one of the best parts about android is that you can change your default messaging app to whatever app you want.
over the last few years we have obviously seen a move away from sms and mms based communications. today, you’re just as likely to message your friends on facebook messenger or whatsapp as you are to text them.
With that in mind, we rounded up our editorial team and ranked the top 5 messaging apps currently available for android.
note: these apps were selected in no particular order.
bbm (blackberry courier)
bbm has arrived on android after months of delay and anticipation. the reaction of android users was quite low key after months of waiting.
It’s not even close to being the most popular messaging app for android. however, there is no doubt that bbm is a fantastic messaging app.
bbm was pretty much dead on the blackberry platform until two years ago when the company decided to revive it on android. since then, he has gained a small (but loyal) following. the app itself is surprisingly good. Some of the key features that set it apart from other messengers include:
-always-on platform that keeps the app loaded in your memory at all times, which means it tends to open faster than other messengers.
-you can use the blackberry voice feature to call contacts
file sharing is available for files, documents, voice memos, images and photos
-group chats
Overall, it’s a well-built messaging app that’s fast and stable. the only real restriction is that your friends need to have bbm installed on their devices. Fortunately, bbm is available on android, blackberry, and iphone, so you’re covered on all three platforms.
download bbm free from google play store here.
facebook messaging
facebook messenger may be the most popular messaging application in the world today. Instead of awkwardly asking your new Facebook friend for their number, you can send them a message through Messenger. With over a billion Facebook users, everyone you know is already using this app.
cool messenger features include the ability to make free voice and video calls, use stickers and emojis, send gifs, send photos, send files, and more.
Honestly, I can’t think of anything that messenger can’t do. The “chat heads” element that is placed on the android desktop can also be quite useful if you don’t want to go through the hassle of opening the app every time.
The only real downside to messenger is its lack of customization options and its inability to control many settings. still, most people will be happy with the defaults.
download facebook messenger for free here.
google talks
Another major player in the world of messenger for android is google hangouts. Most people who use android, gmail, or google+ will already have google hangouts, which means your contacts probably already have it.
hangouts has all the features you’d expect to find in an android messenger, including messages, free voice calls, free video chats, and the ability to add your sms conversations to the app (which is useful for communicating with hangouts). iphone).
Other features include emojis, stickers, gifs, and the ability to send location data.
if for some reason you don’t have hangouts yet, here is the google hangouts download link.
whatsapp is one of the few applications in history that has more than one billion downloads. Today, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, but it is still one of the most iconic messaging applications in the world.
using whatsapp, you can create group chats or individual chats with almost anyone. it also has that sexy material design look and is continually updated with new features.
whatsapp’s momentum continues to grow. It’s especially popular outside of North America, so if you have a lot of friends you met while traveling, WhatsApp might be the best way to stay in touch.
whatsapp is free, but you will need to pay $1 usd per year after the first year. download it here.
skype
You won’t be able to handle your sms or other messaging chats, but if you want smooth voice and video communication through your mobile device, skype is one of the best.
of course you can use skype to send sms to contacts in your address book. most people never use these features, but they are there if you need them. you can also pay extra to call landlines and use skype as your total communication tool.
At the same time, Skype can be used to send files such as documents and videos. oh, and there are group conversions, animated emojis, and the ability to install skype into multiple apps.
It’s also completely free to use (except for calls to landlines or setting up your own number).
download free skype here.