If you’re still using the default messaging app that came with your Android phone, it’s time to branch out. These seven apps go beyond the basics with features such as customization, message prioritization, quick reply, beautiful designs, and compatibility with related apps. Many of them also boast responsive developers, so if you run into problems, you’re likely to get help fast.

The information below should apply regardless of phone manufacturer.

Basic Texting App: Google Messages

The official Google SMS app is widely recognized as being a good, basic option for Android users. Handy features include the ability to set custom notification tones for each conversation, and RCS functionality for chat features such as read receipts and file sharing. You can even text via your computer through the app’s website.

  • Dark mode for low-light environments.

  • Ability to send audio messages to contacts.

  • Search feature.

  • Star important messages to find them again easily.

  • Some carriers don’t allow RCS functionality.

Have an important message you want to be able to find easily later? Tap and hold, then “star” the message. Access it anytime in your starred messages category.

Messages also has a fun Emoji Kitchen where you can access emoji combinations and save your recently used stickers so you can get back to them easily. There are even contextual Emoji Kitchen suggestions to help you express yourself.

Requirements: Android 5.0 Lollipop or later

Price: Free 

Newer Texting App: QKSMS

QKSMS is streamlined, with an attractive interface. Features include a blocklist, Android Wear compatibility, message prioritization, and night mode for dark environments. The app is powerful enough to share photos and stickers, and you can easily back up and restore messages.

  • Shows full content of long messages.

  • No ads.

  • Highly customizable.

  • High battery usage.

Requirements: Android 5.0 or later

QKSMS supports dual-SIM and multi-SIM phones.

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Customizable Texting App: Chomp SMS

As an app that’s been around for a long time, Chomp SMS has had the opportunity to keep improving. Useful features include app locking, scheduled message sending, the ability to prioritize conversations, and number blocking. You can also choose the way the app looks with themes and skins, and customize many other aspects of it as well.

  • It’s updated with every Android update.

  • You can stop a text while it’s being sent.

  • Choice of emoji styles.

  • Notification sound for incoming texts may be too loud with earbuds.

Requirements: Android 2.3 or later

Highly Compatible Texting App: Textra SMS

If you love customization, you’ll love this app, which allows you to change the background, icon, notifications, and emoji and bubble styles. It also includes dark, light, and auto-night modes, stop during send, multi-select photo gallery, contact customization, and quick-reply popup, just to name a few. It’s compatible with Android Wear, Pushbullet, and MightyText for maximum efficiency.

  • High speed.

  • Continuous improvements.

  • User-friendly.

  • Features may not keep up with Android updates.

Requirements: Android 4.1 or later

Use the copy feature to easily transfer information between apps.

App for Texting and Messaging: Mood Messenger

A newer addition to the Android texting app selection, Mood Messenger is simple, yet fully functional, including the ability to send GIFs and animated emojis, location sharing, and quick reply options. Choose a background to match your personality. Use it for SMS texting, or just send messages directly through the app with others who have it installed. Protect your privacy with app locking.

  • Personalize contacts.

  • Typing indicator so you can see when the other person is responding.

  • Some users report technical issues.

  • Contains ads.

Messaging App With Best Security: Signal Private Messenger

Technically a messaging app similar to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, Signal allows you to exchange messages directly with others who have the app (if they don’t have the app, they receive a standard text message). Signal includes robust security with end-to-end encryption. In addition to messaging, it can be used for group chats or phone calls.

  • Disappearing messages option.

  • Ability to send any media, including GIFs and audio files.

  • Open source, so code can be audited for security.

  • Not compatible with tablets.

Requirements: Android 4.0 or later

Price: Free

Texting App to Use With All Your Devices: Pulse SMS

Highly customizable, this app is also highly flexible because it works across all your Android devices, as well as PCs. The easy-to-navigate interface allows you to focus on communicating with your contacts. Keep up with the most important messages by pinning them to the top of the list, and eliminate clutter by archiving completed conversations.

  • Password protection.

  • Ability to share GIFs.

  • Search feature.

  • Some users report missed MMS messages.

Requirements: Varies with device

Use the search function to find past messages.

Price: Phone-only version is free. Enable additional devices starting at $0.99/month.

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