Most people can only live with their cell phones these days.😁 We use them for pretty much everything, like taking photos, using maps, searching for stuff online, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
Research shows that around 3.09 billion mobile phone users use messaging apps to talk to others. That was in 2021; experts predict this number will grow to about 3.51 billion users by 2025.
When traveling to different countries, it was hard and expensive to call or text people. In some cases, it still is. Some phone companies charge a lot of money, like $10 a day or $50-70 each month, just for using data and texting internationally.
That’s where international texting apps come in. While some still need your phone’s data plan for global use, texting apps let you send messages for free when on Wi-Fi.
Therefore, in this blog, we’ll take a look at the 11 best apps for free international text messaging that make international texting super easy.
🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- International texting apps allow free or low-cost texting, calling, and video chatting with contacts around the world over WiFi or the internet.
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, Signal, Facebook Messenger, Line, Rent SMS, Skype, KakaoTalk, and Vonage are the 11 best international texting apps.
- WhatsApp is best for personal/group communication, Telegram is best for large group chats/channels, and Viber is best for international calling/texting.
- To choose the right international texting app, consider different factors, compare different apps, check for multiple language support, and examine user interface and experience.
11 Must-Have International Texting App Solutions in 2024
- WhatsApp: Best for personal and group communication
- Telegram: Best for large group chats and channels
- Viber: Best for International texting and calling
- WeChat: Best for multifunctional use (messaging, payments, social media)
- Signal: Best for privacy-focused communication
- Facebook Messenger: Best for social-media integrated communication
- Line: Best for communication in the Asian market, stickers, and social features
- Rent SMS: Best for business communication and virtual numbers
- Skype: Best for video calling and conferencing
- KakaoTalk: Best for social communication in South Korea
- Vonage Business Communications: Best for Enterprise-level business communication
How Did We Select the Best International Texting App?
Our team has used lots of different texting apps over many years. We know which one works well because we message friends abroad ourselves. To test the apps, we tried sending and receiving texts with contacts in other countries.
We also used the calling and video chat features to see how easy they are. Our goal is to honestly share which texting apps are simple to use and help people stay in touch across borders for low prices.
International Texting Apps Comparison
| International Texting Apps | Best for | Outstanding Feature | Pricing |
| Personal and Group Communication | End-to-end encryption for all messages | Free | |
| Telegram | Large group chats and channels | Cloud-based messaging with no size limits | Free |
| Viber | International calling and texting | Built-in Viber Out for low-cost international calls | Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Multifunctional use (messaging, payments, social media) | Integration of messaging, payments, and social features | Free | |
| Signal | Privacy-focused communication | Open-source and highly secure messaging | Free (donation-based model) |
| Facebook Messenger | Social media integrated communication | Integration with Facebook and Instagram | Free |
| Line | Communication in the Asian market, stickers, and social features | Extensive sticker store and mini-games | Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Rent SMS | Business communication and virtual numbers | Unified call center with call recording | Paid plans starting at $15 per user per month |
| Skype | Video calling and conferencing | HD video calls and screen sharing | Free for basic use, with paid options for international calls |
| KakaoTalk | Social communication in South Korea | Integrated Kakao services (shopping, banking, etc.) | Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Vonage Business Communications | Enterprise-level business communication | Unified communication platform with API integration | Paid plans starting at $13.99 per user per month |
11 Best International Texting App Choices in 2024
1. WhatsApp: Best for Personal and Group Communication
WhatsApp is a popular and free international texting app that allows easy personal and group communication between users. It is best for chatting with friends and family through text, images, video, and voice messages.
WhatsApp can be used on many mobile devices, such as iPhones and Android phones, making it convenient to stay connected no matter what phone someone has.
Within WhatsApp, people can start private chat groups with a few friends to plan events, share photos, and have conversations.
In addition to one-on-one chats, it works well for communicating with many people at a time through status updates and story features.
WhatsApp also maintains privacy and security for all communications and media shared between users. The end-to-end encryption ensures only the sender and recipient can view chat history on their devices.
🌟Features
- End-to-End Encryption
- Voice and Video Calling
- Group Chats
- Status Updates
- WhatsApp Web and Desktop
- Advanced Messaging
- Location Sharing
✅Pros
- Diverse functionality
- Simplicity
- Worldwide user base
- Secure communication
❌Cons
- A medium for circulating false information
- No censorship of shared material
- Potential for monetary fraud
💰Pricing
- WhatsApp is generally free to use unless you use the WhatsApp Business API for large-scale customer interactions, where charges apply based on the volume and type of messages sent.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, KaiOS, Web
2. Telegram: Best for Large Group Chats and Channels
Telegram is well-suited for communicating with large numbers of people simultaneously through its group chat and channel features. Groups on Telegram can have an immense number of members, up to more than 200,000 users.
This makes it ideal for communities, businesses, schools, and organizations to connect whole networks of individuals. Within large groups, files like documents, spreadsheets, or presentations can be easily shared with everyone.
Channels allow broadcasting messages to an unlimited audience. They function like public group chats, where the admin can post updates, and the large audience simply receives them.
Fan clubs, news outlets, public figures, and charitable networks flourish within this platform. Users can become actively engaged in conversations and stay up-to-date on all posted content without missing any discussions.
🌟Features
- Cloud-Based Messaging
- Large Group Chats and Channels
- End-to-End Encryption
- File Sharing
- Bots and Automation
- Customizable Themes and Stickers
- Voice Chats and Video Calls
✅Pros
- Custom encryption protocol MTProto
- Open source apps and database library
- Simultaneous use across multiple devices
- Two-step verification login security
❌Cons
- End-to-end encryption only applies to Secret Chats, not general messaging
- Telegram’s server infrastructure code is closed source (not publicly viewable)
- Logs IP addresses and other user details, so employing a VPN is recommended for privacy
💰Pricing
- Telegram is a free messaging app with no ads or subscription fees unless you opt for Telegram Premium, which offers additional features for a monthly fee, typically around $4.99 to $5.99, depending on the region.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
3. Viber: Best for International Texting and Calling
Viber allows users to message and call friends across borders for free. Using the internet rather than cellular networks, Viber lets people communicate internationally without worrying about phone plans or high costs.
In addition to text, Viber enables users to send photos, videos, and file attachments internationally. It also offers crystal-clear voice and video calling. This allows for face-to-face conversations like a regular phone call but without paying per-minute rates.
Viber works across iOS and Android as well as desktops through its web client. This uniform availability means messages can be accessed regardless of devices as long as there is an internet connection.
With end-to-end encryption of all communications, Viber ensures private conversations remain secure whether sent down the street or across the sea.
Its worldwide compatibility and data compression, combined with costless international messaging and calls, make Viber an excellent choice for staying in contact with people all over the globe.
🌟Features
- Voice and Video Calls
- End-to-End Encryption
- Group Chats
- Viber Out
- Screen Sharing and Minimized Calls
- Customization and Media Sharing
- Hidden Chats
✅Pros
- Transfers communications between devices
- Free calls and messages to other Viber users
- Sending texts, photos, videos and attachments
- Encrypts conversations
❌Cons
- Calls to numbers outside a user’s network or in other countries require payment
- Cannot act as your primary messaging and calling platform
- Does not provide tablet support
💰Pricing
- Viber is free of charge unless you use Viber Out to make calls to non-Viber users or landlines, which incurs charges based on the destination and duration of the call.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
4. WeChat: Best for Multifunctional Use (Messaging, Payments, Social Media)
WeChat is a popular app in China and Asia that goes beyond messaging. In addition to text and voice chat, users can post status updates and photos. They can also play interactive games, read articles, or watch short videos within the app.
WeChat has mini-programs that let users complete tasks like booking movie tickets or food delivery right from the chat. It is also widely used to scan QR codes and send money peer-to-peer, making simple payments quick and convenient.
Privacy controls allow customizable settings for posts and contact lists. The multifunctional nature means less time switching between separate apps.
Location-based features further benefit users by helping them find recommendations or meetings nearby. Regular updates keep this super app updated with modern trends and technology.
WeChat’s all-in-one platform has changed how millions of people communicate, stay connected, and complete simple tasks through a single intuitive interface. Its immense popularity stems from excellent user experience in bundling communication and frequent services.
🌟Features
- Messaging and Voice Calls
- Video Calls
- WeChat Pay
- Moments
- Mini Programs
- QR Code Scanning
- Global Connectivity
✅Pros
- All-in-One Platform
- Mini Programs
- Official Accounts
- QR Code Functionality
❌Cons
- Privacy Concerns
- Complex Interface
- Integration with Government Systems
💰Pricing
- WeChat is free for core features like messaging, voice and video calls, and social media. WeChat Pay is free for transactions under 200 CNY, with a 3% fee for higher amounts. No subscription fees are charged, but international transactions may incur exchange rate fees.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Web
5. Signal: Best for Privacy-Focused Communication
Signal is known as one of the most secure, free, and open-source messaging apps. It uses end-to-end encryption so that messages, calls, and media can only be accessed by the sender and receiver.
As an open-source app, independent researchers also confirm Signal’s strong privacy techniques. It does not collect or sell personal data for ads. With growing concerns about online security and tracking, Signal ensures communication without third-party access.
In addition to protecting chats, Signal auto-deletes messages after they are seen to help minimize digital traces. Accounts are not linked to phone numbers for added anonymity.
For group calls, Signal uses encryption to keep discussions between participants secure. It also notifies when conversations are forwarded to avoid unexpected exposure. Students and journalists use Signal when sensitivity is important over other messengers.
🌟Features
- End-to-End Encryption
- Disappearing Messages
- Voice and Video Calls
- No Ads or Tracking
- Open Source
- Screen Security
- Signal PIN
✅Pros
- Strong encryption protocols
- Open source software
- Minimal data logging
- No IP address logging
❌Cons
- Requires providing a phone number as part of the registration process
- May encounter occasional issues when attempting to send or receive messages
💰Pricing
- Signal’s service is free for users, and it does not display advertisements or use affiliate marketing. Additionally, Signal does not track users or collect data for profiling purposes.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
6. Facebook Messanger: Best for Social-Media Integrated Communication
Facebook Messenger is another free international texting app that allows users to not only message friends but also connect with their social media contacts from Facebook.
With approximately 3 billion active users monthly, it is very likely that most of your friends and family are already on Messenger.
Messenger enhances the social experience through features like personalized replies, meaning senders can directly respond to parts of messages. It also supports sharing photos, videos, and other files.
Messenger has also improved privacy and security. It rolled out end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats, blocking anyone other than participants from accessing message content. Users can also control who can contact them and customize lists.
🌟Features
- Instant Messaging
- Voice and Video Calls
- Group Chats
- Messenger Rooms
- Custom Reactions and Emojis
- Watch Together and Shared Activities
- Cross-Platform Messaging
✅Pros
- Free platform with a huge user base
- Integration with other Meta products
- Expansive communication features
- Decent level of user privacy controls
❌Cons
- Digital ads displayed on the interface
- User interface design can be cluttered
- Notable privacy and security concerns
💰Pricing
- Facebook Messenger is free to use for all users.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Web, Windows, macOS
7. Line: Best for the Asian Market, Stickers, and Social Features
Line is extremely popular in parts of Asia like Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. In some countries, nearly everyone uses Line for daily communication. Line had approximately 84 million people actively using it every month in 2020.
A huge selection of creative stickers is a big deal for Line users. These are like emotional images that can be added to messages. There are even animated stickers that loop as short video clips. Conveying emotions through visual stickers is entertaining for Asian youth in particular.
Line also functions as a social network along with direct messaging. Users update their status, which others can like and comment on. They can share photos, notes, videos, and locations as well. These social components keep users engaged beyond just chatting.
With support in multiple languages, Line works for both domestic communications and worldwide international exchange between regions. Its focus on fun virtual identities through stickers and profiles built a huge following in Asia and other global youth markets.
🌟Features
- Dynamic Messaging Options
- Customizable Displays
- LINE Games
- Camera Effects and Editing
- LINE Pay
- Exciting Communication Features
- Social Connection
✅Pros
- Extensive Sticker Collection
- Social Networking Features
- International Reach
- End-to-End Encryption
❌Cons
- Heavy App Size
- Complex Interface
- Ad Integration
💰Pricing
- LINE’s core features are free, with no subscription fees required, although users may choose to purchase premium stickers and themes and use paid services like LINE Out for international calls.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Web, Linux
8. Rent SMS: Best for Business Communication and Virtual Numbers
Rent SMS provides all-in-one telecommunication solutions perfect for businesses of any size. It offers crystal-clear VoIP calling, allowing phone conversations to sound as clear as being in the same room.
Users also get virtual phone numbers that make them appear as if they are calling from a nearby location. Additional useful features include global calling, call forwarding, call recording, and analytics.
All of these robust tools combined with a simple interface make Rent SMS very easy for employees and teams to use while communicating professionally. The virtual numbers also allow businesses to have a single unified number and identity no matter where employees work.
🌟Features
- Cloud Telephony
- Global Virtual Phone Numbers
- Power Dialer
- Unified Callbox
- AI Coaching
- Bulk SMS
- Phone Tree (IVR) and Multi-Level IVR
✅Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- Robust features like IVR, call recording, SMS, etc.
- Global coverage with virtual numbers worldwide
- Integrations with over 100 CRMs
❌Cons
- Short free trial period
- Cancellation requires contacting the support
💰Pricing
- Essential plan: $15 per user per month
- Standard plan: $40 per user per month
- Custom plan: Contact the sales team for custom pricing
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS
9. Skype: Best for Video Calling and Conferencing
Skype is one of the original and best-known platforms for video calls and conferencing. The ability to not only talk but also see the person you’re communicating with in real-time sets Skype ahead as a leader in visual communication options.
Skype remains one of the top choices whenever a live video element is important in communication, whether for chat, lectures, interviews, tutoring, or other visual interactions. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures the experience translates smoothly between Windows computers, Macs, Android devices, iPhones, and more.
🌟Features
- Free Voice and Video Calls
- Live Chat
- Skype-to-Phone Calls (Skype Out)
- Screen Sharing
- Skype Translator
- File Sharing
- Meeting Integration (Meet Now)
✅Pros
- Clean and intuitive user interface
- Remarkable audio and video quality
- Available across different platforms
- Integration of Bing Chat Copilot
❌Cons
- Limited conferencing participants
- Lacks enterprise-level features
- Glitches
💰Pricing
- Calls between Skype users do not incur any charges. However, to place calls from Skype to standard mobile or landline phones, a small amount of Skype Credit or a subscription is required to cover the connection fees.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, Web, macOS, Linux, Xbox
10. KakaoTalk: Best for Social Communication in South Korea
KakaoTalk is by far the most widely used messaging app in South Korea, with over 97.5% of smartphone owners using the platform.
As a social network integrated with messaging, Koreans rely on KakaoTalk to stay constantly connected with friends and communities.
Businesses also utilize KakaoTalk profiles and targeted features to interact with customers in a novel way. Through immersive virtual experiences, brands can promote their products and services on the platform.
KakaoTalk’s enormous user base in Korea means it’s essentially required to fully participate in social and everyday life.
From making plans to ordering food deliveries, Koreans rely on the all-in-one platform to stay seamlessly engaged with friends, local activities, and commerce. It has become an online extension of real-world social networking in South Korea.
🌟Features
- Free Voice and Video Calls
- Instant Messaging
- Kakaotalk Emoticons and Stickers
- Plus Friends
- Kakao Pay
- Calendar and Scheduling
- Open Chat
✅Pros
- Rich Media Integration
- Kakao Pay Integration
- Plus Friends
- User-Friendly Interface
❌Cons
- Limited Global Reach
- Resource Intensive
- Paid Emoticons
💰Pricing
- While many of Kakao’s services and features are free to use, some do require payment.
For example, basic messaging on KakaoTalk does not have a cost, but users may need to purchase additional digital items like decorative emoticons to use within chat conversations on the app.
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, macOS, Windows, Web
11. Vonage Business Communications: Best for Enterprise-Level Business Communication
Vonage provides robust communication solutions tailored specifically for large businesses and organizations. Their integrated services include advanced tools like video conferencing, virtual phone systems, contact center capabilities, and unified chat that allow employees to collaborate easily, no matter where they are located.
Moreover, Vonage’s flexible, cloud-based approach integrates easily into existing systems and scales up as businesses grow. Their sophisticated yet easy-to-use solutions make Vonage the top choice for advanced communication demands at an enterprise level.
🌟Features
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
- Unified Communication
- Software Pairing
- Browser Extension
- Call Management
- Voicemail to Email
- Automated Attendants
✅Pros
- Extensive feature set
- AI virtual receptionist
- Robust mobile and desktop apps
- Thorough training materials
❌Cons
- Adding contacts involves a multi-step importing process
- Costly extra features
💰Pricing
- Mobile plan: $13.99 per month/per line
- Premium plan: $20.99 per month/per line
- Advanced plan: $27.99 per month/per line
Available Platforms: iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Web
How to Choose the Right International Texting App for You?
With so many options available, choosing the right international text app for you can be challenging. So, to choose the best messaging app, follow these best practices:
- Consider Different Factors: Think about what’s important to you like privacy, countries you text, and features you need since different apps excel in different areas.
- Compare Different Apps: Some apps offer some basics for free, but you may need to pay for extensive texting abroad or advanced features. Therefore, compare which works best for your budget.
- Ease of Switching Apps or Integrating with Current Contacts: Consider if it’s easy to switch apps or combine contacts from an old app to a new one to keep communication streamlined.
- User Interface and Experience: Consider whether the app looks organized and is user-friendly or hard to navigate. A good design makes texting abroad simpler.
- Support for Multiple Languages: Check if the languages you need are supported, such as translation or texting in another language.
- Customer Support and Help Resources: Excellent support is valuable if you face issues, so compare customer service availability between different options.
Wrapping Up
Thanks to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Skype, it’s now really easy and affordable to talk to people all over the world. All of these international texting apps for Android, as well as iOS and other platforms, ensure seamless communication across different devices.🌟
Moreover, if you want to make calls to your home country specifically, Rent SMS can provide you with virtual phone numbers from your home country so you can call there for less money. It also lets you get local numbers when traveling and keeps work calls separate from personal ones.
Using these international texting apps for iPhone plus other platforms, along with Virtual number services together, lets you stay in touch with people abroad easily. So, take advantage of these tools to strengthen relationships, business ties, and global understanding.🚀
FAQs
What is international texting?
International texting means sending a text from one country to another. For example, if someone from the UK sends a message to a friend in Australia, that would be an international text since it crosses country borders.
What is an international texting app?
An international texting app is a messaging software you can download to your phone. It lets you send texts and photos to friends in other countries over WiFi or data without paying high fees charged by phone companies for international messaging.
Are international texting apps free?
Most international messaging apps offer basic features like texting and calling over WiFi for free. But to get extra features, you may need to pay a monthly fee starting at a few dollars. So, the basic messaging is free, but using extra services often costs a small amount.
Do these texting apps work without Wi-Fi?
Some international messaging apps require WiFi to send messages, while others allow texts over cell data for a fee. If using data, make sure your phone plan includes international data, or you could incur large charges. It’s best to connect to WiFi when possible to text abroad for no extra costs.
Which international texting app is the most secure?
Signal is considered one of the safest and most secure messaging apps. It keeps your calls and messages private by encrypting them so no one else can read them, not even Signal.
Can I use these apps to call internationally?
Yes, many international texting apps allow you to make voice calls to contacts internationally. The call quality may not be as clear as regular calls, but these apps let you talk to friends abroad for low fees or sometimes free over WiFi.
Do I need a phone number to use international texting apps?
Most international texting apps require you to have a phone number to set up an account. But some apps let you send and receive messages without adding a number by connecting through social media profiles instead.
