Best for Android RCS
Google Messages vs Telegram vs WhatsApp: which messaging app should you choose?
Choose Google Messages for Android-friendly RCS, Telegram for large file sharing and customization, or WhatsApp for its broad reach, strong rating, and voice and video calls.
At a glance
| App | Google Play | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Google MessagesGoogle LLC | 4.2 out of 543,639,166 ratings | Free | No | Everyone | |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes$0.31 - $289.99 per item | Mature 17+ | |
 WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLC | 4.6 out of 5246,492,605 ratings | Free | Yes$0.40 - $199.99 per item | Everyone |
Ratings and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
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How we compared them
All three apps are free to download and support messaging and media sharing. Google Messages is closely tied to Android and offers RCS features; Telegram emphasizes cross-platform chats, large files, and customization; WhatsApp pairs end-to-end encryption with voice and video calls and a particularly large user base.
The right choice depends on who you need to reach and which features matter most. This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and install counts alongside their features, trade-offs, and declared data safety details where available.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings and install counts, price, in-app purchases, and ad status for each app. Store figures were read on November 7, 2026, so ratings and counts may change.
We also considered each app’s messaging features, strengths, and trade-offs. Google Play data safety declarations are included only for Telegram and WhatsApp, for which those details are available here.
Best forAndroid users who want RCS and a straightforward texting app
Google Messages
Google LLC
- Google Play
- 4.2 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Installs
- 10B+
- Age rating
- Everyone
Google Messages is the most natural fit for Android texting, with smooth device integration, RCS support, rich media sharing, smart replies, and message search. Its clean interface and end-to-end encryption for secure chats make it a straightforward choice for everyday conversations.
Its advantages are less useful outside Android, where features are limited, and RCS depends on an internet connection. Delivery can sometimes be delayed, customization is limited, and the app has no in-app message translation.
What we like
- Strong integration with Android devices
- RCS and rich media sharing
- Smart replies and message search
What to know
- Limited features on non-Android devices
- Less customization than Telegram
Best forpeople who share large files and customize their chats
Telegram
Telegram FZ-LLC
- Google Play
- 3.8 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Installs
- 1B+
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
Telegram is the strongest fit here for large file sharing, customizable chat backgrounds, and using the same messaging app across multiple platforms. It is free to download, has no ads, and focuses on speed and security alongside group chats and media sharing.
Its Google Play rating is lower than Google Messages’ and WhatsApp’s. Telegram also has in-app purchases, a Mature 17+ content rating, and voice call quality can vary. Its declared data safety says it collects several kinds of information, including contacts, location, files, and messages, while encrypting data in transit.
What we like
- Supports large file sharing
- Available across multiple platforms
- Customizable chat backgrounds
What to know
- Lower Google Play rating than the other two
- Voice call quality can vary
Best forpeople who want broad reach and built-in voice and video calls
WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp LLC
- Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Installs
- 10B+
- Age rating
- Everyone
WhatsApp combines a wide user base with end-to-end encryption, free voice and video calls, and support for varied media formats. It has the highest Google Play rating of these three and, like Google Messages, has more than 10 billion installs, making it a strong choice for reaching friends and family.
A phone number is required, and group chats have limits. Backups are limited, and WhatsApp can use substantial data. Its declared data safety says it collects several kinds of information, including contacts, payment information, purchase history, and app interactions, while encrypting data in transit.
What we like
- Highest Google Play rating of the three
- Free voice and video calls
- Wide user base and end-to-end encryption
What to know
- Requires a phone number
- Limited cloud backup
Which one should you pick?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
WhatsApp has the highest rating of the three at 4.6, compared with 4.2 for Google Messages and 3.8 for Telegram.
Which app is best for Android texting?
Google Messages is the most Android-focused choice, with close device integration and RCS support.
Which app is best for sharing large files?
Telegram is the clearest choice for large file sharing among these three.
Which apps offer end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is a stated strength of Google Messages and WhatsApp. Telegram emphasizes security, but the available details do not establish that end-to-end encryption applies to every Telegram chat.
Reviewed compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details and prices are shown for reference and can change.