Top 5 free messaging apps

WhatsApp and BlackBerry Messenger are the two prominent Android instant messaging applications. However, there are several messaging apps that are worth trying.

Setting up status, sharing photos, videos and even sending voice messages are the most common features offered by these messaging apps, though there might be some difference in core functionality, user interface and speed. Do try out these messaging apps.

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WeChat

WeChat is one of the heavily used instant messaging apps. WeChat offers push to talk-like voice messaging feature which is also available in WhatsApp.

To add new users, the app offers 'shake to find a user' to search for new users and add them.

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Just like WhatsApp, WeChat supports Group Chat supporting large number of users.

The Walkie Talkie mode meant for voice messaging supports in a group chat with up to 40 friends.

WeChat offers several adorable stickers - free and paid - as part of its emotions catalogue. Users can also perform video calls.

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Line

Line app is one of the most popular instant messengers that also supports desktop. It offers features like registration using mobile phone number and free international voice and video calls.

There is a Timeline feature where user can post a status update or photo for other contacts to comment and 'like' them.

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Viber

Viber has recently been updated to version 4.0 with new features. It has features such as Group Chat, which can now support up to 100 participants.

The Viber Sticker Market offers several free as well as paid sticker bundles for purchase and download.

Even Viber promises high quality voice calls over cellular networks and even WiFi networks. Push notifications alert for the messages and incoming voice calls.

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Telegram

Telegram is the next generation instant messaging app that uses mobile's phone number for registration.

It has Secret Chat which features end-to-end encryption of messages. Besides, all messages exchanged are saved in the unlimited cloud storage for the messages.

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Users can set the app to self-destruct the messages with end-to-end encryption in order to avoid being snooped at.

This app boasts of being fastest, offers great security and also supports Group Chat with up to 100 members for sharing videos and photos.

It has added 'document sharing' as one of the features for its members.

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Hike

Hike is a very neat and rich-looking messaging app that offers instant messaging and free SMS support with a promise of 128-bit SSL encryption.

Do note that this encryption is applicable only when the messenger is connected over WiFi network.

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Hike is a unique app that offers free Hike to non-Hike SMS messages - that means you can send limited SMS for free to other mobile phone owners who may not have Hike installed.

These free SMSes can be sent to India. Share photos and videos with friends by engaging into a group chat.