What texting app is totally free?

In the modern digital age, texting is one of the most common forms of communication. While many people rely on traditional cellular texting, there are also a wide variety of apps that offer free texting services, often with added features like multimedia messaging, group chats, and cross-platform compatibility. If you’re looking to send text messages without incurring any charges, here are the best free texting apps available today.

1. WhatsApp

Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: International texting, group chats, and multimedia sharing.

Overview:
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used free texting apps worldwide. It uses internet data (Wi-Fi or mobile data) instead of traditional SMS, meaning you can send texts for free as long as you have an internet connection. In addition to text messages, you can share pictures, voice messages, videos, and make voice or video calls.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end encryption for privacy
  • Voice and video calling features
  • Group chats and broadcast messaging
  • Cross-platform functionality

Why It’s Great:
WhatsApp is completely free for both domestic and international texting, making it an excellent choice for staying in touch with friends and family anywhere in the world.

2. Telegram

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Best For: Secure and fast messaging with added features.

Overview:
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its focus on speed and security. You can send unlimited texts, photos, videos, and files for free. Telegram also allows for group chats with up to 200,000 members, making it a great option for larger communities.

Key Features:

  • Secret chats with end-to-end encryption
  • Self-destructing messages
  • Cloud-based storage
  • Multi-platform use

Why It’s Great:
Telegram’s security features, such as end-to-end encryption and secret chats, set it apart from other texting apps. It’s also known for its user-friendly interface and ability to send large files, making it a versatile messaging option.

3. Signal

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
Best For: Privacy-conscious users who prioritize security.

Overview:
Signal is another popular app that focuses on privacy. It allows users to send encrypted text messages, make voice calls, and send multimedia messages without worrying about eavesdropping. It’s entirely free and doesn’t track your data, unlike some other messaging apps.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end encryption
  • No ads or data collection
  • Audio and video calling
  • Self-destructing messages

Why It’s Great:
If privacy and security are your top priorities, Signal is the best choice. It’s known for being the most secure messaging app on the market and is recommended by experts and organizations like Edward Snowden.

4. Facebook Messenger

Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Integration with Facebook for messaging contacts.

Overview:
Messenger is a popular app that integrates seamlessly with Facebook. It’s free to use for both texting and making voice or video calls. In addition to text messages, you can send multimedia content, including gifs, stickers, and even money transfers, making it a versatile tool for social interaction.

Key Features:

  • No need for a phone number to use (Facebook account required)
  • Voice and video calling
  • Group chats with up to 250 people
  • Integrated with Facebook for easy contact syncing

Why It’s Great:
Messenger is perfect if you already use Facebook and want a way to text, call, and video chat with your friends directly within the app. The app is user-friendly and offers many fun features like stickers and games.

5. Google Messages

Platform: Android
Best For: Android users looking for a simple and integrated solution.

Overview:
Google Messages is a simple but powerful texting app for Android users. It supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for a more advanced texting experience, allowing for features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. While it’s primarily used for SMS and MMS, it’s also compatible with Wi-Fi and mobile data for sending messages over the internet.

Key Features:

  • Supports RCS for a richer texting experience
  • Send SMS, MMS, and messages via Wi-Fi/data
  • Easy integration with Google services
  • Group chats and multimedia sharing

Why It’s Great:
Google Messages is great for Android users looking for a simple, yet feature-packed texting app. RCS integration makes it a great choice for people who want an SMS app that behaves similarly to a messaging app.

6. Viber

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
Best For: Texting and calling across borders for free.

Overview:
Viber allows you to send free text messages, make voice calls, and send photos or videos. It’s free to use with an internet connection, and it supports end-to-end encryption. Viber is also great for making international calls, and it lets you create public accounts or communities.

Key Features:

  • Free text and voice calls to other Viber users
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Group chats and stickers
  • Viber Out for low-cost international calls

Why It’s Great:
Viber’s strong encryption and ability to make low-cost international calls set it apart from many other apps. If you need to stay in touch with friends or family in other countries, it’s an excellent choice.

7. TextNow

Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Free texting and calling with a dedicated phone number.

Overview:
TextNow is a free app that provides you with a dedicated phone number, allowing you to send and receive texts and calls for free. You can also use the app to make calls to landlines or other cell phones in the U.S. and Canada. It’s ad-supported, but there are options to remove ads by upgrading.

Key Features:

  • Free dedicated phone number
  • Unlimited free texting and calling in the U.S. and Canada
  • Voicemail and call forwarding options
  • Option for international calls at low rates

Why It’s Great:
TextNow is ideal for those who need a phone number for texting and calling, but don’t want to pay for a traditional phone plan. It's great for people who need a second phone number or just want free calling and texting within North America.

8. Kik

Platform: iOS, Android
Best For: Teenagers and younger users looking for a social texting app.

Overview:
Kik is a free texting app that allows you to send messages to anyone, even if they don’t have the app installed. Kik is especially popular among teens and younger users, as it offers group chats, multimedia sharing, and the ability to chat with strangers in a safe and controlled environment.

Key Features:

  • No phone number required
  • Group chats and public chats
  • Multimedia sharing (photos, gifs, videos)
  • Customizable user interface

Why It’s Great:
Kik is a great option for people who want to chat freely and without limitations. It also has additional features like bots and fun filters, making it a playful, social option for younger people.

Conclusion:

While many texting apps are available, the ones listed above are the best free options for anyone looking to send messages without racking up costs. Whether you prioritize security, multimedia sharing, or group chats, there’s an app that suits your needs. From global options like WhatsApp and Telegram to more region-specific apps like TextNow, these apps ensure you can stay connected without paying for traditional SMS services.