18.7
Zulip is team chat software that organizes conversations in channels and supports guest access.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Instant Messaging Software in 2026
Instant messaging software supports text conversations, group chats and file sharing. The directory covers tools that run on platforms including Android, with web, Windows, iOS, macOS and Linux support also represented. Start by checking for an Android app that fits your phone or tablet. Then compare message history, end-to-end encryption, group limits, file limits and guest access, along with the platforms you use.
28.2
Microsoft Teams is a communications and collaboration app for chat, channels, calls, meetings, and screen sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
38.2
Rocket.Chat is a messaging platform for teams, with channels, guest access and unlimited message history.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
Slack
Slack is a team collaboration platform built around channels, messages, and connected apps.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux8.2From $8.75 a month - 5
SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a free messaging app built on the SimpleX platform, available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSAPILinux8.0Free plan - 6
Chanty
Chanty is a team chat and collaboration tool with channels, guest access and unlimited message history.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.9From $36 a year - 7
Pumble
Pumble is a team communication and collaboration app for businesses, available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.9From $2.49 a month - 8
Wire
Wire provides organizations with end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.9From €7.45 a month - 9
Discord
Discord is a communications platform for voice, video, and text, with communities organized into servers and channels.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.8From $29.99 a year - 10
JANDI
JANDI is a messenger-based collaboration tool for workplace communication and teamwork.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS7.6From $6 a month - 11
Beeper
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.5From $9.99 a month - 12
Session
Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.4From $2.99 a month - 13
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is a team messaging platform from Troop Messenger, headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.3From $2.50 a month - 14
Twist
Twist is a team messaging service organized around channels, with guest access and integrations for work tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.3From $6 a month - 15
Threema
Threema is a paid messaging app for private and business use, with text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing, file…
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.2From $3 a month - 16
Signal
Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.0Free plan - 17
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app for mobile and desktop, focused on security and speed.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.0Free plan - 18
imo
imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS6.9Free plan - 19
Viber
Viber is a free calling and messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS6.9Free plan - 20
Brosix
Brosix is a paid team communication service available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.7From $8 a month - 21
Flock
Flock is a team collaboration service organized around channels, guest access, and messaging.
AndroidiOSWebExtension6.7 - 22
Briar
Briar is a free messaging app designed for people such as activists and journalists who need communication without a central server.
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 23
6.4Free plan - 24
Element
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.3 - 25
Conversations
Android6.1From €12 a year
Choosing well
Check Android and other platforms
Confirm that the service has an Android app before signing up. Check its supported platforms against your other devices, such as a browser, Windows PC, iPhone or Mac.
A web option can help when you switch devices, while Linux support may matter for a desktop setup.
Compare free plans and trials
A free plan can cover basic messaging without a subscription. Check what the listed paid price adds and whether a free trial is available before choosing a paid tier.
Pricing models differ, so compare the free offering with the features and limits you need.
Review privacy and message history
Compare end-to-end encryption and the message-history policy shown for a service. These details affect how conversations are protected and how far back you can read them.
If open-source code matters to you, check the tool's licence and what code is available for review.
Check groups, files and guests
Use the maximum group size to match your chats, teams or communities. The file-size limit matters when conversations include documents or media.
Guest access can help bring in people who do not have a full account, so check whether that option fits your use.
Questions people ask
Is there an Android app for these messaging tools?
Android is one of the supported platforms represented here. Check the individual tool's platform details before installing or creating an account.
Can I use an instant messaging tool for free?
A free plan is available from listed services, while other plans may use freemium or paid pricing. Compare the plan details for the tool you want.
Which platforms can messaging software support?
Platforms represented in this category include Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and the web. Support differs by tool, so check its listing.
How do I compare group and file limits?
Use the maximum group size and file-size limit fields. Match those limits to the size of your chats and the files you plan to send.
Should I look for end-to-end encryption?
Yes. End-to-end encryption is one of the comparison fields, so review the listed protection details when privacy is important.