Best Messenger Apps [2023] – A Complete Guide…


Best Messenger AppsPin

What’s the best messenger app for iPhone and Android right now? Here’s a quick overview of the current most popular messaging and IM apps right now…


Key Takeaways

There are a variety of messenger apps available for both iPhone and Android devices, and each offers its own set of features and benefits. Here’s an overview of everything covered in this post:

  • WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Signal are great options if you want privacy and security.
  • Skype is a popular option for voice and video calls.
  • Discord is perfect for gamers who want a secure chat app with plenty of features, and Snapchat is great for creative messaging.
  • Slack is ideal for team collaboration and is used by companies large and small all over the globe to manage their employees and teams.
  • Viber Messenger offers end-to-end encryption for secure messaging. Worldwide usage of Viber is estimated to be over 800 million. It is particularly popular in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
  • The most popular messaging app, by a significant margin, however, is WhatsApp – it is used over 2 billion people around the world. Each day some 64 billion messages are sent via WhatsApp.

There are a ton of messenger apps out there, but which one is the best?

As with most things, it depends – it depends on what you want from your IM app with respect to features and functionality. Are you looking for a straight-up messaging app or do you want something with more features like Slack or Skype?

Another important thing you NEED to consider is whether or not your friends and family use the app as well. There’s no point switching to something like Viber, for instance, if all you friends and family use WhatsApp.

Best Messenger Apps Right Now

Best Messenger AppsPin

In this post, we’ll cover off the most messenger apps right now, go over their unique benefits, and explore how popular they are globally. By the end, you’ll have a full overview of all the current best messenger apps for iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp

What is it? WhatsApp is a cross-platform instant messaging service. Available for iPhone and Android and, historically, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Nokia phones, WhatsApp allows users to send text messages, make calls, do video chats, send images and videos, and create audio messages.

Benefits: WhatsApp is one of the most popular messenger apps with over 1.5 billion monthly active users. The app offers a variety of features that make communication easy and fun. One of the best features of WhatsApp is that you can create group chats with up to 256 people. This is perfect for staying in touch with family and friends. WhatsApp also offers end-to-end encryption, which ensures that your conversations are private and secure.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Facebook Messenger

What is it? Facebook Messenger is a standalone mobile app and messaging platform within Facebook. It allows you to send text, voice, photo and video messages to friends on the social network, as well as make calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Benefits: Facebook Messenger has over 1 billion monthly active users and offers a number of features that make it a great messaging platform. It has group chat for up to 250 people, you can make free video calls, and it also supports voice notes, GIFs, stickers and more. Facebook Messenger even allows you to play games with friends or order food directly from the app!

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Telegram

What is it? Telegram is an instant messaging app that allows you to send messages, documents, photos, videos and more. It’s available on iPhone and Android devices as well as desktop computers.

Benefits: Telegram is great for staying in touch with family and friends thanks to its unlimited group chats feature. You can also set up bots that automate certain tasks, such as weather forecasts or reminders. Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption for secure messaging and is free to use with no ads.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Signal

What is it? Signal is a private messenger that uses end-to-end encryption to keep your conversations secure. You can send text messages, photos, videos and audio messages as well as make video calls with Signal.

Benefits: Signal is built for privacy and security. All conversations in the app are encrypted so that no third party can access your data. In addition, the app allows you to set up disappearing messages which automatically delete after a certain amount of time. Signal is also free to use with no ads and works on both iPhone and Android devices.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Skype

What is it? Skype is a video chat and messaging app that allows you to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, share files, and more.

Benefits: Skype has been around for a long time and is still one of the most popular messenger apps. It offers great features like group chats with up to 50 people, screen sharing, and the ability to make calls to landlines or mobile phones. It’s also free to use with no ads.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Discord

What is it? Discord is a voice and text chat app designed for gamers. It allows you to communicate with other players in real-time, share files, and create custom servers.

Benefits: Discord is great for gamers as it offers features like voice channels, DMs, bots and more. The app also offers server customization and security, so you can make sure your conversations are private. Discord also offers low latency voice chat and is free to use with no ads.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Snapchat

What is it? Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app that allows you to send photos, videos and text messages. It also offers features like disappearing messages, lenses and live stories.

Benefits: Snapchat is perfect for staying in touch with friends as it provides fun features like creative filters, augmented reality lenses, and the ability to create custom stories. It also offers end-to-end encryption for secure messaging and is free to use with no ads.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Slack

What is it? Slack is a communication app for teams. You can use it to organize conversations, share files and collaborate on projects with other people in your organization. Slack is used by some of the biggest companies in the world and has TONS of integrations with things like Google Drive and other productivity applications.

Benefits: Slack offers features like searchable message history, group video calls, and the ability to integrate with other apps. It also has strong security measures in place to keep your conversations private. Slack is free to use with no ads and works on iPhone and Android devices., as well as Macs and Windows computers.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Viber Messenger

What is it? Viber Messenger is a messaging app that allows you to make audio and video calls, send texts, share photos and videos, and more. It also offers end-to-end encryption for secure messaging. Popular in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Viber has an estimated 800 million users.

Benefits: Viber offers features like group chats with up to 200 people and the ability to call landlines and cell phones. It also has various games, stickers, animated GIFs and more. Viber is free to use with no ads and works on both iPhone and Android devices.

Where To Get It: Apple App Store + Google Play

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB