Google’s Messages app is fast, easy to use, customizable, and even has an option where you can send and receive texts from a computer or tablet, send texts for free, and even make calls over wifi. It’s what we recommend the most, and is your best bet if you don’t want to customize everything on Textra. Luckily, it’s already installed on several phones on the market today and it’s full of useful features. Perhaps the best overall text messaging app, or experience, is Google’s own Android Messages app. Otherwise, you’ll have a little ad at the end of your conversation list. They do have an optional in-app purchase, but it’s totally worth it. Some apps on our list are great, but they’re not very easy to use. This app offers text delivery reports, will automatically save pictures from texts to your gallery, and we love the quick reply option in the notification pulldown bar. There’s even an option to have a quick compose bar always present in your notification shade so you can send a text without opening any apps.Īll said and done, Textra is beautiful, easy to use, customizable and fast. You can change the notification icon for individual contacts, too. I like being able to make the font and bubble colors what I want, then match the notification icon to that color. From the font size, color, or bubbles, to an entire dark mode or custom backgrounds.

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