iMessage has been part of iOS for years, allowing users to send text messages to their friends. iMessage gets better and smarter every year with the introduction of new features like Animoji, Memoji, and stickers. However, one major drawback is that iMessage is still limited in Apple’s ecosystem, which is why you should grab a third-party messaging app.
In reality, there are a lot of messaging apps for your iPhone and iPad out there that offer even more advanced features. However, keep in mind that not all of them are worth your time. With that in mind, we made a list of the best messaging apps for iPhone and iPad.
Note that some apps may not work on an older version of iOS, so make sure you now have the latest software update on your iPhone or iPad.
WhatsApp is the leading messaging app that allows you to send text messages and voice messages to your friends. WhatsApp now has more than one billion users worldwide, making it the most used messaging app on the market. WhatsApp has its own apps across all platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android. To be honest, you get the same experience, but the UI is slightly different.
One of the highlights of WhatsApp lies in the ability to create group chats, making it a solid choice for small business owners who want to stay in touch with their customers. Last year, I switched to WhatsApp from iMessage even though most of my friends now have an Apple device. Basically, I am satisfied with what the app provides like its intuitive UI and cool features.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is insanely popular out there and serves as an ideal alternative to iMessage. Messenger allows you to send text messages, voice messages, pictures, and links to your friends.
However, the messaging app lets you do much more than chat. Indeed, Messenger also enables users to play games with their friends and send money online within the app. There is now a Stories feature allowing you to create short clips that disappear after 24 hours.
Messenger is highly optimized for your iPhone and iPad, but there are times when it fails to work or crashes. Facebook Messenger is a solid choice if you want to do more in a messaging app. However, the app still drains your device’s battery or loads slower than WhatsApp.
Viber
Viber is a fun messaging app that lets do more than just sending text messages to your friends. One of the highlights of Viber lies in its variety of sticker packs, allowing you to add more fun and expression to your chats.
Viber now has more than 50,000 stickers, ranging from cute animals, World Cup packs to LegCat and Ramadan Kareem pack. Some of these sticker packs cost some cash, but believe me, they are worth a shot.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a popular messaging app that acts as WhatsApp’s main rival. Like any other messaging platforms out there, Snapchat lets you send messages, voice messages, and pictures to your friends. Snapchat also has its own Stories feature that offers the same functionality as Facebook Stories.
With Snapchat, you can play fun games with your friends without leaving the app. Snapchat was once my favorite messaging app, but I made a switch to WhatsApp as I encountered some problems like unstable servers or Camera not working.
If you are looking for fun messaging app for your iPhone and iPad, then Snapchat is a solid choice for any user.
Skype
Skype is the number one messaging app for small and large businesses. One main point of Skype lies in its advanced video calling feature. Indeed, you can join a calling session with up to 24 people. Skype also lets you send text messages, voice messages, and pictures to your friends.
Skype is highly optimized for the iPhone and iPad, providing users with a useful tool of communication. Personally, I have used Skype for almost 2 years now to stay in touch with my colleagues. I am satisfied with what the software provides, but there is a slight problem. Indeed, when I call someone, I cannot turn off my phone and even the screen won’t turn black. So, I expect Microsoft to fix this in future updates.
These are the best messaging apps for your iPhone and iPad. To be honest, WhatsApp is my favorite app for texting and video calling as it has a slew of advanced features and a high iOS optimization.
What is your favorite messaging app? Let us know in the comments below.
