Best Kids Messenger Alternative Apps

243+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated September 2026

Finding the right kids messenger alternative apps can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 243+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Kids Messenger Alternative Apps (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Messenger KidsMessenger KidsFree4.3★ (115K)NoNoSep 2026
2MessengerMessengerFree4.7★ (14M)YesYesSep 2026
3Stars Messenger Kids Safe ChatStars Messenger Kids Safe ChatFree4.7★ (4.8K)NoYesSep 2026
4Xooloo - Messenger for KidsXooloo - Messenger for KidsFree4.2★ (334)NoYesSep 2026
5IM+ Instant MessengerIM+ Instant MessengerFree3.6★ (8)NoYesSep 2026
6Monster MessengerMonster MessengerFree4.6★ (703)NoNoAug 2026
7kChat Messenger - chat safelykChat Messenger - chat safelyFree4.1★ (42)NoNoSep 2026
8Jungle MessengerJungle MessengerFree5.0★ (2)NoNoMay 2026

Top Picks for Kids Messenger Alternative

Messenger Kids#1

Messenger Kids by Meta Platforms, Inc.

The Messaging App for Kids
Editor's Choice
🌐 Social Networking
4.3😊(115K ratings)
Free
#62in Social Networking
Messenger Kids screenshot 1
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Messenger Kids screenshot 5

A secure messaging app designed for children, offering creative tools for communication and video calls. Parents have full control over contacts and usage, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience with no ads or in-app purchases.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Great for connecting with friends and family
  • 🔒 Secure and parent-controlled
  • 👍 Fun filters and stickers
  • 👍 Helpful for kids during COVID-19
  • 👍 Easy to use and set up

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitches and bugs with messaging and calling
  • 🔒 Restrictive parental controls
  • 👎 Outdated or limited features
  • 👎 Annoying notifications and inability to silence
  • 👎 Childish interface for older kids
Messenger#2

Messenger by Meta Platforms, Inc.

Text, audio and video calls
Strong Contender
🌐 Social Networking
4.7😞(14M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#8in Social Networking
Messenger screenshot 1
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Messenger screenshot 5
Messenger screenshot 6

Connect with friends and family through text, audio, and video calls. Share photos, videos, and large files, and express yourself with custom themes and animated content. Features an AI assistant for help and support.

What We Love

  • 📱 Useful for staying connected with friends and family
  • 🗣️ Enables easy communication through text, voice, and video
  • 💬 Convenient group chat features
  • 🌐 Works across multiple devices and platforms

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🔒 Privacy and security concerns
  • 🔄 Unnecessary updates that remove useful features
  • 📤 Issues with message delivery and notifications
  • 🗂️ Cluttered interface and poor organization of chats
Stars Messenger Kids Safe Chat#3

Stars Messenger Kids Safe Chat by Connect Star Works Incorporated

Messenger Kids + Safe Chat
Worth Considering
🌐 Social Networking
4.7😊(4.8K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Stars Messenger Kids Safe Chat screenshot 1
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This app provides a secure and private messaging and video chat experience for children and all ages. It eliminates the need for phone numbers and prevents contact from strangers or ads. Parents can monitor their child's connections and activity through an optional Parent View.

What We Love

  • ⭐ Amazing app
  • 🔒 Safe and private
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 💬 Great for messaging friends
  • 📞 Reliable video/voice calls

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitchy calls and connection issues
  • 🔍 Difficult to find/add friends
  • 🔌 Drains battery quickly
  • 🕰️ Slow to load and respond

More Kids Messenger Alternative apps to explore

FAQ about Kids Messenger Alternative

What are the best kids messenger alternative apps for iPhone?
Messenger Kids tops our kids messenger alternative apps ranking as of September 2026, with a 4.3-star average from 115K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top kids messenger alternative apps we rank are free to download, including Messenger Kids and Messenger.
Messenger Kids has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
We track 243+ kids messenger alternative apps on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Messenger Kids is a free messaging and video calling app designed specifically for children. It allows kids to connect with friends and family in a safe, controlled environment. Parents can manage contacts, monitor messages, and set usage limits.
Parents have a dedicated Parent Dashboard where they can manage their child's contact list, approve or deny new contacts, and monitor message activity. Parents are also notified when a child blocks a contact, ensuring transparency and control.