Long gone are the days where pigeons were first used to communicate with others. And as days passed and technology evolved, live chat apps quietly came into existence. So, what do they actually do?
Exchange texts between friends, help you connect with relatives via group calls, or send out funny emojis to cheer your peers up. Well, when we see the brighter side, it is indeed transforming the way we talk, we shop, we do business, and even the way we manage our health.
They are present everywhere and a surprising part is that nearly half of the universe is into secure messaging app using it daily. But, this blog is not for them, as there is still an entire lot of people who are lesser known on what chat apps are doing behind the scenes.
So, without any ado, let us dive into the 10 best chat apps for Android and iOS, along with their key benefits, big stories, how to build chat app using Mirrofly chat api and much more. Shall we start?
What Features Should We Check Out In A Chat App & Chat APIs?
Now before you start using an instant messaging platform from the list of choices you see on your screen, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the communication app cross-compatible?
- Will there be ads?
- Does it allow you to make group video calls?
- Is it secure and follows compliance guidelines?
- And, whether it has the following features:
- Real-time messaging- This capability allows you to instantly connect with peers with minimal latency.
- Group chats and calls- Ensure that your preferred app gives the flexibility to make group video and audio calls to your friends and relatives.
- Customization- This is applicable for API developers who can tailor their chat software with the attributes they require.
- Whitelabeling - Again, this helps developers to brand their app with the elements and themes they need using whitelable SDKs.
- Cross-platform compatibility - You would not use the app entirely on mobile or on desktop. So, check whether they allow you to operate on multiple devices.
- Collaboration - You get the ability to share files, send photos, voice notes, and much more within the service.
- Security - Always ensure that your chat software is safe to use and has stringent encryption policies.
Finally, with these features in hand, get your journey on finding the right fit for you.
Top Android & iOS Messaging Apps Offering Great Features & Security
When opting for the best chat platform, you can see that you will be presented with multiple choice. Therefore, I have curated the top 10 apps that are known for likeness and usability.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is everyone's favorite as you can chat, call, see updates, and even build community within it. The best part of the platform is its security (which once was hampered and soon rebirthed as the most secure messenger) and data storage.
While the platform does not save your files on its server, it also protects them from third-party intruders and malwares. Some of its features include E2E encryption, two-step verification, and great compatibility
WhatsApp Benefits:
- Web and desktop access
- Voice and video calls
- E2E encryption
- Easy-to-use UI
- No ads
2. Telegram
Telegram is considered to be one of the safest messaging apps that is particularly growing in popularity in Europe and Asia. And by date, the platform has counted over 800 million monthly active users.
When we talk about its features, they include an open API, has distributed servers for reducing latency, and supports collaboration up to 200k members.
Telegram Benefits:
- Strong security mechanisms
- Cloud-based app
- Supports supergroups and channels
- Highly customizable
- Supports bots and integration to other apps
3. Signal
Acting as a private messenger for the Web, its unique capability is self-destructing messages after a particular duration. Plus, it has over 155 million active users since its launch and the numbers still grow till date.
Additionally, the platform makes use of E2E encryption, screen security, sealing sender identity, and other features that make them a hit in the market. You also get access to group chats and media services
Signal Benefits:
- Open-source and no ads
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Maximum security measures
- Disappearing messages
4. iMessage (Apple)
iessage is considered to be Apple's popular messaging app, that makes it compatible on iOS and macOS. Plus, it's easy integration with other Apple apps makes it a hit amongst the user community.
Additionally, it allows users to make voice and video calls along with sending messages, ensuring that all the conversations happening is safe in its ecosystem.
iMessage Benefits:
- Easy integration with Apple devices
- SMS/MMS integration
- Group chatting
- Rich media support
- Animoji and memoji
5. Facebook Messenger
FB, short for Facebook, comes as a widely used messaging software, as it makes it easy for people to easily communicate with friends and relatives, and with anyone using the FB network.
Plus, it offers a wide range of features like chats, voice and video calls, gaming, and payment options too. What's astonishing is that it has chatbots too.
Facebook Messenger Benefits:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Rich media sharing
- Bots and games
- Customizable chats
6. WeChat
WeChat of China is not just a messaging app. Meaning, it handles everything, right from payment to booking doctor's appointments to buying musical concert tickets, the app does everything. And so, it is known to be a multi-functional platform.
Apart from this, it is also helpful for individuals who are into business.
WeChat Benefits:
- Multi-functional app
- Voice and video calls
- Broadcasts and chats
- Mini programs
- WeChat moments
7. Viber
Viber is also known as one of the secure messaging software that gives users the flexibility to hide chats and set timers for disappearing messages. And as the security is concerned, you need not worry, as they adopt strong encryption mechanisms.
Like, the platform uses green color to specify that the contact is the trusted source, grey to identify the contact is yet to be trusted, and red indicates a problem with the contact identity.
Viber Benefits:
- Free international calls
- Strong encryption standards
- File sharing and stickers
- Public communities
8. Line
Line is one of the safest private chat apps that can be used on any smartphone and desktop. It was first launched by the Japanese engineers to communicate with people during the Tohoku earthquake.
Later, it got almost 80 million active users. Its prime features include HD video calling, has 100k stickers, letter sealing, and more
Line Benefit:
- Stickers and customization
- Games
- Cross-platform support
- Free voice and video calls
9. Snapchat
Snapchat works on the Ephemeral Messaging concept, meaning whatever messages, photos, or links sent to the users will disappear after viewed. This is to promote privacy and security.
Along with this, it also has other creative features like filters and AR lenses thus making it popular amongst the young users.
Snapchat Benefits:
- Lenses and filters
- Story feature capability
- Allows discovering celebrities
- Supports group chatting
10. Discord
Discord is an instant messaging solution that was initially designed for gaming purposes. But, it soon became a hub for all kinds of communities like businesses, creators, and hobbyists, making real-time communication possible and easy.
Along with this, it offers features like channels, servers, and integration support.
Discord Benefits:
- Customizable roles
- Bots and integrations
- Cross-platform support
- Screen sharing and live streaming
Build Your Chat App With Chat APIs
While we are discussing instant messaging solutions in the market, there is yet another topic to discuss and they are chat APIs.
If you are looking to create a customizable chat solution for your business, then you must use chat SDK to quickly and easily integrate real-time communication capabilities into your existing chat system. Doing this can boost customer support, foster productivity, and improve user experience.
Additionally, it is essential that you choose the right chat API provider like MirrorFly, who offers exquisites to developers like:
- Low latency and high scalability
- Self-hosted SDKs to customize and whitelabel chat apps
- 5M+ concurrent connections
- Low-code SDKs and the ability to upload large files
- Multi-tenancy and pre-built UI kits
- 1000+ call and chat features
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Flutter and React Native frameworks
And more.
On The Whole!
When we put all the above said in a nutshell, we can conclude that chat apps are beneficial and come as a fun way to connect with friends and relatives.
But, as we step closer to technology, many more apps will develop, making it difficult for you to choose the right one for your needs. So, always give a nod to solutions that provide rich features and excellent multimedia experiences.
Because, at the end of the day, customer satisfaction is important. And if you are a business looking out to create an immersive messaging experience, there are several chat API providers, who help you build chat service in minutes.
