Let's make one thing clear: unfortunately, there's no one best texting app. Unless you absolutely require one or two specific features or are a real stickler for security, the best text message app will be the one that the people you want to text also use. Depending on where you are in the world, that can be iMessage, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, LINE, or even SMS. But if, for whatever reason, you do have a choice of which messaging app you can use—or you can convince your friends and family to make the switch—these are the six best texting apps to choose from. (Though, if I could rule the world using benevolent AIs, I'd make everyone use Signal.)

Updated：2026-09-15