Best for broad social messaging and calls
Messenger vs Snapchat vs TextNow: which communication app fits you?
Messenger suits broad social messaging and calls, Snapchat is for expressive photo-first sharing, and TextNow is the pick for a separate phone number and Wi-Fi calling.
| App | Rating | Downloads | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MessengerMeta Platforms, Inc. | Rated 4.7 out of 5 | 5B+ | Free | staying in touch with Facebook friends across devices |
 SnapchatSnap Inc | Rated 4.2 out of 5 | 1B+ | Free | sharing visual moments and creative Snaps |
 TextNow: Call + Text UnlimitedTextNow, Inc. | Rated 4.6 out of 5 | 100M+ | Free | getting a separate number for calls and texts |
How we compared them
All three are free communication apps for Android and iOS, but they solve different needs. Messenger focuses on chats and calls with Facebook connections, Snapchat puts Snaps, Stories, and creative lenses first, and TextNow offers a phone number for calls and texts.
This comparison weighs their features, Google Play ratings and installs, pricing, ads, and declared data practices to help you choose between everyday messaging, visual social sharing, and a second number.
How we compared them
We compared the apps using their Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges, and ad status, alongside their stated communication and social features. Store figures were read on October 28, 2026.
We also considered each app’s Google Play data safety declarations. Messenger declares sharing identifiers and contact details and collecting several categories including photos, videos, contacts, and diagnostics; Snapchat declares no third-party data sharing and collection that includes location, photos, videos, and browsing history; TextNow declares sharing and collecting categories including identifiers, diagnostics, and communications-related data. All three declare encryption in transit and the ability to request data deletion.
staying in touch with Facebook friends across devices
Messenger is the most broadly established option here, with 5 billion-plus installs and a 4.7 Google Play rating. It combines text chats, photo and video sharing, group conversations, and voice and video calls, making it more all-purpose than Snapchat’s visual-first social experience or TextNow’s phone-number focus.
Its reach and range come with trade-offs: messaging and calls need an internet connection, and some features require a Facebook account. Busy group chats can generate distracting notifications, while its declared data practices include sharing contact details and identifiers and collecting a broad range of information.
- Ads
- No
- In-app purchases
- Yes
- Pros
- Text, photo, video, voice, and video-call features in one app, Group chats and connections with Facebook friends, 5 billion-plus installs and a 4.7 Google Play rating
- Cons
- Some features require a Facebook account, Declared data sharing and collection cover multiple personal and device categories
sharing visual moments and creative Snaps
Snapchat is the strongest choice for photo- and video-led social sharing. Stories, disappearing chat messages, creative AR Lenses, Snap Map, and Spotlight give it more playful ways to post and discover content than Messenger or TextNow. Its Google Play declaration says it shares no data with third parties.
That visual approach can be less straightforward for new users, and the app includes ads and sponsored posts. Location features deserve particular care: Snapchat declares collecting approximate and precise location, alongside photos, videos, and web browsing history.
- Ads
- Yes
- In-app purchases
- Yes
- Pros
- Stories, Snaps, and creative AR Lenses, Disappearing chat messages and Spotlight video discovery, Declares no third-party data sharing
- Cons
- Ads and sponsored posts appear in the experience, Declares collecting precise and approximate location
getting a separate number for calls and texts
TextNow is the only one of these three centered on providing a phone number, which can help separate work and personal conversations. Its free number supports calls and texts over Wi-Fi, and voicemail and number sharing across supported devices add practical flexibility that Messenger and Snapchat do not emphasize.
The free service depends on country availability and an internet connection for Wi-Fi calling, and an inactive number may be reclaimed. Ads are part of the free app, some features require payment, and its declared data practices include sharing and collecting categories such as phone numbers, identifiers, diagnostics, and communications-related information.
- Ads
- Yes
- In-app purchases
- Yes
- Pros
- Free phone number for calls and texts over Wi-Fi, Voicemail and number sharing across supported devices, Optional paid plans add calling features
- Cons
- Free service availability depends on country, and numbers may be reclaimed after idle use, Free version includes ads and some features require payment
Which one to pick
Best for creative photo and video sharing
Snapchat
Best for a separate phone number
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited
Frequently asked questions
Which app is best for everyday messaging and calls?
Messenger is the most all-purpose option here, with text, photo and video sharing, group chats, and voice and video calls. It is especially useful for reaching Facebook friends.
Which app is best for sharing photos and videos socially?
Snapchat is the strongest fit for visual sharing, with Snaps, Stories, creative Lenses, and Spotlight. Its location features and sponsored content are worth considering.
Can TextNow give me a separate phone number?
Yes. TextNow offers a free number for calls and texts, including over Wi-Fi. Availability depends on your country, and a number may be reclaimed after inactivity.
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Messenger has the highest rating among these three at 4.7, followed by TextNow at 4.6 and Snapchat at 4.2.
GetAllApps tests every app independently and is not affiliated with Meta Platforms, Inc., Snap Inc, or TextNow, Inc.. Names, logos and trademarks belong to their owners.