Best Kids Texting App

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated August 2026

Messenger Kids is the household name in kids texting app, but it's far from the only option. We track 250+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Kids Texting App (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Messenger KidsMessenger KidsFree4.3★ (115K)NoNoSep 2026
2JusTalk Kids - Safe MessengerJusTalk Kids - Safe MessengerFree4.5★ (16K)NoYesSep 2026
3WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp MessengerFree4.7★ (19M)YesYesSep 2026
4Stars Messenger Kids Safe ChatStars Messenger Kids Safe ChatFree4.7★ (4.8K)NoYesSep 2026
5TextingStory Chat Story MakerTextingStory Chat Story MakerFree4.7★ (65K)NoYesSep 2026
6MessengerMessengerFree4.7★ (14M)YesYesSep 2026
7SodaSpeak: Family MessengerSodaSpeak: Family MessengerFree4.3★ (320)NoYesAug 2026
8MessagesMessagesFree4.1★ (32K)NoNoSep 2026

Top Picks for Kids Texting App

Messenger Kids#1

Messenger Kids by Meta Platforms, Inc.

The Messaging App for Kids
Editor's Choice
🌐 Social Networking
4.3😊(115K ratings)
Free
#68in Social Networking
Messenger Kids screenshot 1
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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  • 👎 Outdated or limited features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
JusTalk Kids - Safe Messenger#2

JusTalk Kids - Safe Messenger by Jus

Video Chat, Voice Calls & Text
Strong Contender
🌐 Social Networking
4.5😊(16K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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This app provides a secure platform for children to connect with family and friends through voice and video calls, and instant messaging. It includes creative tools and educational content, with robust parental controls for a safe online experience.

What We Love

  • 👍 Safe for kids
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 💡 Allows communication without phone numbers
  • 🎨 Customizable profiles and themes
  • 🎮 Fun games during calls

Room to Improve

  • 🔒 Strict parental controls can be frustrating
  • 💰 Many premium features
  • 🐛 Occasional glitches and bugs
  • 🔋 Battery drain during calls
  • 🤔 Difficulty adding friends
WhatsApp Messenger#3

WhatsApp Messenger by WhatsApp Inc.

Simple. Reliable. Private.
Worth Considering
🌐 Social Networking
4.7😊(19M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#1in Social Networking
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Connect with friends and family globally through private messaging and high-quality calls. Share moments, documents, and stay in touch across devices, even on slow connections. Your conversations are secured with end-to-end encryption.

What We Love

  • 💬 Great communication tool
  • 🌍 Connects people globally
  • 🔒 Secure and private messaging
  • 📱 Versatile features (calls, video, groups)
  • 🆓 Free to use

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Bugs and glitches (freezing, crashing, notification issues)
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns with data sharing
  • 🙈 Lack of customization and control (status, groups)
  • 📤 Backup and restore issues
  • 🚫 Arbitrary account bans

More Kids Texting App apps to explore

FAQ about Kids Texting App

What is the best kids texting app for iPhone?
Messenger Kids tops our kids texting app ranking as of August 2026, with a 4.3-star average from 115K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top kids texting app we rank are free to download, including Messenger Kids and JusTalk Kids - Safe Messenger.
Messenger Kids has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 250+ kids texting app on the iOS App Store as of August 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.