The Top Messenger Apps of 2018

There are no end of messenger apps available – and several new ones have launched during 2018. Whether you are seeking inspiration to have your own messenger app built or looking for a new messenger app to help keep your business communications on track, read on for our break down of the best messenger apps of the year.

1.   WhatsApp

It’s the biggest messenger app in the world so you may already have WhatsApp installed on your smartphone. If not, it offers end-to-end encryption to keep messages secure (an absolutely vital feature if you are considering having an app built for your business) and offers rich messaging, voice and video calls.

2.   Facebook Messenger

Facebook has had a tough year in 2018 with lots of questions surrounding privacy being levied at the social network but there is no denying that its Messenger app remains popular. It’s particularly popular with business users with one 2017 report suggesting that it’s great for acquiring customers and nurturing leads thanks to a 70-80% message open rate within 60 minutes of send.

3.   Telegram

Telegram is a newer addition to the messenger category and works slightly differently to standard communication apps. It’s a cross-platform app and gives users the option to make VoIP calls and send messages to contacts. It has an estimated 200 million active monthly users.

4.   Line

Line might be a name you haven’t heard of but it’s often mentioned mid-pack when discussing the best messaging apps. Like the other apps on this list, users can load up Line to make free voice and video calls and send messages to contacts worldwide. It’s ranked #63 in the messenger app category on the App Store and has over 600 million users.

5.   BBM

BlackBerry might have seen its fortunes slide in recent years but its messenger app, BBM is still going strong. It claims to help users ‘chat and share with a speed, control and privacy you can’t get on other instant messenger apps’. As well as its messenger functions, it also has stickers, news, shopping and vouchers.

6.   Slack

If you work as part of a team, chances are someone will have mentioned Slack. This app is designed specifically for team messaging and communications making it a popular presence in the workplace. It brings together apps, files, calls, messages and colleagues in a single platform.