If you’ve ever tried keeping up with five group chats, two video calls, and a handful of emoji-filled rants about slow Wi-Fi—all before lunch—you’ll know how much messaging apps shape our day-to-day. The truth is that not all messaging apps are created equal. Some are loaded with cool features, others are plain and simple, and a few are totally underrated. With 2025 knocking, now’s a good time to check out which ones are worth downloading (or giving a second chance).

Let’s kick things off with Telegram, which isn’t just a messaging app—it’s like the empire of communication platforms. With around 900 million active users, it’s gaining ground fast. Telegram offers massive group chats (up to 200,000 people, yes really), private channels, secret encrypted chats, and even collectible gifts. It just rolled out in-app QR scanners and more customizable emoji sets. The app is especially popular in crypto circles because of its focus on privacy and speed. 

That’s also why it’s caught the eye of niche communities—including the huge amounts of iGaming enthusiasts around the world that use it for Telegram gambling. This allows users to explore decentralized games and crypto casinos through Telegram-integrated bots and channels. That kind of flexibility makes it a top pick for people who want something beyond the basics. It’s also been praised for being super lightweight, which makes it ideal for older devices or slower networks.

Next up is the one that’s basically the grandparent of all messengers: WhatsApp. It’s the most downloaded messaging app on Earth for a reason—over 2 billion people use it every month. You’ve got secure chats with end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, voice and video calls, and even a separate business version. 

WhatsApp Business has more than 200 million users alone. It’s clean, simple, and works almost everywhere without a hitch. Whether you’re texting your roommate or calling your cousin in a different country, it just gets the job done. Plus, the interface is easy enough for even the least tech-savvy people in your life.

Snapchat might have started as the go-to app for goofy face filters and disappearing messages, but it’s evolved a lot. With about 800 million monthly users, it’s more than just a way to send random selfies. It’s full of augmented reality features, interactive stories, and creative tools that Gen Z (and plenty of millennials) can’t get enough of. 

It also leads the pack in terms of in-app purchases, pulling in serious revenue thanks to premium filters and exclusive content. For people who want their chats to feel fun and fleeting, Snapchat still delivers. And let’s face it—there’s still something satisfying about a message that disappears before it can be screenshotted.

If you’ve gamed even a little bit in the past five years, chances are you’ve already heard of Discord. But what used to be a hangout spot for gamers has grown into something way bigger. Over 200 million users log on to Discord for everything from podcasting to co-working. You can create servers for your friend group, your study squad, or even your niche book club. 

Voice channels, screen sharing, custom emojis—it’s all there. In the realm of Zoom or Slack, it’s a platform that helps cater to a diverse range of users while being like a cool younger cousin who actually knows how to hang. With recent upgrades to audio and screen-sharing quality, it’s also becoming more popular for remote teams and content creators who need a reliable communication tool with personality.

Last but definitely not least is Viber. It’s been around for a while, but it’s still got a loyal user base of around 260 million people. One of its standout features is free Viber-to-Viber calls, which is super handy if you’re calling abroad. There’s also Viber Out, which gives you affordable international calling rates. 

The app focuses on privacy too, with encrypted chats and disappearing messages, plus the ability to make group video calls. Oh—and you can create your own GIFs in-app, which is always a win. It might not be as flashy as the others, but it’s quietly reliable and surprisingly fun to use once you get into it.

You could be after better privacy, creative messaging, or just trying to break up with your current app (looking at you, glitchy group chat), these platforms offer something fresh. And with messaging apps evolving so quickly, trying out something new might make your daily digital life a whole lot smoother.