Best for Android RCS messaging
Google Messages vs Telegram vs WhatsApp: which messaging app should you choose?
Google Messages suits Android users who want RCS, Telegram fits people who value large groups and cloud access, and WhatsApp is the strongest pick for encrypted chats and broad reach.
At a glance
| App | Google Play | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google MessagesGoogle LLC | 4.2 out of 543,639,166 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Mature 17+ |
 WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLC | 4.6 out of 5246,492,605 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps are free to download and support everyday messaging, but they take different approaches. Google Messages pairs SMS and MMS with RCS features on Android, Telegram emphasizes cloud-based messaging and large groups, and WhatsApp combines end-to-end encrypted chats with voice and video calls.
This comparison weighs their features, trade-offs, Google Play ratings and install counts to help you choose based on your devices, contacts and privacy priorities.
How we compared them
We compared each app’s stated features and trade-offs alongside its Google Play rating, install count, price, in-app purchases and ad status. Store figures were read on November 7, 2026, and can change over time.
For data safety, we include only the Google Play declarations supplied for Telegram and WhatsApp: both say data is encrypted in transit, that they share no data with third parties, and that users can request deletion. Their declared collection categories differ. No data-safety declaration is included for Google Messages in this comparison.
Google Messages
Google LLC
4.2 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forAndroid users who want RCS alongside SMS and MMS
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 43,639,166
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Google Messages is the most natural fit for Android users who want one familiar app for standard texts and richer RCS conversations. Its clean interface and regular improvements make it a straightforward everyday choice, and its Google Play rating is 4.2 from 43,639,166 ratings.
Its main limitation is reach: the experience is centered on Android, and RCS features require an internet connection. It offers less customization than Telegram and lacks WhatsApp’s built-in voice and video calls; sharing media can also use substantial data.
What we like
- Combines SMS and MMS with RCS messaging
- Fits naturally into Android devices
- Free, with no ads or in-app purchases
What to know
- RCS features need an internet connection
- Less customization and no built-in scheduling
Telegram
Telegram FZ-LLC
3.8 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forpeople who want large groups and cloud-based chats
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 17,343,583
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
Telegram is the strongest choice here for large group conversations, cloud-based storage and theme customization. It is free to download, has no ads, and works across Android and iOS. Its Google Play rating is 3.8 from 17,343,583 ratings.
Telegram’s security needs a distinction: end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default, unlike WhatsApp’s encrypted chats. Some features can take time to find, and the app may feel resource-heavy on some devices. Google Play says Telegram collects several data categories, including contacts, location, files, media and message-related information.
What we like
- Supports large group chats
- Cloud-based storage and customizable themes
- Free to download with no ads
What to know
- End-to-end encryption is not on by default
- Some features can be hard to navigate
WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp LLC
4.6 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forpeople who want encrypted chats and calls with a wide circle
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 246,492,605
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
WhatsApp brings end-to-end encryption, group chats, and free voice and video calls together in an easy-to-use app. Its cross-platform availability makes it a practical choice for keeping in touch with a broad circle, and its Google Play rating is 4.6 from 246,492,605 ratings.
The trade-off is a phone-number-based account and relatively limited customization. Media and calls can use substantial data, and privacy-conscious users may also weigh its metadata concerns. Google Play says WhatsApp collects categories including contacts, payment information, location, diagnostics, app interactions and device identifiers.
What we like
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Free voice and video calls
- Cross-platform group chats
What to know
- Registration requires a phone number
- Limited customization and potential high data use
Which one should you pick?
Best for large groups and cloud access
Telegram
Best for encrypted chats and calls
WhatsApp Messenger
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has end-to-end encryption by default?
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted chats. Telegram does not enable end-to-end encryption by default, while Google Messages supports RCS but its encryption details are not covered in this comparison.
Which app is best for Android texting?
Google Messages is a natural choice for Android users who want SMS and MMS alongside RCS messaging. RCS features require an internet connection.
Which app is best for large group chats?
Telegram is the strongest fit if large groups and cloud-based storage are your priorities. WhatsApp also supports group chats.
Are these messaging apps free?
All three are free to download. Google Messages has no in-app purchases, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer in-app purchases.
ViaAPK compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details and prices are shown for reference and can change.