{"id":1542,"date":"2022-02-23T14:27:52","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T14:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/public\/resources\/?p=1542"},"modified":"2024-07-18T08:52:40","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T08:52:40","slug":"best-communications-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"Best communications apps"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”961px” custom_margin=”||2px|||” custom_padding=”24px||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”293px” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”4px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”204px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Smartphones have revolutionised the way we all stay in touch. Once, mobile phones made it a novelty to speak or send texts to someone wherever they were, but today\u2019s mobiles let us send pictures or other files, or even have a crystal-clear video call. The best apps for chat make it easy to plan and share between two or two hundred people, while the best apps for video calling bring people closer when they\u2019re far apart. But which should you install? Check out our best communications apps guide.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”91px” custom_padding=”17px||20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Staying in touch, staying secure<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Comms apps tackle a variety of jobs, but many of them allow you to send text-based messages to the people you know. In some cases messaging apps send simple SMS texts, but the best send them via the internet – whether you\u2019re using a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Many communication apps handle voice calls in the same way: instead of placing a network call, your voice data is sent via the internet.<\/p>\n

Doing it this way has lots of advantages. For a start, you pay nothing for calls or messaging while you\u2019re connected to Wi-Fi. And while you\u2019re mobile, calls or texts don\u2019t count against your allowances – although you will use up your data. There are no extra charges for contacting anyone abroad, or for attaching a video, photo or other file.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”6px||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As well as doing old things better, comms apps add cool new features. Since Covid and lockdown, almost everyone with a smartphone will have discovered group audio and video calls. While the novelty may have worn off, video calls are still the perfect way to keep families and friends close when you can\u2019t see them in person. And apps like Snapchat even add a layer of fun, with real-time filters that do anything from give callers a beard, to turn them into an animal.<\/p>\n

One important property of comms apps is that they add a layer of security to your communications. While mobile calls and SMS can – in theory – be intercepted, end-to-end encryption means that communication over, say, WhatsApp can\u2019t be. It\u2019s reassuring to know that spooks and scammers can\u2019t eavesdrop on what you\u2019re doing online – although bear in mind that anyone with access to your unlocked phone could still look through your history in the app.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”904px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”14px|auto|2px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”17px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WhatsApp
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”135px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Price <\/strong>Android WhatsApp<\/a>, Free
iOS WhatsApp<\/a>, Free<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mozillion rating<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why install?<\/strong>It\u2019s secure, and almost universally used<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why avoid it?<\/strong>It\u2019s owned by Facebook<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|-9px|auto||” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”14px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_color_right=”#a5a5a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t already using WhatsApp, where have you been? Launched in 2009, it\u2019s the world\u2019s most popular messenger app, with more than five billion downloads on Android alone. It\u2019s free to use, and free of adverts, but it is owned by Meta, parent company of Facebook – that might be enough to put some users off.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”66%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”60px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”403px” custom_margin=”23px|auto|1px|auto||” custom_padding=”7px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WhatsApp covers all the everyday things you need from a messaging app. While it supports voice and video calling, it\u2019s perhaps most known for its chat feature. You can use this to message a single friend, or to chat among groups of up to 256 people. It\u2019s easy to attach photos, videos or other documents, too.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp supports some neat features, such as sharing your current location, or even your real-time location for a set period of time – useful if you\u2019re travelling alone or exercising off the beaten path. You can also use WhatsApp\u2019s web interface on a computer – useful if you\u2019re planning to type long messages.<\/p>\n

Chats and calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, so in theory they\u2019re entirely private. There\u2019s not much outright fun available, though – just the option to tweak your background in video chat. Even so, it\u2019s hard to argue against installing WhatsApp – particularly given that most of your friends, family and colleagues are likely to be using it already.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1003px” custom_margin=”-10px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”87px” custom_margin=”40px|auto|2px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Snapchat
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”135px” custom_margin=”-13px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Price <\/strong>Android Snapchat<\/a>, Free, with in-app purchases
iOS Snapchat<\/a>, Free, with in-app purchases
<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mozillion rating<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why install?<\/strong>Stay in touch, with added fun<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why avoid it?<\/strong>Not ideal for private people<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”93%” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”14px||||false|false” border_color_right=”#a5a5a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Most communication apps are dry and functional, but Snapchat tries to inject a little fun. Originally built around self-destructing photo and video sharing, it\u2019s evolved into a more balanced social app, aiming to link up friends and family in a more entertaining way.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

These days Snapchat\u2019s core features include time-limited photo, video and text messaging, but also video chatting. Content can be shared only to contacts, or published for any other users to discover. There\u2019s also the Snap Map, which shows nearby friends and contacts, and curated content including stories from the user community.<\/p>\n

Snapchat helped popularise the use of filters and other effects to customise shared photos and videos. There\u2019s a huge range, letting you digitally dress up as a cartoon character, don a goofy turkey costume, make your face look older, or simply add a pair of bunny ears. While we wouldn\u2019t recommend it for a business meeting, it\u2019s a great way to fool around among friends.<\/p>\n

You can turn off Snapchat\u2019s location features – and indeed you probably should if it\u2019s being used by younger children. But if security is a significant concern for you, Snapchat\u2019s social nature means it may not be the ideal app. If, however, you just want to have fun and hang out online, this is probably the best app to do it.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5px|auto|2px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Google Meet<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”135px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Price <\/strong>Android Meet<\/a>, Free
iOS Meet<\/a>, Free<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mozillion rating<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why install?<\/strong>Free and lightweight video conferencing<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why avoid it?<\/strong>Not everyone loves a Google app<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”24px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”2px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_color_right=”#a5a5a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If Covid lockdowns have taught us one thing, it\u2019s that video calling is an essential way to keep in touch with people. If it\u2019s taught us anything else, it\u2019s that some video conferencing apps are better than others. At Mozillion, Google\u2019s Meet has emerged as our narrow favourite, chiefly because it seems to work more smoothly on a wider range of devices.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”100px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||23px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to start a Meet by just opening the app and selecting a new meeting. You can then pile straight in, or schedule a future time via Google Calendar. Friends can invite you to a meeting by scheduling it, or by sharing joining information via email or a messaging app. Other participants needn\u2019t install Meet – it works in a browser, too.<\/p>\n

Meet isn\u2019t as rich in features as some rivals, such as the paid version of Zoom, but as a free user you get a 60-minute, 100-user limit on group calls, which is 20 minutes longer than you get on Zoom. Another bonus is Meet\u2019s excellent live transcription feature, which can help make calls more inclusive to those with impaired hearing or audio playback issues.<\/p>\n

In our experience, Meet tends to remain clear and stable in circumstances where other video apps hit trouble. This is particularly true on low-powered devices such as older computers or Chromebooks, which may struggle with other apps but still run Meet smoothly. While it\u2019s not perfect for everyone, Meet is generally a no-fuss, reliable way to chat in big or small groups.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”9px|auto|2px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Signal
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”135px” custom_padding=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Price <\/strong>Android Signal<\/a>, Free
iOS Signal<\/a>, Free
<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mozillion rating<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why install?<\/strong>Secure, increasingly popular, and not owned by Facebook<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why avoid it?<\/strong>Nothing like as many users as WhatsApp or Telegram<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”215px” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”59%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”212px” custom_margin=”18px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”14px||||false|false” border_color_right=”#a5a5a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If the thought of a Facebook-owned chat app is more than you can stomach, Signal might be for you. It offers essentially the same features as WhatsApp, with the exception of group audio calls and a web interface. On the plus side, you can choose to set it up as the SMS app on your phone, allowing you to send and receive conventional texts from the same app you use to handle more advanced communication.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||33px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Signal is nothing like as widespread as rivals like WhatsApp or Telegram, but it\u2019s a great choice if you\u2019re especially concerned about security. It\u2019s owned by a non-profit organisation, and its code is open-source. Because this essentially means that anyone can inspect how it works, it\u2019s highly unlikely to contain any hidden backdoors.<\/p>\n

The big downside is that, with \u2018only\u2019 around 40 million active users, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll need to persuade your friends and family to use Signal too. The good news is you can install it alongside, say, WhatsApp, and use Signal with friends who want to sign up.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5px|auto|2px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Locket
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”135px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Price <\/strong>Android Coming soon<\/a>
iOS Locket<\/a>, Free<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mozillion rating<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why install?<\/strong>An interesting way to keep in touch with close friends<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”89%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why avoid it?<\/strong>Very limited functionality
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”14px||||false|false” border_color_right=”#a5a5a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve picked our best apps for messaging, video calling and just having fun, so how about something a little different? Locket works on the simple idea of a widget that displays photos from your friends directly on your phone\u2019s home screen. Add up to five people, and see photo updates pop up whenever they send you a new picture.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”62%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”100px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”8px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Obviously it\u2019s a niche idea that won\u2019t suit everyone, but for small, close groups of friends it could be a fun way to stay connected while you\u2019re off doing different things. The app\u2019s always-on nature means you have to trust contacts not to send you anything too risque, but otherwise it\u2019s a fresh and simple take on staying in touch.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The best comms apps can bridge the distance between friends, and the gaps between generations. Features like group text, video calling and photo and video sharing bring people closer together, and make planning, sharing and remembering better than ever before. But which apps do it best? Here\u2019s our top five.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apps"],"yoast_head":"\nBest communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Buy. Sell. Phones.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-02-23T14:27:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-07-18T08:52:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"770\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mozillion\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/\",\"name\":\"Best communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-02-23T14:27:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-07-18T08:52:40+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/61e3e0120d487d160a130082874fd6bb\"},\"description\":\"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg\",\"width\":770,\"height\":1024},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Best communications apps\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/\",\"name\":\"Buy. Sell. Phones.\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/61e3e0120d487d160a130082874fd6bb\",\"name\":\"Mozillion\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d46afbf44709e5cb577bc77e4387d625e70b1f7f924c008b493fc9d3fcd8210d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d46afbf44709e5cb577bc77e4387d625e70b1f7f924c008b493fc9d3fcd8210d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mozillion\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.","description":"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.","og_description":"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?","og_url":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/","og_site_name":"Buy. Sell. Phones.","article_published_time":"2022-02-23T14:27:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-07-18T08:52:40+00:00","og_image":[{"width":770,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mozillion","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/","url":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/","name":"Best communications apps - Buy. Sell. Phones.","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg","datePublished":"2022-02-23T14:27:52+00:00","dateModified":"2024-07-18T08:52:40+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/61e3e0120d487d160a130082874fd6bb"},"description":"Smart comms apps have reinvented how we keep in touch. Today we all use features like video calls or group text, but which communications app does it best?","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nathan-dumlao-kLmt1mpGJVg-unsplash-770x1024-1.jpg","width":770,"height":1024},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/best-communications-apps\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Best communications apps"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#website","url":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/","name":"Buy. Sell. Phones.","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/61e3e0120d487d160a130082874fd6bb","name":"Mozillion","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/live.mozillion.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d46afbf44709e5cb577bc77e4387d625e70b1f7f924c008b493fc9d3fcd8210d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d46afbf44709e5cb577bc77e4387d625e70b1f7f924c008b493fc9d3fcd8210d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Mozillion"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1542","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1542"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1542\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3974,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1542\/revisions\/3974"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1542"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mozillion.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}