an app that not only sends messages but also intertwines efficiency with cutting-edge features, ensuring your conversations are both secure and dynamic. This isn’t just about texting, but also about revolutionizing the way you communicate.

As we delve into the world of android SMS apps, prepare to uncover hidden gems that will redefine your messaging journey. Are you ready to elevate your texting game and discover the pinnacle of SMS apps?

Factors to Consider When Choosing an SMS App for Android

Before diving into the list of recommended apps, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best SMS apps for Android device:

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

A well-designed and user-friendly interface is crucial for an enjoyable SMS experience. Look for an app with intuitive navigation, clear message organization, and customizable themes to match your preferences.

Features and Functionality

Consider the features that matter most to you. Do you need advanced search capabilities, message scheduling, or backup and restore functionality? Make a list of must-have features and prioritize apps that offer them.

Customization Options

Personalization can greatly enhance your messaging experience. Look for apps that allow you to customize themes, chat bubble styles, notification sounds, and other visual elements to make the app reflect your personal style.

Security and Privacy

With privacy concerns on the rise, it’s important to choose an SMS app that prioritizes security. Look for apps that offer end-to-end encryption, blocking/filtering options, and other security features to protect your messages and personal information.

Integration with Other Services

Consider whether you want your SMS app to integrate with other services, such as cloud storage, email, or productivity apps. Integration can streamline your workflow and provide a seamless communication experience.

Availability of Additional Features

Some android SMS apps offer additional features beyond basic text messaging, such as MMS support, group messaging, multimedia sharing, or even chatbot capabilities. Evaluate which additional features are important to you and prioritize apps that offer them.

Performance and Reliability

Look for apps that have a good track record of performance and reliability. Read user reviews to get insights into the app’s stability, responsiveness, and overall user satisfaction.

Android SMS Apps: Our Top Picks

Based on the aforementioned factors, here are some of the best SMS apps for Android:

Bigly Sales

The only usage-based communication platform that integrates VOIP, SMS, MMS, emails, scheduling, tasks, reporting, and CRM. Automate all your customer outreach and data entry.

Google Messages

Developed by Google, this app offers a clean and intuitive interface, seamless integration with other Google services, and features like RCS messaging, which allows for enhanced multimedia messaging. It also provides strong security features, including spam protection and encryption.

Pulse SMS

Pulse stands out with its cross-platform functionality, allowing you to sync your messages across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. It offers features like message backup, scheduled messaging, and integration with services like Tasker and Zapier.

Popular SMS Apps for Android

From the vast variety of Android SMS apps, some names stand out for their widespread popularity and feature-rich platforms. Let’s explore these frontrunners:

WhatsApp’s ubiquitous presence in the messaging app market is undeniable. Boasting over two billion users, it offers a comprehensive suite of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, and group chats. Its end-to-end encryption ensures secure conversations, making it a go-to choice for users seeking both functionality and security.

The app’s group chat feature is particularly robust, allowing up to 512 participants, with admin controls for efficient management.

Viber

Viber steps up as a formidable contender with its robust feature set that mirrors WhatsApp in many respects. It differentiates itself with additional features like Viber Out, allowing calls to non-Viber users at competitive rates, and its emphasis on stickers and emoticons for a more expressive communication experience.

Viber stands out with its vibrant range of stickers and GIFs, enhancing the fun aspect of messaging. It also offers unique features like Viber Communities, which are essentially large group chats with unlimited members, providing a platform for broader social interaction and networking.

Telegram has carved its niche by focusing on security and speed. Renowned for its cloud-based messaging, it supports large group chats and channels, catering to a broad audience. Its unique selling point is its Secret Chats feature, which offers end-to-end encrypted messaging with self-destruct timers.

Telegram’s multi-device accessibility is a significant advantage, allowing users to start a conversation on one device and continue it on another without any loss of data. The Secret Chats feature is a highlight, offering self-destructing messages for enhanced privacy.

Signal

Signal is lauded for its unwavering commitment to privacy and security. It’s favored by those who prioritize confidentiality in their communications. Beyond its acclaimed encryption protocol, Signal’s minimal data retention policies further cement its status as a bastion of digital privacy.

Signal’s commitment to privacy is evident in its minimalistic approach to data collection. It offers features like disappearing messages and screen security (which prevents message previews on the screen), ensuring that your communication remains private.

Messenger

Messenger, from Facebook, offers a seamless integration with the social media platform, making it an ideal choice for users deeply embedded in the Facebook ecosystem. It supports text messages, voice and video calls, and a range of interactive features like games and chatbots.

Messenger’s integration with Facebook provides a seamless experience for users who are active on the social network. It supports a range of interactive features like games, chatbots, and customized reactions, making it more than just a messaging app.

Niche SMS Apps for Specific Needs

Want some niche specific android SMS apps? We got a few for you:

Textra SMS

Textra SMS shines in its customization capabilities, allowing users to personalize almost every aspect of their messaging experience. From changing themes and colors to adjusting notification styles, Textra offers a high level of personalization. It’s also known for its smooth performance and quick response time, making it a favorite for those who prioritize efficiency and aesthetics in their messaging app.

Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS, a sibling to Textra, also offers extensive customization options but adds unique features like scheduled messaging and the ability to stop messages mid-send. It’s a solid choice for users who enjoy tailoring their messaging environment and desire a bit more control over their communication.

Handcent Next SMS

Handcent Next SMS stands out for its wide range of features, including cross-platform messaging, allowing users to sync their messages across multiple devices. It also offers a private box feature for confidential messages and integration with AI bots like ChatGPT and Google Bard, adding a futuristic twist to your messaging experience.

Mood SMS

Mood SMS introduces an innovative feature called Party Mode, designed to prevent regrettable messages during times of celebration. It’s a creative solution for those who want to safeguard their communication during less inhibited moments.

Simple SMS Messenger

For users seeking a straightforward, no-frills messaging experience, Simple SMS Messenger offers just that. Its simple interface, devoid of complex menus and settings, is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach to their SMS app.

These niche SMS apps for android cater to specific user preferences, providing unique features and experiences that set them apart from mainstream options.

Advanced SMS Apps for Business Use

Business android SMS apps can be super valuable. Although, we have WhatsApp Business, but not everyone cares to use it. So, we have more for your business professionals, such as:

TextMagic

TextMagic is an ideal solution for businesses seeking a comprehensive SMS service. Its intuitive setup and advanced features like message scheduling, audience targeting, and analytical reporting make it an excellent choice for both small and large-scale operations. TextMagic’s high delivery and open rates are particularly beneficial for businesses looking to enhance their communication strategies.

EZ Texting

EZ Texting stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it an accessible option for businesses new to SMS marketing. It offers features such as autoscheduling, efficiency testing, and contest running, making it a versatile tool for customer engagement and operational simplification.

SimpleTexting

SimpleTexting offers a streamlined solution for SMS marketing, with features like keyword-based segmentation and autoresponders. Its analytical tools provide valuable insights into subscriber behavior and campaign effectiveness, making it an essential tool for targeted marketing strategies.

Salesmsg

Salesmsg is tailored for small, local businesses in the US and Canada, offering a simple interface with integration options for popular business tools. Its focus on local markets and reliable deliverability makes it a preferred choice for businesses aiming to strengthen their local presence.

Note: you may also use Pulse SMS for the same purpose.

Unique and Lesser-Known Android SMS Apps

Yet again, we have a ton of SMS apps for android, but these few made to the point:

MySMS

MySMS is celebrated for its seamless cross-platform functionality. It allows users to send messages from their computers or tablets using their Android phone number, integrating well with services like Google Drive and Dropbox. This app is ideal for those who frequently switch between devices but want to maintain consistent communication.

Google Messenger

Google Messenger, known for its clean and intuitive design, offers a straightforward messaging experience. It supports basic features like text, audio messages, and photo sharing. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a no-nonsense, efficient messaging app.

8sms

8sms is praised for its simplicity and additional functionality compared to standard SMS apps for android. It offers an energy-saving dark theme and a user-friendly interface, ideal for those who value simplicity and efficiency in their messaging app.

Evolve SMS

Evolve SMS is recognized for its modern design and swiping features, offering a user experience that’s both intuitive and visually appealing. While it provides pre-installed customization options, advanced themes are available for purchase, making it a great choice for those who enjoy tailoring their app’s aesthetics.

TextSecure

TextSecure prioritizes security, offering end-to-end encryption to safeguard your communications. It’s ideal for users who place a high emphasis on privacy and want to ensure their messages are protected from interception.

SMS Apps with Specialized Features

So we don’t have much android SMS apps for specialized features, but got these few for you:

Mighty Text

Mighty Text is not a traditional SMS app but rather a powerful tool that allows users to manage their text messages through a computer. This extension of your existing SMS app is particularly useful for those who prefer typing on a full keyboard or want to manage messages without constantly reaching for their phone.

QKSMS

QKSMS stands out with its open-source design and commitment to an ad-free experience. It offers a clean, customizable interface with support for themes, group messaging, and message scheduling, appealing to those who value privacy and a clutter-free messaging environment.

HoverChat

HoverChat introduces a novel pop-up bubble messaging feature, reminiscent of Facebook’s chat heads. This function allows users to respond to messages instantly, regardless of what they are doing on their device, offering a convenient way to stay connected without interrupting their current activity.

How to Choose the Best SMS Apps for Android?

Now to the second big question; how to choose the best android SMS apps? And here is our way to select the best ones:

Assessing Your Personal Needs

To select the ideal SMS app, start by assessing your personal communication habits and preferences. Consider how often you send messages, the type of content you share, and whether you need cross-device synchronization. This introspection will help you narrow down the apps that align with your specific requirements.

Comparing Security and Privacy Features

In an age where digital security is crucial, compare the encryption standards, data storage policies, and privacy features of different SMS apps for android. Opt for apps that offer end-to-end encryption and minimal data retention to safeguard your conversations.

Understanding the Importance of User Interface

The user interface of your SMS app should complement your tech-savvy level and lifestyle. A straightforward, intuitive interface is vital for a seamless messaging experience, especially if you’re not inclined towards complex digital setups.

The Bottom Line

Whether your priority is engaging in seamless global communication, maintaining privacy, or enjoying a highly customizable messaging experience, there is an app tailored to meet your needs. Remember, the best SMS apps for android for you is the one that aligns with your personal communication style, security requirements, and device usage patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between popular SMS apps for android?

The main differences lie in their user interfaces, feature sets, and security protocols. Apps like WhatsApp and Messenger offer a wide range of social networking features, while Signal and TextSecure focus on privacy and security. Textra and Chomp provide extensive customization options.

How do SMS apps ensure user privacy and security?

Many SMS apps use end-to-end encryption to ensure that messages are only readable by the sender and recipient. Some also offer features like self-destructing messages or secure password-protected conversations for enhanced privacy.

Can these SMS apps for android be used across different platforms?

Many SMS apps, such as MySMS and WhatsApp, offer cross-platform functionality, allowing users to sync and manage their messages across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.

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