Android has always allowed users to replace the core applications with third party offerings and today we will be checking out our top five alternatives to the default messaging application. Though the use of SMS is dwindling, developers continue to update their SMS applications. There are a lot of SMS applications in the Play Store and with Android 4.4.2, Google has given the control of the SMS applications to users allowing them to change the default SMS application.
Some of the SMS applications that managed to catch our attention are – hello sms, chomp SMS, Handcent SMS, Textra SMS, GO SMS Pro, Now SMS and Google’s very own Hangouts. All the applications are unique in their own way with a lot of common features, however we will be covering only what we thought were top 5 SMS alternatives. The apps listed below are not in any specific order.
hello sms
hello sms is the best looking application among the other SMS alternatives. hello sms also claims to be the world’s first SMS application with tabs. The user interface is slick and navigating through your SMS threads has never been easier. The application is relatively new when compared to the other applications and still needs basic features.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Clean and slick user interface
- Fast and fluidic performance
- Unobtrusive notifications
Cons
- You cannot delete a single message
- No dual SIM support yet
- Not many customization options
- Limited settings
- No Private Inbox
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts also comes pre-installed in your Android smartphone, but Google has not yet set it as the default SMS application which is why it asks you set it as your default SMS application when you open it. Google Hangouts is still a work in progress for Google and so is its SMS capability. Google Hangouts UI is a thread based UI that you are familiar with if you use the Hangouts for Android chat application. By integrating Hangouts and SMS, Google allows you choose a single inbox that entangles your online Hangout chats as well as your messages – this option is purely a matter of personal choice.
Pros
- Fast and smooth UI
- Single inbox for Hangouts and SMS
Cons
- Very confusing layout for Hangouts and SMS
- Limited options
- No Private Inbox option
- Not customizable
- No Dual SIM support
Handcent SMS
Hancent SMS is one of the oldest SMS applications on the Android platform and they have not changed their logo in a very long time, but they do keep updating the application with new features. The application UI is nothing new, but is probably very simple and easy to use. The application looks a bit ancient, but is packed with all the features you will need. The application is greatly let down by the use of unnecessary animations. There are features like Privacy option, but you will need to sign up for a Handcent account.
Pros
- Lots of Settings and options
- Privacy Inbox
- Lots of customization options available- you can change the theme, fonts and most things inside the application
Cons
- You get Ads inside settings screen
- Need their online account to use basic features
- Too many settings can be confusing and overwhelming
- Slow and performance isn’t great
- No Dual SIM Support
Textra
Textra is a combination of functionality and simplicity packaged into single SMS application. The user interface is slick and the app is quite fast. There are a good settings options allowing you to customize most of your experience. However, it does not have the ability to themes except for changing the colors, font sizes.
Pros
- Clean and simple UI
- Lots of settings options
- Pop up notifications
Cons
- Lack of themes
- No dual SIM support yet
GO SMS Pro
GO SMS Pro is very similar to Handcent SMS in the sheer number of features that it offers. The number of features offered by GO SMS Pro is huge and it comes with a lot of in app bloatware as well which most people don’t use. The difference is that the app shows Ads and to unlock the premium version, it costs 4.99$ while unlocking the premium themes needs another 18.99$ – so this app is pretty costly if you want a complete experiences. The free version does offer most features, but with Ads.
Pros
- Lots of customization options
- Huge availability of themes
- Private Inbox
- SMS Backup
Cons
- Ads are shown in the free version
- Full fledged app is costly
- UI isn’t intuitive
- No Dual SIM support yet