Instant Messaging: best apps and software
Instant messaging apps let people chat one-to-one or in groups in real time, with media sharing, voice notes, and calls.
Messaging and VoIP app for smartphones and web: send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, share images, files and locations, use group chats; requires a mobile phone number.
Telegram
Cloud-based messaging app for text, voice and video calls, file and media sharing, group chats, channels and bots; offers optional end-to-end encrypted "secret" chats.
Messenger
Messenger is a messaging app for text, voice and video calls, group chats, and sharing photos, videos, files and stickers across mobile and desktop, with optional encryption and AI features.
Discord
Discord is a freeware messaging and VoIP app that hosts servers with text, voice, and video channels for community and team communication on desktop, mobile, and web.
Snapchat
Send photos, videos and messages (often temporary), view Stories and Discover content, chat and video-call friends, share locations on a map, and save memories.
Zangi
Zangi is a secure messaging app that enables anonymous communication with end-to-end encryption, protecting user privacy without requiring personal details.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration app for chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integration.
Google Messages
Google Messages is an SMS and instant messaging app for Android, supporting RCS for rich media and features like spam detection and customization.
Google Chat
Google Chat is a team communication app by Google that enables direct messaging, group chats, and file sharing, integrated with Google Workspace tools.
Botim Web
Botim Web is a platform for secure messaging, voice, and video calls, along with digital financial services for easy international money transfers and bill payments.
Zalo
Zalo is a Vietnam-based messaging app that offers fast and secure communication through text, voice, video calls, and file sharing across multiple platforms.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is a language learning app that connects users with native speakers for text, voice, and video conversations, promoting language exchange and cultural insights.
Slack
Slack helps teams organize work conversations, share files, coordinate projects, and find information through channels, messages, huddles, and integrations.
WeCom
WeCom is a business management app for efficient communication and collaboration, integrating with WeChat for customer management and offering productivity tools.
TextNow
TextNow is a communication app that provides free texting and calling over WiFi using a virtual phone number accessible on multiple devices.
BiP
BiP is a secure messaging app offering voice and video calls, translation in real-time, and features like disappearing messages and group chats.
WeChat is a multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent, allowing users to communicate and share content.
Text Free
Text Free provides users with a free U.S. phone number to send unlimited texts and make calls over Wi-Fi or data, available on mobile and desktop platforms.
Instagram Direct Messenger
Instagram Direct Messenger lets users send messages, photos, and videos privately on Instagram, supporting personal conversations and connecting with friends.
TextMe
TextMe is an app that provides users with a second phone number for unlimited texting and calling in the US and Canada, using an internet connection.
GroupMe
GroupMe is a mobile group messaging app for casual communication among friends and small teams, allowing group chats and direct messaging.
FPT Chat
FPT Chat is a messaging app designed for seamless communication and collaboration, supporting text, file sharing, and multimedia content for personal and professional use.
BAND
BAND is a group communication platform for teams and organizations, offering messaging, event scheduling, polls, task management, and file sharing features.
Joyn
Joyn allows users to stream complete episodes, movies, and live sports online anytime and anywhere.
Threema
Threema is a secure messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for text, voice, and multimedia communications, allowing anonymous use without a phone number.
eitaa
eitaa is a messaging app for users in Iran, allowing messaging, file sharing, and group creation, with integration across major Iranian platforms.
Tandem
Tandem is a language learning app that connects users for text, voice, or video chats to practice languages with native speakers or fellow learners.
Chatwork
Chatwork is a group chat app for businesses, offering secure messaging, video chat, task management, and file sharing to enhance team communication and productivity.
DingTalk
DingTalk is a communication and collaboration platform for businesses, offering messaging, video calls, file sharing, and workflow management tools across multiple devices.
Doximity
Doximity is a digital platform for U.S. healthcare professionals, offering secure communication, telehealth tools, and medical news updates to enhance collaboration and productivity.
Chatrandom
Chatrandom is a free app for random video chatting with strangers worldwide, offering various chat rooms and no registration required.
Squirt.org
Squirt.org is a hookup and cruising app for gay and bisexual men to connect for casual encounters, featuring search options, messaging, and community engagement.
FluffyChat
FluffyChat is an open-source, nonprofit messaging app using the Matrix protocol for secure, decentralized communication across multiple devices.
Zenzap
Zenzap is an instant messaging app for teams that integrates tools like calendars and task management to enhance communication and collaboration securely.
LINE WORKS
LINE WORKS is a communication app for teams that integrates chat, calls, calendar, and task management to streamline work communication within organizations.
AirMessage
AirMessage allows users to access iMessage on Android, Windows, Linux, or Chromebook devices.
Steam Chat
Steam Chat is a platform for gamers to connect, share content, and discuss games within designated community hubs based on user ratings.
Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is a business communication app that enables organized conversations, messaging, calls, and file sharing for teams in hybrid work settings.
MeetMe
MeetMe is a social networking app that connects users for chatting, making friends, and livestreaming with people nearby or globally.
Guilded
Guilded is a communication platform for gaming communities, offering group chat, event scheduling, forums, and tools for team organization and member recruitment.
QQ is a messaging app that enables text, voice, and video communication, file sharing, and integrates social networking features for personal and professional use.
MeWe
MeWe is a decentralized social network emphasizing user privacy and community engagement, offering features like ad-free browsing, chat functionalities, and interest groups.
IRCCloud
IRCCloud is a modern IRC client that connects users to IRC servers, supports Slack integration, and facilitates content sharing with features like message redaction and theme customization.
Revolt
Revolt is a chat platform focused on user privacy, providing a space for secure communication.
Element
Element is a secure platform for encrypted communication and collaboration, offering chat and video calls while allowing users control over their data.
X Chat
X Chat lets X users send private direct messages, manage conversations, and stay connected within the X platform.
1v1 Chat
1v1 Chat is an app for private one-on-one communications via text, voice, and video, allowing users to connect securely and share media.
Pulse SMS
Pulse SMS is a messaging app that allows users to send and receive SMS and MMS across multiple devices, offering synchronization, privacy features, and a user-friendly interface.
LINE OpenChat
LINE OpenChat is a platform for topic-based group discussions, allowing users to join chat rooms focused on shared interests without needing friend connections.
Fluxer
Fluxer is an open-source instant messaging and VoIP platform for friends, groups, and communities to send messages, files, and media, hold group discussions, and make voice/video calls.
X Messages
X Messages is a private messaging feature on the X platform allowing users to communicate through direct messages and group chats.
Machobb
Machobb is a chat and dating app for gay individuals specifically interested in bareback relationships.
Kupid AI
Kupid AI is a chat platform offering virtual AI companions for personalized conversations based on various interests.
iPlum
iPlum provides a separate business phone line with calling and texting features for professionals, ensuring security and compliance for various industries.
Wire
Wire is an encrypted communication app for messaging, voice, and video calls, supporting secure collaboration for personal and business use.
Yandex Messenger
Yandex Messenger is a secure communication platform for employees, enabling instant messaging, calls, and group chats for collaborative work.
NoOnes
Noones is a financial communication app that enables messaging, trading with various payment methods, and peer-to-peer payments using Bitcoin.
Voxer
Voxer is a communication app that combines live push-to-talk and voice messaging, allowing users to send voice, text, pictures, and videos securely.
Nastia
Nastia is an AI companion providing emotional support, mental coaching, and relationship-building through confidential, personalized chat-based interactions.
Moco
Moco is a social app for chatting with others, joining community spaces, and sharing experiences through messaging and group discussions.