When it comes to chatting apps, there is no dearth of options regardless of what platform you're on. However, due to the sheer variety, most of these apps offer underwhelming features, especially group chat apps on Android.


Read on to find out the best chatting apps for Android that are a perfect blend of usability, features, and security.


1. Family: WhatsApp Messenger


WhatsApp Messenger needs no introduction as it's the most popular mobile messaging app currently. With over two billion active monthly users, it's highly likely that all your friends and family already use the app. WhatsApp Messenger's standout feature is its simplicity. People of all ages find the application easy to use, making it ideal for family groups. Even non-tech-savvy uses can easily send and receive messages, documents, pictures, and videos.


WhatsApp Messenger also comes with end-to-end encryption as an added layer of security. Currently, WhatsApp Messenger allows you to create groups of up to 256 people. It also offers in-app free video and voice calling via the internet. Other nifty features of the app include voice notes, live location, and in some countries—the ability to send payments as well. All these features are completely free, making WhatsApp Messenger one of the best group messaging apps on Android.


WhatsApp Messenger is available for both Android and iOS. A web version can also be used on any desktop browser. However, it still does require your phone to be connected to the internet.



Download: WhatsApp Messenger (Free)


2. Work: Telegram


If security and privacy are your primary concerns in group chat apps, then Telegram ticks all the boxes. The app offers the best in class encryption and the ability to send private messages that self-destruct. Unlike WhatsApp Messenger, Telegram doesn't store your chats and media locally, thus, requires less space on your smartphone.


The service allows you to create groups of up to 200,000 people, and broadcast channels that support an unlimited number of people. This makes it ideal for large organizations as well as public influencers. Additionally, users can send files of up to 2GB in size. All participants can access these files from anywhere, as they're all stored on cloud servers that are scattered worldwide. Telegram is open-source software, which means that there are plenty of clients available that cater to specific needs.



Related: Useful Telegram Features You Should Be Using If You Aren't


Unfortunately, Telegram's greatest strength is also its primary pitfall. Since the application doesn't process any sensitive user data, it has become a hub for illegal activity. The service also doesn't allow you to report any such messages or activity, unless it's publicly available, such as channels, sticker sets, and bots. Telegram is available on all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS.



Download: Telegram (Free)


3. Voice Chat: LINE


LINE's primary focus is on free voice and video calling, but it also allows you to call landline numbers at a cost. It's still cheaper than regular calling, though. Similar to WhatsApp Messenger, LINE requires you to register using your mobile number. The LINE app supports groups of up to 500 people, including yourself.



Related: The Best Free Voice Chat Apps for Gaming


The app has all the usual features, such as media sharing, voice notes, and even payments. The service allows you to integrate its sister apps, Line Out and Line Pay, to further increase functionality. It also has a timeline feature, similar to that of Facebook, allowing you to share images and other updates publicly or with friends. LINE also has a nifty photo editor app that allows you to make cool edits to your pictures before sending them.


The only drawback of the LINE app is its comparative lack of popularity outside Asia. If you live in the Western Hemisphere, it's unlikely that your friends or family have registered on the app. But the pros outweigh the cons, making it a solid group messaging app. The service is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.



Download: LINE (Free, in-app purchases available)


4. Friends: Kik


Kik is already quite popular among teenagers worldwide. This is mainly due to its hassle-free sign-up process that doesn't require you to disclose your mobile number or your real name. This provides a sense of anonymity to its users. You only need to assign yourself a username, and all communication takes place using that unique username.



Related: What Is the Kik App and Why Do Teens Love It?


Group chats are pretty straightforward to start, but the app only supports a maximum of 50 members. Groups can either be public, allowing anyone to look them up within the app, or invite-only. You can also toggle whether members of the group can direct message (DM) you or not, which is a welcome feature. The service also allows you to add bots and play games with members of the group to liven up the chats.


Due to the demographic of Kik, it is unfortunately targeted by predatory adults, which can have an adverse effect on users. Additionally, users could also be targeted by cyberbullies that hide behind the garb of anonymity. Thus, it's important to know how to recognize and deal with cyberbullying. Kik is available for both Android and iOS.



Download: Kik (Free)


5. Video Chat: Skype


Skype is one of the oldest video conferencing apps that is still functioning. Despite seeing a decline in popularity, the application's free version is feature-packed and perfect for personal use. The application also offers SMS and landline calling features as an added bonus.


Skype lets you host video calls with up to 100 people at a time, but there is a limit of 100 hours per month on group video calls. The app also allows you to share your screen with other participants, present slideshows or videos, and more. Features like background blur further enhance the video calling experience. You can also choose to use the free voice call feature without any limits, even in the free version.


Despite good video calling features, Skype still lacks behind other services like Zoom in aspects such as ease of use and the number of users. Skype is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.



Download: Skype (Free)


Start Group Conversations With These Apps on Android


With the group chat apps for Android listed above, you can quickly and easily start a conversation with several people at once. Whether you're looking to have a voice chat or you want to appear in front of your friends in a video, these apps serve pretty much all the features you need in a modern-day chat app.