The Best IM and Messenger Apps For Android and iOS

Got bad reception on your phone? When you need to contact someone, this proves to be a problem. Your network provider is likely to be the reason why you have bad reception in certain areas. The next best option for communication is instant messaging. For that, you need a wireless internet connection and a WiFi-enabled device. Here is an article that will take you through some of the best Messenger Apps For Android and iOS platforms.

A wide range of IM apps are available for Android and iOS users for sending text messages to friends and family over the internet. The best instant messaging applications are cross-platform or in other words, compatible with more than one mobile OS. Listed below are 7 of my top picks along with their download links for Android and iOS platforms.

IM+

Compatibility: iOS 4.0 and higher, Android 2.1 and higher

This one-stop application grants users access to a myriad of IM services such as Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, MSN (Windows Live ID), ICQ, and AIM just to name a few. It has push notifications, an anti SPAM feature, and theme options. The notification system can be further customized for inactive and active chat sessions, vibrate, and ring tone selection. All chats are accessible from the Chat tab so you can easily switch from one message to another. Contacts associated with online IM services will appear on the far left. Finally, you can send and view emoticons on IM+.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

eBuddy Messenger

Compatibility: iOS 4.0 and higher, selected Android devices

eBuddy is a free app that lets you chat with friends and family on Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, MSN, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, and Hyves. Compatible phones running Android 2.2 and higher have the option to enable Google C2DM push for better battery efficiency. If you don’t have your device, you can use a computer to send messages over the internet.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

WhatsApp

Compatibility: iOS 3.1 and higher, Android 2.1 and higher

Unlike IM+ or eBuddy, the app has its own instant messaging service. You can send or receive text messages over the internet to and from anyone who has the app installed. Besides iOS and Android, WhatsApp has compatible versions for BlackBerry, Nokia, and Windows Phone giving it a wide scope of services. WhatsApp will ask for your cellphone number but this is only for log-in and keeping contacts.

You can add people based on their phone numbers – not their usernames or emails. When you log in to WhatsApp using a separate device, you can use the same number of yours and all associated contacts will be synced.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

Kik Messenger

Compatibility: iOS 3.1 and higher, Android 1.5 and higher

Kik works in the same way as WhatsApp but requires a username. It has its own messaging service which works with anyone that installs the app on their device. It’s simple and easy to use. Some emoticons are also viewable across all platforms.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

KakaoTalk

Compatibility: iOS 4.0 and higher, Android 1.6 and higher

The application offers its own messaging services not just to Android and iOS users but also to people on BlackBerry, Bada, and Windows Phone. All you have to do is sign up and invite friends over. You can send texts and engage in group chats over the internet. KakaoTalk has support for hundreds of emoticons and not just a handful like many of its competitors do.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

Viber

Compatibility: iOS 3.1 and higher, Android 2.0 and higher

Viber has more than 90 million users worldwide and offers text messaging services for Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and more recently, Windows Phone users. During start-up, you’ll be asked to provide your phone number as a security measure. What makes Viber convenient is that it scans the contact list on your device to search for friends or family that already have Viber accounts.

Download Links: iOS – Android

Nimbuzz

Compatibility: iOS 4.0 and higher, Android 1.6 and higher

Nimbuzz has one of the widest scopes of platform compatibility. Outside of iOS and Android, the app is cross-compatible with Mac, PC, Symbian, Java, and BlackBerry users. The app provides free text messaging to its users and requires you to sign-up for an account.

Download Links: iOS –  Android

Choosing an IM platform for your device may be confusing at first but the most important factor to consider is whether or not your friends or family are using them. Having a great IM service is useless if none of the people you know are on it. Keep in touch with your loved ones by using IM apps they personally use. Together, you can explore all the aforementioned apps to discover the best.

About the Author: Judene Macariola is a gadget buff who has a thing for all sorts of mobile apps. In his spare time, he often writes about his top app picks for two of his favorite platforms – iOS and Android. Jude currently works at Broadband Expert, a company that provides advice to businesses and home owners regarding cheap and high speed internet options in their community.