Top 15 Best Texting Apps for iPhone or iPad in 2023

Apple always plays an outstanding role in satisfying its user’s demands with its outstanding apps, features, or system performance. And iMessage is one of the best apps of Apple that lets you send text messages, audios, or videos and make calls to your loved ones. However, you can do that only if the receiver also uses Apple devices – iPhones or iPads, etc!

iMessage cannot be the only option if your friends are on other platforms. In this case, you can use other free texting apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. These apps are absolutely chatable through different devices and operating systems.

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Table of Contents

The 15 Best Texting Apps for iPhone or iPad in 2023!

Starting with the popular ones first, I will talk about the 15 best free texting apps that are built for instant chatting, secret texting, and of course highly ranked by Apple and Android users. So without a further delay, check them out!

1. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the best instant chatting apps which is end-to-end encrypted and available for all the devices across the globe in 40 different languages. It provides fast, secured, and reliable texting experiences that everybody loves. Check its popularity on the Apple Apps Store and Google Play Store as it is rated 4.7/5 and 4.3/5 respectively, with billions of downloads. Moreover, it is currently trending at #3 in Social Networking Apps.

Best Features of WhatsApp

Simple, free and reliable text messaging.
Smooth group communications with up to 256 users at once sharing capability.
Private or group – voice and video calls for free.
Seamless syncable chats on WhatsApp web and desktop app both for Mac and Windows.
By default end-to-end encryption.
High quality photo and video sharing.
One tap voice messages recording.
Easy document sharing (pdf, pptx, spreadsheets etc.) of up to 100 MB.
Stories sharing on status lasting for 24 hours.

What’s New on WhatsApp?

Disappearing messages – a new feature to ensure more user privacy. In addition, it will save storage by deleting messages and shared media after a selected period.

To get started with disappearing messages – open an individual/group chat >> open their info page >> scroll down >> tap disappearing messages >> tap continue.

whatsapp new feature — WhatsApp new feature

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

2. Facebook Messenger

Messenger by Facebook is a very popular multipurpose instant texting app. Anybody who is on FaceBook uses its messenger app to communicate with friends on FB or from other platforms as it can be used as a default messaging app as well. Check out its best features below and get it from the respective app stores for iPhone/iPad or Android. Messenger is also available for your desktops (Mac or Windows).

Best Features of Facebook Messenger

Watch Together through video chat – Videos, movies or anything on FB Watch can be enjoyed together with friends.
Custom Reactions – react through emojis and express what is inexpressible.
Animated Effects – chat in live actions using messengers AR effects, texts and video call effects.
Chat Themes – add fun and colorful themes on your chat windows.
Reply or Forward chats within a tap.
App Lock – to keep your conversation fully secured.
Payments – add your debit card or PayPal accounts to send/receive money with ease.
Business – chat/connect with your favorite online stores or businesses.
Easy mention members using “@”.

What’s New on Facebook Messenger?

Integrate conversation with Instagram, Portal and Oculus.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

3. Instagram

Instagram is currently trending at #2 in the photo and video category because of its independent and unique features to bring people closer. With a high rate of 4.7/5 on Apple Apps Store, iOS users seem to be very obsessed with Instagram from across the planet. Therefore communicating through IG DM is one of their best ways to stay connected with friends on Instagram and Facebook. As this app is also very popular among Android users (rated 4.4/5 on Google Play Store), you can find anyone on Instagram these days. Or you can ask them to install it as it offers these cool features below!

Best Features of Instagram

Connect with friends on Facebook and Instagram of course.
Watch Together – watch videos together with friends on FB/Insta.
Engagements – engage your conversations with custom reactions, colorful chat themes, selfie strikers and text effects.
Vanish Mode – have fun with disappearing messages once those are seen.
Sync through Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with friends on both platforms.
Reels – make short videos with effects and audios or watch and share others fun Reels.
Search and Explore people and places around the world.
Shop from popular local or global stores anytime.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

4. Telegram

Telegram Messenger is available for all the users on every single platform be it – iPhone or iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, or even Linux! Being very easy to use, Telegram offers lots of cool features listed below!

Best Features of Telegram

Simple and instant texting interface.
Fastest texting app on the web covering data centers across the globe.
Sync all of your texts from other platforms on Telegram.
Send unlimited sizes of files and midea.
Symmetric AES encryption to give your conversations extra security.
Group chats consisting of upto 200,000 people!
Complete messenger customization.

What’s New on Telegram?

1. Protected content to stop others to save your texts/content, delete by date, and better than before device management.

2. Enlight your texting experiences with all new reactions, text translations, spoilers or hidden texts, and QR codes on chat themes!

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

5. Snapchat

Snapchat is a very popular, unique, and instant moment-sharing app. It opens right from the camera that lets you share your moments with your loved ones in just a snap of your finger! One of the reasons of Snapchat is trending at #4 in the photo and video category on the Apple Apps Store is its cool photo and video filters. Moreover, it has a unique interface that captures everyone’s eyes, even the Android users.

Best Features of Snapchat

Lenses – see yourself differently on Snap camera with its millions of lenses.
Spotlight – share your creative videos with the whole world.
Map – explore your personal map and learn more insights about your friends.
Live Chat – stay connected with friends and family with SnapChat’s live video, audio calls and instant texting conversations.
Share your moments through Stories.
Save your every moment on SnapChat Memories.
Create streaks and feel an amazing bond with your best friends.
Ghost Mode – switch on to ghost mode and be invisible on Snap Map.
Bitmoji – create your unique bitmoji and use it as your profile identity on Snapchat.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

6. Viber

Viber Messenger lets you express yourself an extra mile and keeps you on GO mode 24/7 with its variety of calling and texting features! It is one of the highly ranked and most downloaded apps on both the Apple Apps Store and Play Store. Get it for your desktop and also check why it is so popular and user-friendly, below!

Best Features of Viber

High-quality calls – best video and audio calling experience with lowest data consumption.
Strikers & GIFs – millions of them are available but if still not enough? CREATE YOUR OWN!
Instant group chats and callings.
Delete & Edit SEEN Texts.
Join communities of Brand/Influencers with similar passions.
Disappearing Texts – set a self-destruct timer to delete messages and be extra secured.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

7. Signal

Signal is a private messaging application with extra privacy guaranteed on every feature. It focuses on user’s security the most and provides state-of-the-art services. The signal is also considered to be one of the highly ranked applications on Apple Apps and Google Play Store. Millions of iPhone, iPad or Android users are using Signal daily, and here is why!

Signal is also available for your desktop (Windows/ Mac/ Linux).

Best Features of Signal

End-to-end encrypted conversation for extra security.
Crystal-clear voice & video calling experience.
Easy shareable files and GIFs.
High quality photos and video sharing.
Encrypted Stickers – express yourself with another layer of privacy.
No ads or affiliate marketing allowed to show on the app.
Absolutely free, no in-app purchase is needed.
Built in image editor – sketch, crop, trim and add filters to your photos.

What’s New on Signal?

Spruced chat list – to notice your unread chats even clearly.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

8. Text Me

Text Me transfers your iPhone, iPad, or tablet into a real phone providing multiple phone numbers. With no catch and hidden costs, you can call and text unlimited times to the US, Canada, and 40 other countries via this app. Even if your friends are not on Text Me, you can still call or text them for free. iOS and Android users have highly rated and reviewed this app because of its following cool features.

Best Features of Text Me

Be anonymous – get free real phone numbers to call and text anyone anonymously.
Unlimited Photo and text messaging for free to any phone.
Real SMS – send unlimited sms to any number in the USA and Canada for free.
Free voicemail and location sharing options.
Engage with groups with video and audio calling, photos and video sharing.
Real time notification of text delivery.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

9. GroupMe

Finding a place to organize all the things happening in lots of groups in one place? Meet GroupMe app available at Apple Apps Store, Google Play Store, and for your desktop as well! It is an app with the simplest interface, providing the best ways to stay connected with your loved ones. Check out its best features here!

Best Features of Group Me

Add people to your group chats through email address or phone number.
Express your emotions with exclusive emoji collections of the app.
Easily explorable memories (photos or videos) shared in groups.
Text people who do not use smartphones.
Read url content without visiting the site.
React to the messages with specific emoticons.
Send direct messages to individuals.
Share location.
Customize your favorite emojis.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

10. Skype

Skype is one of the oldest apps that has been serving the internet world since the beginning. It is best used for free video calls, but texting or chatting through Skype is also very popular among users. Skype is one of the highest-rated social networking apps by both iOS and Android users and here is why!

Best Features of Skype

Chat with emojis, annotated images, GIFs, or web images and videos.
Free calls for Skype to Skype.
Group call to 50 friends or even 1, smoothly!
HD video calling experience.
Instant chatting and @ mentions.

What’s New on Skype?

Modernized look.
Better camera focus
Together mode – best for group calls.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

11. Kik

On Kik, chat with anyone from any device, even with a bot. Just stay closer and stay connected with your people. It is one of the recent apps on stores for iOS and Android users and they already love being on Kik. Kik is available for your handsets for free. However, you can purchase its advanced version for advanced features. It is very fun to use Kik and have cool conversations with its amazing features listed below!

Best Features of Kik

Express yourself with amazing GIfs, emojis and reactions.
Easy and simple to use interface.
Chat with Kik Bots and be more social.
Play quizzes with Kik Bots.
Connect with your favorite people by scanning unique Kik Codes.
Safe and secured privacy systems.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

12. WeChat

WeChat connects people through chats, calls, and more. On WeChat, you can easily post your thoughts and memories on the time capsule and share them with your friends. Texting and chatting is way more fun on WeChat and here is why!

Best Features of WeChat

More ways to chat – with texts, voice and video calls, location, photo and video sharing.
Chat with upto 500 members at once in a group.
Create and custom strikers.
Browse tons of cool strikers from the striker gallery.
Play Games and have more fun with friends.

Although iOS users highly rated this app, it seems less popular among Android users.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

13. Line

Line Messenger App is a new communication app that is steadily making its way out to the social networking world. It is available across the world and for free, offering in-app purchases. Transform the way you used to communicate with people via Line Messenger App.

Best Features of Line

One-on-one and groups texts, video and voice calls.
Colorful chat themes, strikers and lots of emojis.
Shareable fun and exciting news or posts.
For you – a tab to explore more worldwide content.
Wallet – pay using Line Pay or various financial services of Line.
Voom – explore and discover new people with similar interests through Line Voom, and follow them.

Line provides many useful services such as; Line Antivirus, Line Music, etc., and you can get Line for all devices as well.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

14. imo

imo is an instant texting app that lets you make international calls out of Imo with very limited charges. It is best used for connecting with your long-distant friends simply and reliably. It is ranked #24 in the social networking category at Apple Apps Store and rated 4.1/5 at Google Play Store. The reasons are below!

Best Features of imo

Instant texting with HD-quality video calls.
Compatible with any networks – 2G, 3G, 4G or WiFi.
Fast and high quality photo and video sharing.
Less data consumption.
Lots of fun avatars, musical themes and backgrounds to choose from.
All types of file sharing.
Imo Cloud – to free up your device storage.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

15. Tango

Tango is a live streaming app. It is considered one of the best apps to meet new people via live streams and video chats. However, users of Tango use instant texting to communicate through it whenever they want. It has many cool and exciting features given below!

Best Features of Tango

Talent Show – get yourself discovered on Tango by showing your unique talents.
Earn Money – connect with your fans and earn stars to get money!
Dual Broadcast – collaborate with friends and get more fame.
Chat with broadcasters, content creators and influencers like never before.
Play exciting games and chat at the same time with friends.
Live Voice and Video Chat Room – stream with whomever you want in your own Tango World.

Download for iPhone / Download for Android

Wrapping Up!

Do not get confused with so many texting apps for your iPhone or iPad, rather choose what best suits you by checking out the above-mentioned features. Hope you find your desired app and stay connected with your loved ones on different platforms as well.

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