Best free messaging apps

Certainly, here are some free messaging apps that were popular as of my last update in September 2021:

1. WhatsApp: Offers text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and multimedia sharing. It’s known for its widespread usage and end-to-end encryption. Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers.

2. Facebook Messenger: Integrated with Facebook, this app supports text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and group chats. Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers.

3. Telegram: Focused on privacy and security, Telegram provides secret chats, self-destructing messages, and encrypted voice and video calls. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

4. Signal: Known for its strong encryption, Signal offers end-to-end encrypted text, voice, and video communications. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

5. Viber: Offers text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and group chats. It also supports international calls to non-Viber users at low rates. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

6. LINE: Popular in some regions, LINE supports text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and various stickers and emojis. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

7. Skype: Offers video calls, voice calls, and text messaging, both for individual and group chats. It’s also used for business communication. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

8. WeChat: Widely used in China, WeChat combines messaging with social media, mobile payment, and other features. Available for Android and iOS.

9. Kik: Known for its anonymity, Kik offers text messaging and group chats. Available for Android and iOS.

10. Discord: Originally designed for gamers, Discord is used for text, voice, and video chats among various communities. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop.

11. Snapchat: Primarily used for sending photos, videos, and text messages that disappear after being viewed. Available for Android and iOS.

12. Hangouts: Google’s messaging app offers text messaging, voice calls, and video calls. It’s integrated with Google services. Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers.

Please keep in mind that the features, popularity, and availability of these apps might have changed since my last update. When choosing a messaging app, consider factors such as privacy features, encryption, user base, and the app’s terms of use. Always ensure that the app you choose meets your communication needs and provides a level of privacy and security that you’re comfortable with.