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best sms app for android

08/03/2025

In the realm of mobile communication, SMS (Short Message Service) remains a cherished form of interaction, despite the growing trend of social media and instant messaging apps. Whether it’s for quick chats, sending important information, or keeping in touch with family and friends, a solid SMS app can enhance your messaging experience on Android devices. In this blog post, we will explore the best SMS apps available for Android in 2023, focusing on their features, usability, and overall performance.

What to Look for in an SMS App

Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand what makes an SMS app truly great. Here are some critical features to consider when choosing your SMS companion:

  1. User Interface: A clean and intuitive interface makes the app easy to use, essential for sending and receiving messages quickly.

  2. Customization Options: Many users appreciate the ability to personalize their messaging experience with themes, varying font sizes, and notification settings.

  3. Multimedia Messaging: The ability to send images, videos, and audio messages adds richness to the SMS experience.

  4. Message Organization: Features like conversation threading, archiving, and search functionality help keep conversations organized and easily accessible.

  5. Security and Privacy: In an age where data security is paramount, look for apps that offer end-to-end encryption or other security measures.

  6. Integration with Other Apps: Seamless integration with other applications (like social media and contacts) can significantly enhance usability.

  7. Backup Options: An app that supports message backups can save you from lost conversations and precious memories.

Let’s take a closer look at the best SMS apps you can download on your Android device.

1. Google Messages

Google Messages

Link: Download Google Messages

As the default SMS app for many Android devices, Google Messages is a widely used option that offers a clean, straightforward interface. The app supports rich media messages (RCS) and enables users to send and receive SMS and MMS smoothly. With its powerful search feature, you can easily find past conversations or media files exchanged.

Features:

  • Rich media messaging (RCS) support.
  • Easy search functionality for messages and media.
  • Message organization and categorization.
  • Group messaging capabilities.

Why Choose Google Messages?

Google Messages is perfect for those who prefer a reliable, no-frills messaging application with all the basic functionalities covered.

2. Textra SMS

Textra SMS

Link: Download Textra SMS

Textra SMS is a popular third-party messaging app with a heavy focus on customization. It boasts a sleek design, and users can tailor the app’s appearance with themes, colors, and notification settings.

Features:

  • Extensive theme options and customization settings.
  • Quick reply feature from notifications.
  • Scheduled messages.
  • Support for emojis and GIFs.

Why Choose Textra SMS?

If personalization and visual appeal matter to you, Textra SMS is an exceptional choice, offering more than just the standard messaging capabilities.

3. Pulse SMS

Pulse SMS

Link: Download Pulse SMS

Pulse SMS is recognized for its sleek design and excellent synchronization features across devices, including tablets and computers. This cloud-based messaging app is a great choice for those who want to access their messages from multiple platforms.

Features:

  • Syncs across all devices (includes desktop and web access).
  • Native dark mode support.
  • SMS blocking and archiving features.
  • Smart replies feature.

Why Choose Pulse SMS?

It is perfect for users who juggle multiple devices and want a cohesive messaging experience across all platforms.

4. Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger

Link: Download Signal Private Messenger

In a world where privacy concerns are always at the forefront, Signal Private Messenger delivers secure messaging options. With end-to-end encryption, this app ensures that your conversations remain private and secure.

Features:

  • End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
  • Self-destructing messages.
  • High-quality media sharing capabilities.

Why Choose Signal Private Messenger?

If privacy and security are your top priorities, Signal is the best choice without compromising on messaging features.

5. Textra SMS

Chomp SMS

Link: Download Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS is another third-party app that offers extensive customization along with a user-friendly interface. You can easily customize notification settings and message appearance with this application.

Features:

  • Quick reply from notifications.
  • Private inbox (password-protected).
  • Hundreds of customization options.
  • Option to add blocked contacts.

Why Choose Chomp SMS?

Chomp SMS is an excellent choice for users who place a premium on customization and ease of access.

6. Handcent Next SMS

Handcent Next SMS

Link: Download Handcent Next SMS

Handcent Next SMS is a feature-rich messaging app that offers an abundance of options for customization. It allows you to personalize your messaging experience and offers backup capabilities to safeguard your conversations.

Features:

  • Cloud-based backups to ensure your messages are safe.
  • Emoji support and GIF integration.
  • Customizable fonts and notification sounds.
  • Private messaging features.

Why Choose Handcent Next SMS?

A suitable option for those who want a feature-rich experience along with great customization.

7. Samsung Messages

Samsung Messages

Link: Download Samsung Messages

For Samsung smartphone users, the Samsung Messages app is an efficient messaging option that integrates seamlessly with the device’s ecosystem. It provides basic SMS and MMS functionalities along with RCS support.

Features:

  • Easy-to-navigate user interface.
  • Quick responses from notifications.
  • Group messaging capabilities.
  • Integrated with Samsung’s other features.

Why Choose Samsung Messages?

An optimal choice for Samsung phone users, as it’s built specifically for their devices, offering seamless integration with other Samsung services.

8. MySMS

MySMS

Link: Download MySMS

MySMS is perfect for users who want to send and receive SMS from their computers, tablets, and even web browsers. It allows synchronization across multiple platforms, making it convenient for multi-device users.

Features:

  • Cloud backup for all messages.
  • Ability to send SMS from a computer or tablet.
  • Integrated with other useful apps.
  • Group messaging support.

Why Choose MySMS?

If you want to keep your SMS and MMS synchronized across various devices, MySMS is an excellent option for a more unified experience.

9. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger

Link: Download Facebook Messenger

Though primarily an instant messaging app, Facebook Messenger allows you to send SMS directly from the app. If you’re already part of the Facebook ecosystem, this can be a convenient option.

Features:

  • SMS integration alongside Messenger features.
  • Voice and video call options.
  • Easy send and receive of rich media.
  • Integration with Facebook activities.

Why Choose Facebook Messenger?

A practical option for those already using Facebook and looking for a unified messaging solution.

10. Verizon Messages

Verizon Messages

Link: Download Verizon Messages

For Verizon users, the Verizon Messages app enables smooth texting with additional features. It supports multimedia messages, group chats, and even video messaging.

Features:

  • 5GB of cloud storage for media.
  • Integrated calendar for reminders.
  • Rich media support.
  • Easy synchronization across devices.

Why Choose Verizon Messages?

A solid choice for Verizon customers, providing added features tailored to their user base.

Conclusion

The world of SMS apps on Android is vibrant and diverse, catering to various preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for customization, security, or cross-platform access, there’s an SMS app that fits your requirements perfectly.

Choosing the best SMS app often comes down to personal preference, so it’s worthwhile to test out a few of these options to find the one that enhances your messaging experience.

With this list, you are now armed with the knowledge of the best SMS apps available, ensuring that you stay connected and communicate effectively. Happy messaging!