Best Free Chat Apps for Android and iOS in 2023

Chat with friends, family and fellow gamers, for FREE!

Chatting apps, also known as instant messaging apps, are mobile or web-based applications that allow users to communicate in real-time through text messages, voice calls, or video calls. Examples include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Telegram, and Slack.

Chatting apps are becoming increasingly popular as a means of communication, as they allow people to connect and communicate instantly and easily, regardless of their location. Some chatting apps are designed for personal use, allowing individuals to send text messages, make voice or video calls, and share photos, videos, and other multimedia content with friends and family. Other chatting apps are designed for business use, allowing teams to collaborate and communicate more effectively by sending messages, sharing files, and conducting virtual meetings. Chatting apps can also provide additional features, such as end-to-end encryption for added security, support for group chats, and integration with other apps and services.

In addition to their personal and professional use, chatting apps have also had a significant impact on the way businesses communicate and collaborate. They have enabled organizations to communicate more efficiently and effectively, reducing the need for face-to-face meetings and physical gatherings. They have also made it easier for remote teams to stay connected, which has become increasingly important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards remote work.

Overall, chatting apps have revolutionized the way people communicate and will continue to shape the future of communication and collaboration.

List of Free Chat Apps in 2023

The best free chat app is subjective and depends on the individual's needs and preferences. Some popular free chat apps include:

1. Discord is a popular communication platform that allows users to talk, chat, and hang out with friends and communities in a variety of ways. Discord provides voice, video, and text-based communication, making it easy for users to stay connected and communicate in real-time. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a focus on creating a fun and engaging experience for users. Discord is often used by gaming communities, but it is also popular among students, friends, and organizations who want to stay connected and communicate in a variety of ways. With Discord, users can easily talk, chat, and hang out in a virtual space, making it the perfect place to stay close with friends and communities.

2. Skype is a widely used communication platform that allows users to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and share files with friends, family, and colleagues. Skype is known for its high-quality video calling, which makes it easy for users to feel together, even when they are far apart. The platform is designed to be easy to use and accessible, with a user-friendly interface and a range of features that make it simple for users to communicate and collaborate. Whether you are at home, in the office, or on the go, Skype's high-quality video calls make it easy to stay connected with the people who matter most. With Skype, you can be together, wherever you are.

3. ICQ is a communication platform that provides instant messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing services to its users. One of its unique features is the ability to convert audio messages to text, making it easier for users to keep track of their conversations. ICQ also offers smart replies, which allow users to respond to messages quickly and easily with pre-written responses. Additionally, ICQ is designed to stay online even with a poor internet connection, ensuring that users can always stay connected and communicate with friends and colleagues, no matter where they are. Whether you need to send a quick message, make a voice or video call, or share a file, ICQ makes it simple and easy to stay connected and communicate.

4. Telegram is a messaging platform that focuses on speed and security. It delivers messages faster than any other application, making it an ideal choice for people who need to communicate quickly and efficiently. Telegram's powerful infrastructure allows for seamless, fast, and reliable messaging, no matter where you are in the world. One of the standout features of Telegram is that it has no limits on the size of media and chats, meaning you can send large files and have long conversations without worrying about limitations or restrictions. Telegram is a secure and user-friendly platform that provides a fast, convenient, and reliable way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

5. Google Hangouts is a communication platform developed by Google that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, files, and other content. Hangouts is integrated with Google's suite of productivity tools, making it easy for users to communicate and collaborate with others directly from their Gmail accounts or Google Calendar. Google Hangouts is accessible from a web browser or as a mobile app, making it easy to stay connected and communicate on the go. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a range of features and tools that make it simple for users to communicate, collaborate, and stay connected with others. Whether you need to make a quick call, send a message, or share content, Google Hangouts provides a convenient and reliable way to stay connected.

6. Slack is a communication platform that aims to transform the way teams communicate and collaborate. Slack provides a centralized platform for real-time communication and collaboration, offering features like messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, and more. The platform is designed to be faster and more organized than traditional email communication, making it easier for teams to stay connected and get things done. Slack also places a strong emphasis on security, with a range of security measures in place to protect user data and ensure the privacy of communication. Whether you are working remotely or in an office, Slack provides a new way to communicate with your team that is faster, better organized, and more secure than email.

7. TeamSpeak is a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) communication system that is widely used by online gamers. The platform provides a secure and efficient way for gamers to communicate with one another while playing games, with features like voice and text chat, file sharing, and more. TeamSpeak is designed to be highly customizable, allowing users to adjust settings and preferences to meet their specific needs. The platform is optimized for low latency, which is crucial for real-time online gaming, and provides high-quality voice communication for a superior gaming experience. With its ease of use and advanced features, TeamSpeak is the number one choice for online gaming communication, providing a reliable and effective way for gamers to stay connected and communicate with one another.

8. WhatsApp is a popular messaging and video calling app that is used by over 2 billion people in over 180 countries. The app provides a simple, reliable, and private way for users to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues, no matter where they are in the world. WhatsApp allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, videos, and other media files with others. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and a range of features that make it simple and easy to stay connected with others. WhatsApp is a free app, and its mission is to provide high-quality communication services to people around the world, without charging fees or selling user data. With its simplicity, reliability, and privacy, WhatsApp is a trusted choice for millions of people worldwide.

9. Viber is a messaging and calling app that provides free and secure communication services to users around the world. With Viber, users can make voice and video calls, send text messages, and share photos, videos, and other media files with anyone, anywhere, regardless of their location. The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a range of features and tools that make it simple and easy to stay connected with others. Viber is a secure platform, and it places a strong emphasis on privacy, ensuring that users' conversations and data are protected at all times. Additionally, Viber provides group chats, disappearing messages, and reminders, making it an ideal choice for people who need to communicate with multiple people at once or stay organized. With over a billion users worldwide, Viber is a popular and trusted choice for people who want to keep their conversations going, no matter where they are.

9. WeChat is a free messaging and calling app that connects over a billion people around the world. Available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS, WeChat provides users with a fast and reliable way to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. The app supports group chats, voice and video calls, photos, videos, and stickers, making it an ideal choice for people who want to stay connected with others. Beyond messaging and social media, WeChat is seen as a lifestyle for its users, providing a comprehensive platform for communication, commerce, and more. With its simple and intuitive interface, users can easily chat and make calls with friends, stay connected with their social networks, and take advantage of a range of additional features and services. Whether you're looking to stay in touch with friends, family, or colleagues, WeChat is a versatile and user-friendly app that connects over a billion people worldwide.

FAQ / Why are Free Chat Apps beneficial?

Free chat apps offer a range of benefits, including:

1. Cost-effective communication: Free chat apps allow users to communicate with others without incurring any costs.

2. Convenient and accessible: Chat apps are available on multiple platforms, making it easy to communicate with others from anywhere, at any time.

3. Fast and reliable: Free chat apps are designed to be fast and reliable, allowing users to send and receive messages, photos, videos, and other media files in real-time.

4. Versatile and functional: Many free chat apps offer a wide range of features, including voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, and more.

5. Private and secure: Free chat apps often employ advanced security measures to protect users' privacy and ensure that their conversations and data are protected.

6. Builds social connections: Chat apps provide an opportunity to connect with others and build communities around shared interests and activities.

7. Staying in touch with loved ones: Chat apps allow users to keep in touch with friends and family members who live far away.

8. User-friendly and easy to use: Many free chat apps are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, making them accessible to people of all ages and technical abilities.

9. Play games and participate in virtual activities: Some chat apps allow users to play games and participate in virtual activities with friends.

10. Encourages creativity and expression: Free chat apps often include features such as emojis, stickers, and custom backgrounds, allowing users to express themselves creatively.

11. Cross-platform compatibility: Many free chat apps can be used on multiple devices and platforms, making it easier for users to stay connected regardless of their device or operating system.

12. No need for phone numbers or email addresses: Some chat apps allow users to communicate with others using only a username or unique identifier, eliminating the need for phone numbers or email addresses.

13. Ability to connect with a large audience: Many chat apps have large user bases, providing users with the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people from around the world.

14. Enhanced accessibility: Some chat apps offer accessibility features, such as screen readers and text-to-speech capabilities, making them more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

15. Cost-effective business communication: Free chat apps can also be beneficial for businesses, providing a cost-effective solution for communication and collaboration between employees, teams, and departments.

16. Improved productivity: By streamlining communication and collaboration, free chat apps can help businesses improve productivity and efficiency, saving time and increasing overall performance.

FAQ / Apps like WhatsApp without phone number?

Signal, Discord, and Telegram are popular chat apps that can be used without a phone number. They offer a range of features for secure and private communication, including end-to-end encryption, username-based accounts, and more.

FAQ / What app can I use to call without phone number?

Here are some apps that allow you to make voice or video calls without a phone number:

1. Skype - Allows users to make voice and video calls and send instant messages using a username or email address.

2. Google Hangouts - A communication platform that allows users to make voice and video calls and send instant messages using a Google account.

3. Viber - A messaging and calling app that allows users to create an account using only a phone number or email address.

Note: Some of these apps may require you to create an account using an email address or phone number in order to use all of their features.

FAQ / What makes messaging apps secure?

Messaging apps are considered secure when they use encryption to protect the communication between the sender and recipient. Encryption involves converting plain text into coded text that can only be deciphered by someone with the right key. There are two main types of encryption: end-to-end encryption and server-client encryption.

End-to-end encryption means that only the sender and recipient of the message can see its contents, as the encryption keys are stored only on their devices and not on the servers.

Server-client encryption means that the encryption keys are stored on the servers, making it possible for the company operating the servers to access the content of the messages.

In addition to encryption, messaging apps can also be considered secure if they have strong privacy policies, regularly update their security measures, and use authentication methods such as two-factor authentication. It is also important to choose a messaging app from a reputable company with a history of prioritizing user privacy and security.

FAQ / Which is the safest chatting app in 2023?

The safety of a chatting app depends on several factors such as encryption, privacy policies, and user behavior. Currently, some of the most secure messaging apps include Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp. It's important to note that no app can guarantee 100% safety and security, so it's also important to practice safe online habits and to be aware of potential security risks.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is a chat app?

A chat app is a software application that allows users to communicate in real-time through text, voice, or video messages.

What are the most popular chat apps?

The most popular chat apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Telegram, Viber, Line, and Signal.

What is the difference between a chat app and a messaging app?

A chat app and a messaging app are essentially the same thing. They both allow users to send text, voice, and video messages to one another in real-time.

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as make voice and video calls.

What is Facebook Messenger?

Facebook Messenger is a messaging app that allows Facebook users to communicate with each other through text, voice, and video messages.

What is WeChat?

WeChat is a Chinese multi-purpose social media app that offers text, voice, and video messaging, as well as mobile payment services.

What is Telegram?

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app that offers end-to-end encrypted text, voice, and video messaging, as well as file sharing and bots.

What is Viber?

Viber is a cross-platform instant messaging app that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as make voice and video calls.

What is Line?

Line is a Japanese multi-purpose social media app that offers text, voice, and video messaging, as well as mobile payment services.

What is Signal?

Signal is a privacy-focused instant messaging app that offers end-to-end encrypted text, voice, and video messaging.

What is the difference between WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger?

WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are both owned by Facebook, but WhatsApp was acquired and operates as a separate entity. WhatsApp is primarily a messaging app, while Facebook Messenger also offers games, bots, and other features.

What is the difference between WeChat and Line?

WeChat and Line are both popular messaging apps in Asia, but WeChat is more widely used in China, while Line is more popular in Japan and other countries in the region.

What is the difference between Telegram and Signal?

Telegram and Signal are both privacy-focused instant messaging apps, but Telegram also offers features such as file sharing and bots, while Signal is primarily focused on secure messaging.

Can I use chat apps on my computer?

Yes, many chat apps offer desktop versions that can be used on computers.

Can I use chat apps internationally?

Yes, many chat apps are cross-platform and allow users to communicate with each other internationally.

Are chat apps free?

Most chat apps are free to download and use, but some may charge for premium features or international messaging.

Are chat apps safe and secure?

The level of security and privacy offered by chat apps can vary, but many popular apps use encryption to protect the privacy of their users' messages.

Can I make voice and video calls with chat apps?

Yes, many chat apps allow users to make voice and video calls in addition to sending text, voice, and video messages.

Can I send files and photos with chat apps?

Yes, most chat apps allow users to send files and photos, as well as other types of media, to one another.

Can I use chat apps on multiple devices?

Yes, many chat apps allow users to log into their accounts from multiple devices, such as a smartphone and a tablet.

Can I block someone on a chat app?

Yes, most chat apps allow users to block other users if they do not want to receive messages from them.

Can I delete messages on a chat app?

Yes, many chat apps allow users to delete messages, but it is important to note that deleted messages may still be recoverable by the recipient or through backups.

Can I use chat apps without a phone number?

It depends on the chat app, but some may allow users to sign up with just an email address, while others may require a phone number.

Can I use chat apps anonymously?

It depends on the chat app, but some may allow users to use the app anonymously or with a pseudonym, while others may require a real name and phone number.

Are chat apps end-to-end encrypted?

Some chat apps, such as Signal, offer end-to-end encryption, while others may not. It is important to check the privacy policy of a chat app to understand the level of security offered.

Can chat apps be used for business communication?

Yes, many chat apps offer features and integrations for businesses to communicate with employees and customers.

What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is a software program that uses artificial intelligence to communicate with users through text or voice messages.

Can I use a chat app without an internet connection?

It depends on the chat app, but some may allow users to send messages while offline, which will be delivered once an internet connection is established.

What is the difference between a chat app and email?

A chat app offers real-time communication through text, voice, or video messages, while email is a more asynchronous form of communication through written messages.

What is the future of chat apps?

Chat apps are expected to continue to grow and evolve, offering new features and integrations with other technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality.

In conclusion, there are many free chat apps available for Android and iOS devices in 2023. Each app offers unique features and benefits, so it's important to consider what you're looking for in a chat app before making a decision.

This page shows our picks for the best team chat apps currently on the market.