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Best Free Message Apps

205+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated June 2026

Telegram Messenger is the household name in free message apps, but it's far from the only option. We track 205+ alternatives and competitors on iOS β€” many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Free Message Apps (June 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Telegram MessengerTelegram MessengerFree4.0β˜… (275K)NoYesJul 2026
2MessagesMessagesFree4.1β˜… (32K)NoNoJul 2026
3TextNow: Call + Text UnlimitedTextNow: Call + Text UnlimitedFree4.8β˜… (911K)YesYesJul 2026
4Text Free: Second Phone NumberText Free: Second Phone NumberFree4.7β˜… (591K)YesYesJul 2026
5Signal - Private MessengerSignal - Private MessengerFree4.7β˜… (1.1M)NoYesJul 2026
6Kik Messaging & Chat AppKik Messaging & Chat AppFree4.3β˜… (484K)YesYesJul 2026
7Messages: SMS & Text MessagingMessages: SMS & Text MessagingFree4.6β˜… (344)YesYesJul 2026
8Google ChatGoogle ChatFree4.6β˜… (304K)NoNoJul 2026

Top Picks for Free Message Apps

Telegram Messenger#1

Telegram Messenger by Telegram FZ-LLC

Fast. Secure. Powerful.
Editor's Choice
🌐 Social Networking
4.0😊(275K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#3in Social Networking
Telegram Messenger screenshot 1
Telegram Messenger screenshot 2
Telegram Messenger screenshot 3
Telegram Messenger screenshot 4
Telegram Messenger screenshot 5
Telegram Messenger screenshot 6

A fast, secure, and powerful instant messaging app synced across all devices. It offers unlimited media and file sharing, robust encryption, and extensive group chat capabilities. Enjoy a simple, private, and customizable communication experience.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Fast and efficient
  • πŸ”’ Secure and private
  • πŸ‘ Customizable and user-friendly
  • πŸ’‘ Innovative features like channels and bots

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Buggy and unstable at times
  • πŸ”‹ Battery life issues
  • 🚫 Lack of video calling feature
Messages#2

Messages by Apple

Strong Contender
🌐 Social Networking
4.1😊(32K ratings)
Free
Messages screenshot 1
Messages screenshot 2
Messages screenshot 3
Messages screenshot 4
Messages screenshot 5

Communicate with contacts through unlimited texts, photos, videos, and documents. Supports iMessage for Apple devices and RCS, SMS, and MMS for others. Features include message editing, unsending, and scheduling.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Fast and reliable messaging
  • πŸ”’ End-to-end encryption
  • πŸ‘ Seamless integration with Apple devices
  • πŸ’‘ Fun features like Memoji and stickers

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Occasional bugs and glitches
  • πŸ” Limited search functionality
  • πŸ“€ Inability to delete messages for others
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited#3

TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited by TextNow, Inc.

Phone Number & Wifi Calling
Worth Considering
🌐 Social Networking
4.8😞(911K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#8in Social Networking
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 1
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 2
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 3
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 4
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 5
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 6

This app provides free nationwide calling and texting, offering a private second phone number or a dedicated business line. It features flexible data plans, including a free option for select apps, and affordable international calling.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Free service
  • πŸ”’ Ability to keep number
  • πŸ‘ Convenient for secondary number
  • πŸ‘ Works on multiple devices

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Frequent app crashes
  • πŸ› Unreliable call/text delivery
  • πŸ› Slow and laggy performance

More Free Message Apps apps to explore

4
Text Free: Second Phone Number
Text Free: Second Phone Number
Text Free: Second Phone Number
Texting & Calling 2nd Line App
Free

Get a free, personalized local phone number for unlimited calling and texting. Share photos, videos, GIFs, and more. Customize tones and wallpapers for a unique experience. Upgrade for ad-free use and verification codes.

Free local phone numberUnlimited calling and textingSend photos, videos, and GIFs
🌐 Social Networking
(591K)
free with in-app purchases
5
Signal - Private Messenger
Signal - Private Messenger
Signal - Private Messenger
Wir leben Datenschutz.
Free

This messaging app prioritizes your privacy with strong end-to-end encryption for all communications. It offers free text, voice, and video messaging, including group chats and disappearing stories, all without collecting your data.

End-to-end encrypted messagingFree voice and video callsGroup chats up to 1000 people
🌐 Social Networking
(1.1M)
free with in-app purchases
6
Kik Messaging & Chat App
Kik Messaging & Chat App
Kik Messaging & Chat App
Messaging, Chatting & Live
Free

Connect with friends and discover new ones through chat. Share photos, videos, games, and more without needing phone numbers. Explore interests and join groups for seamless communication.

Connect with friendsGroup chatsShare photos and videos
🌐 Social Networking
(484K)
free with in-app purchases
7
Messages: SMS & Text Messaging
Messages: SMS & Text Messaging
Messages: SMS & Text Messaging
Text Messages & SMS Organizer
Free

This communication platform streamlines your messaging and calling experience. It offers instant messaging, group chats, media sharing, and direct calling. Manage multiple accounts, set reminders from conversations, and organize all your messages in a unified inbox.

Dual app accountsInstant messaging and media sharingEnd-to-end message encryption
🌐 Social Networking
(344)
free with in-app purchases
8
Google Chat
Google Chat
Google Chat
Efficient Team Communication
Free

Connect, collaborate, and accomplish tasks with AI-powered messaging. Streamline teamwork with integrations and smart features. Securely communicate with your team, whether in real-time or asynchronously.

AI-powered conversation summariesAutomatic message translationAI-powered search
πŸ’Ό Business
(304K)
free with in-app purchases
9
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Rakuten Viber Messenger
Message with Confidence
Free

Connect with people worldwide through secure messaging and free audio/video calls. Enjoy group chats, disappearing messages, and low-cost international calls. Express yourself with stickers, GIFs, and AI bots.

Free text, photo, sticker, GIF, and file messagingUnlimited free Viber-to-Viber audio and video callsEnd-to-end encryption for all communications
🌐 Social Networking
(832K)
free with in-app purchases
10
Text Me - Phone Call + Texting
Text Me - Phone Call + Texting
Text Me - Phone Call + Texting
Second Number Unlimited Calls
Free

This app provides a free second phone number for calling and texting within the US and Canada. Protect your privacy, use it for side projects, or connect with international friends at low costs. It offers features like voicemail and the ability to turn tablets into phones.

Free calling and texting to US/CanadaSecond phone number for privacyLow-cost international calls
🌐 Social Networking
(650K)
free with in-app purchases
11
textPlus: Text Message + Call
textPlus: Text Message + Call
textPlus: Text Message + Call
2nd Phone Number Unlimited SMS
Free

Get a free US phone number for unlimited texting and calling over WiFi or data. Save money on mobile plans by using this app to connect with friends and family globally. Offers inexpensive outbound calls and can turn tablets into phones.

Free US phone numberUnlimited free texting (SMS, MMS, group chat)Free inbound calls
πŸ”§ Utilities
(271K)
free with in-app purchases
12
Text Vault - Texting App
Text Vault - Texting App
Text Vault - Texting App
Phone Number for Text Message
Free

Protect your real phone number with a private, disposable number for texting. Send and receive messages, including pictures, with temporary or permanent numbers from various countries. Keep your personal information secret during online transactions or when texting strangers.

Disposable burner phone numbersPrivate texting and SMSInternational texting
🌐 Social Networking
(23K)
free with in-app purchases
13
Second Texting Number
Second Texting Number
Second Texting Number
Private 2nd Text Message App
Free

Obtain a private, secondary phone number for unlimited texting and receiving verification codes. Protect your personal number while online shopping, dating, or selling. Enjoy group texting and ad-free communication.

Choose a new phone number with any area codeUnlimited texting (including photos)Receive verification codes
🌐 Social Networking
(64K)
free with in-app purchases
14
Talkatone: WiFi Text & Calls
Talkatone: WiFi Text & Calls
Talkatone: WiFi Text & Calls
Unlimited Voice Calling, Texts
Free

This app provides a free US/Canada phone number for unlimited WiFi calling and texting within the US and Canada. It also offers affordable international calls and allows users to send picture messages. Ideal for staying connected without a traditional cell plan.

Free US/Canada phone numberUnlimited WiFi callingUnlimited WiFi texting
🌐 Social Networking
(141K)
free with in-app purchases
15
magicApp Calling & Messaging
magicApp Calling & Messaging
magicApp Calling & Messaging
by MAGICJACK VOIP SERVICES LLC
Free

Get a second phone number for personal or business use without needing a new SIM card. Enjoy unlimited calling and texting to the U.S. and Canada, even while traveling abroad over Wi-Fi. Manage calls with features like caller ID, voicemail, and call blocking.

Second phone numberUnlimited U.S. & Canada callingUnlimited U.S. & Canada texting
πŸ”§ Utilities
(25K)
free with in-app purchases
16
TXT App Phone Now
TXT App Phone Now
TXT App Phone Now
2nd Line:Text,WiFi Call Me Now
Free

This app offers free unlimited WiFi calling and texting, allowing you to make calls and send messages without using your cellular minutes. It provides a real US phone number and enables cheap or free international calls and SMS to over 230 countries, with high-quality voice transmission.

Free unlimited WiFi callsFree text messagingReal free US phone number
🌐 Social Networking
(10K)
free with in-app purchases
17
Quick Message - Click To Chat
Quick Message - Click To Chat
Quick Message - Click To Chat
by Shahar Barsheshet
Free

Send WhatsApp or SMS messages without saving contacts. Utilize pre-made templates to compose messages faster. Ideal for quick communication when you don't want to clutter your address book.

Send WhatsApp messages without saving contactsSend SMS messages without saving contactsUse message templates for faster composition
πŸ“Š Productivity
(3.3K)
ad-supported
18
BiP - Messenger, Video Call
BiP - Messenger, Video Call
BiP - Messenger, Video Call
Chats, Calls & More
Free

A secure and easy-to-use communication app offering rich messaging, HD voice and video calls, and group chats. It provides features like disappearing messages, instant translations, and emergency alerts.

Secure encrypted communicationHD-quality voice and video callsDisappearing messages
🌐 Social Networking
(11K)
free with in-app purchases
19
Text Me Phone Number: Text App
Text Me Phone Number: Text App
Text Me Phone Number: Text App
Second line texting + calling
Free

Get a second phone number for texting without an extra SIM card. Protect your privacy by using this number for online registrations and separate your personal and work communications. Send multiple photos easily and block unwanted spam messages.

Get a second US or Canada numberBlock spam messagesSend multiple MMS messages
πŸ“Š Productivity
(11K)
free with in-app purchases
20
Emoji 3 FREE - Color Messages - New Emojis Emojis Sticker for SMS, Facebook, Twitter
Emoji 3 FREE - Color Messages - New Emojis Emojis Sticker for SMS, Facebook, Twitter
Emoji 3 FREE - Color Messages - New Emojis Emojis Sticker for SMS, Facebook, Twitter
by Emoji Apps GmbH
Free

Enhance your messages with a vast collection of stickers, unique emoji words, and special unicode symbols. Customize text with stylish fonts and create large ASCII words. Explore Japanese emojis and enjoy retina graphics.

StickersEmoji wordsSpecial unicode symbols
πŸ›οΈ Shopping
(37)
free

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FAQ about Free Message Apps

What are the best free message apps for iPhone?
Telegram Messenger tops our free message apps ranking as of June 2026, with a 4.0-star average from 275K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Telegram Messenger has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of June 2026.
We track 205+ free message apps on the iOS App Store as of June 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Telegram Messenger is a fast, secure, and powerful instant messaging application that syncs seamlessly across all your devices. It prioritizes speed, security, and user privacy, offering features like unlimited file sharing and large group chats.
Key features include cross-device synchronization, unlimited sending of media and files up to 2GB, highly secure encryption for all chats, large group chats for up to 200,000 members, customizable themes, animated stickers, and bots for task automation.