Google's iron tight grip on Android is the main reason a lot of Android users switched to custom firmware. But in case you don't want to do that, and the prospect of letting Google spy on your messages is not exactly an exciting proposition for you. Here are the best messaging app for Android options for you.
Signal
The safest option you can go with is Signal. I bet you've heard of this app before and for a good reason. It's a gold standard for secure messaging. Even the Google messages app switched to Signal protocol. But why use the Signal app then? Good thing you asked. First of all, Transparency. After all, Signal is completely open source, which honestly just means that you're not using a cat in a bag.
The app's functionality and structure is publicly accessible so there's a guarantee of no illicit activity happening behind the scenes. Recently, Signal has upgraded its code as well, planning to implement a secure payment feature. The same can't be said about Google Messenger, even though it comes along with the open source Android.
Even the operating system is more transparent than its basic messaging app. But the real reason why I consider Signal the best messaging app on Android is the end-to-end encryption and metadata protection. Signal has one of the best encryption protocols out there. And probably the best of all messaging apps.
But before I go in-depth into security features, there is one clarification I really need to make. Signal does not support SMS messages anymore, making it a bit different from Google messages and practically forcing you to use mobile internet or Wi-Fi for communication. App developers cite the security downsides of the SMS format as the reason why these messages are no longer supported.
This makes sense, but that's more important. SMS is kind of dying now. The new RCS or Rich Communication Service format is bound to replace SMS soon. Even Apple is planning to transition to it once iOS 18 rolls out. Took those guys long enough? Even with the EU's constant nagging. Despite being a mostly Apple issue, this is important as previously if you were sending Apple users RCS protected messages, they did not get encrypted as iOS did not support RCS.
Now, as promised, let's take a look at Signal safety and privacy features. My favorite thing about this Android messaging app, is that I can chat without revealing my phone number. Username replace those. When I receive notifications, I don't have to worry that someone will accidentally see the message.
Notifications are fully customizable. If the messages themselves are sensitive, they can be sent for a limited period of time disappearing as soon as the timer ends. Messages aside, Signal even allows me to relay all my calls through the app and the encryption. A huge privacy boost for simple conversations.
My only issue is that this has to be enabled manually. So make sure to enable Always relay calls in the privacy settings when you get the app. Besides all that, Signal supports voice chats and calls through the app. Text messages with gifts and media. If you have tons of friends or colleagues to coordinate, each group chat can have up to a thousand people.
Not that you'll need them much. What are the cons of this completely free and open source messenger? It's not very widespread. Chances are some people, you are often communicating with, have never heard of Signal. In which case, recommend this video to them. But still the lack of SMS support, internet requirement and security, some find excessive, are surely a turnoff for somebody seeking a straightforward messaging app for Android.
WhatsApp
If your friend group doesn't want to switch to Signal or your parents get confused with its settings, WhatsApp is the best Android messaging app for you. Everyone knows WhatsApp. What a shocker. An app with 3,000,000,000 users and over 5,000,000,000 downloads. Why is it even here? I bet you're asking.
That's because after Signal, it's objectively just the second-best option to replace Google messages.
Reason 1, end-to-end encryption. It literally has the same one as Signal, and it's the most secure communication protocol available on the market today.
A reason 2, popularity. Chances are all the people you communicate with already use WhatsApp.
Reason 3, accessibility. It's a free app that's very easy to use and manage. Even beginners will find the app comfortable to explore. A reason for the versatility. WhatsApp supports all media formats, allows group chats with over a thousand people and even offers dedicated business tools and broadcast channels.
Naturally, WhatsApp is not a miracle app. I still have a few gripes with it, which can make WhatsApp seem like a less appealing option for you. For instance, while WhatsApp supports disappearing messages, they can only be used in one-on-one chats. Unlike Signal, WhatsApp can't relay calls and doesn't offer metadata protection.
There's no SMS support either, but most importantly, WhatsApp is owned and managed by Meta, the same company that's behind Facebook, and you know how those guys treat their security. Spoiler. Not very well. Still, I believe WhatsApp benefits outweigh the negatives unless you are very, very conscious about your privacy.
Conclusion
Google messages is not an irreplaceable Android message app. You might need to step away from the SMS format to maintain the best security and privacy for your communications, but with apps like Signal or WhatsApp, it's really easy to do.
The only difference is that Signal will fit best for the privacy-conscious users who need advanced cross-platform communication, while WhatsApp is a better option for casual users who simply want to maintain their connection and don't feel bothered by the Meta ownership.
Best Alternatives Messaging Apps for Mobile
v| Name | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | |
| Genre | Blog |
| Version | |
| Update | December 15, 2024 |
Preview
Google’s iron tight grip on Android is the main reason a lot of Android users switched to custom firmware. But in case you don’t want to do that, and the prospect of letting Google spy on your messages is not exactly an exciting proposition for you. Here are the best messaging app for Android options for you.
Signal
The safest option you can go with is Signal. I bet you’ve heard of this app before and for a good reason. It’s a gold standard for secure messaging. Even the Google messages app switched to Signal protocol. But why use the Signal app then? Good thing you asked. First of all, Transparency. After all, Signal is completely open source, which honestly just means that you’re not using a cat in a bag.
The app’s functionality and structure is publicly accessible so there’s a guarantee of no illicit activity happening behind the scenes. Recently, Signal has upgraded its code as well, planning to implement a secure payment feature. The same can’t be said about Google Messenger, even though it comes along with the open source Android.
Even the operating system is more transparent than its basic messaging app. But the real reason why I consider Signal the best messaging app on Android is the end-to-end encryption and metadata protection. Signal has one of the best encryption protocols out there. And probably the best of all messaging apps.
But before I go in-depth into security features, there is one clarification I really need to make. Signal does not support SMS messages anymore, making it a bit different from Google messages and practically forcing you to use mobile internet or Wi-Fi for communication. App developers cite the security downsides of the SMS format as the reason why these messages are no longer supported.
This makes sense, but that’s more important. SMS is kind of dying now. The new RCS or Rich Communication Service format is bound to replace SMS soon. Even Apple is planning to transition to it once iOS 18 rolls out. Took those guys long enough? Even with the EU’s constant nagging. Despite being a mostly Apple issue, this is important as previously if you were sending Apple users RCS protected messages, they did not get encrypted as iOS did not support RCS.
Now, as promised, let’s take a look at Signal safety and privacy features. My favorite thing about this Android messaging app, is that I can chat without revealing my phone number. Username replace those. When I receive notifications, I don’t have to worry that someone will accidentally see the message.
Notifications are fully customizable. If the messages themselves are sensitive, they can be sent for a limited period of time disappearing as soon as the timer ends. Messages aside, Signal even allows me to relay all my calls through the app and the encryption. A huge privacy boost for simple conversations.
My only issue is that this has to be enabled manually. So make sure to enable Always relay calls in the privacy settings when you get the app. Besides all that, Signal supports voice chats and calls through the app. Text messages with gifts and media. If you have tons of friends or colleagues to coordinate, each group chat can have up to a thousand people.
Not that you’ll need them much. What are the cons of this completely free and open source messenger? It’s not very widespread. Chances are some people, you are often communicating with, have never heard of Signal. In which case, recommend this video to them. But still the lack of SMS support, internet requirement and security, some find excessive, are surely a turnoff for somebody seeking a straightforward messaging app for Android.
If your friend group doesn’t want to switch to Signal or your parents get confused with its settings, WhatsApp is the best Android messaging app for you. Everyone knows WhatsApp. What a shocker. An app with 3,000,000,000 users and over 5,000,000,000 downloads. Why is it even here? I bet you’re asking.
That’s because after Signal, it’s objectively just the second-best option to replace Google messages.
Reason 1, end-to-end encryption. It literally has the same one as Signal, and it’s the most secure communication protocol available on the market today.
A reason 2, popularity. Chances are all the people you communicate with already use WhatsApp.
Reason 3, accessibility. It’s a free app that’s very easy to use and manage. Even beginners will find the app comfortable to explore. A reason for the versatility. WhatsApp supports all media formats, allows group chats with over a thousand people and even offers dedicated business tools and broadcast channels.
Naturally, WhatsApp is not a miracle app. I still have a few gripes with it, which can make WhatsApp seem like a less appealing option for you. For instance, while WhatsApp supports disappearing messages, they can only be used in one-on-one chats. Unlike Signal, WhatsApp can’t relay calls and doesn’t offer metadata protection.
There’s no SMS support either, but most importantly, WhatsApp is owned and managed by Meta, the same company that’s behind Facebook, and you know how those guys treat their security. Spoiler. Not very well. Still, I believe WhatsApp benefits outweigh the negatives unless you are very, very conscious about your privacy.
Conclusion
Google messages is not an irreplaceable Android message app. You might need to step away from the SMS format to maintain the best security and privacy for your communications, but with apps like Signal or WhatsApp, it’s really easy to do.
The only difference is that Signal will fit best for the privacy-conscious users who need advanced cross-platform communication, while WhatsApp is a better option for casual users who simply want to maintain their connection and don’t feel bothered by the Meta ownership.
