There are a lot of chat apps. So many that it can be hard to keep track of them all. Even if you only use a few, there’s a good chance you’re not using the same ones as your friends and family.
Which begs the question: how many chat apps are there, exactly? And more importantly, which one should you be using? Read on to find out.
What Are Chat Apps?
The term “chat app” is a catch-all for any application that facilitates communication between two or more parties. While some people may use the term to refer to IM (instant messaging) services like WhatsApp. Also, others may include things like audio and video calling apps like Skype in the same category.
What Makes A Good Chat App?
For many people, the best chat app is one that works with as many of their contacts as possible. Most chat apps nowadays have cross-platform support.
It means they’ll work across multiple platforms including mobile devices, desktops, and laptops. Many also support group chats, allowing you to stay in touch with a group of friends at once.
Another thing many people look for in chat apps is security, as well as privacy features such as end-to-end encryption. These features can help protect your conversations. Also, keep them from being accessed by third parties or law enforcement officials without your consent.
What Are The Best Chat Apps?
The best chat app for you will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for something that connects you to all your friends and family members regardless of what platform they use.
You might want to try Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Both offer cross-platform support and work almost everywhere. They also have a lot of users and are updated frequently with new features and improvements.
If you’re looking for a good video calling service instead, Skype would be a good choice. It lets you make free voice and video calls to other Skype users across all platforms, including desktop computers and laptops.
You can also purchase credits which allow you to call landlines and mobile phones around the world at low rates.
However, if you want something more than just a messaging app, consider Telegram. Telegram lets you send messages, photos, and files of any size to other users (as long as they’re using Telegram too).
But it also offers additional features such as groups of up to 200 people plus secret chats that let you set expirations for messages. So they disappear after a set amount of time (the default is 24 hours).
It’s also one of the most secure chat apps out there thanks to its end-to-end encryption technology. However, it has not gained quite as much popularity as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp yet. It is because of its limited operating system support.
Conclusion:
There are many chat apps out there and it can be hard to choose. However, there’s no shortage of options. At least, you’re sure to find a chat app that suits your needs.
