Best for SMS and RCS
Google Messages vs WhatsApp vs Telegram: which messaging app should you choose?
Choose Google Messages for Android-friendly SMS and RCS, WhatsApp for private everyday chats and calls, or Telegram for large groups and channels.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google MessagesGoogle LLC | 4.2 out of 543,639,166 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp LLC | 4.6 out of 5246,492,605 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Mature 17+ |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 8, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
Google Messages, WhatsApp, and Telegram all handle everyday messaging, but they serve different needs. Google Messages combines SMS with RCS features, WhatsApp centers on encrypted chats and calls, and Telegram is built for large groups and public channels.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and reach alongside their features, costs, and declared data practices. It will help you decide which app fits your contacts, privacy priorities, and preferred way to communicate.
How we compared them
We compared Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchases, and ad status, along with each app’s messaging and calling features and the strengths and trade-offs described for it. Store figures were read on November 8, 2026.
For WhatsApp and Telegram, we also considered their Google Play data safety declarations: both say they share no data with third parties and encrypt data in transit, while listing different categories of data collected and saying users can request deletion. No data safety declaration was supplied for Google Messages, so we do not draw a comparison on that point.
Best forAndroid users who want SMS and RCS in one app
Google Messages is the clearest fit for people who want conventional SMS alongside RCS chat features. Its smart reply suggestions, efficient message search, and integration with Google services make it a practical everyday inbox. It has a 4.2 rating from 43,639,166 ratings and 10 billion-plus installs on Google Play.
Its main advantage over WhatsApp and Telegram is that it can handle SMS as well as chat, rather than relying entirely on an internet messaging network. RCS availability can depend on carriers, and not all chats have end-to-end encryption. Customization is limited, and syncing with the web version can occasionally be unreliable.
What we like
- Combines SMS and RCS messaging
- Smart replies and efficient message search
- Google services integration
What to know
- End-to-end encryption does not cover every chat
- RCS features can depend on carrier support
Best foreveryday private chats and calls with a wide circle of contacts
WhatsApp pairs end-to-end encrypted messaging with voice and video calls, broad device compatibility, and support for a range of media files. That makes it a strong all-round choice for keeping up with friends and family across platforms. Its Google Play rating is 4.6 from 246,492,605 ratings, with 10 billion-plus installs.
Unlike Google Messages, WhatsApp requires an internet connection and is not a general SMS inbox; unlike Telegram, it is less suited to very large public communities and channels. Google Play says it shares no data with third parties, but declares collecting several categories, including contacts, payment information, approximate location, and app interactions. In-app purchases are available, and backups can be glitchy.
What we like
- End-to-end encrypted chats
- Voice and video calling
- Broad device compatibility and media support
What to know
- Requires an internet connection
- Group chats can feel overwhelming
Best forlarge communities, channels, and cross-platform messaging
Telegram is the strongest of these three for large group chats and channels, and it offers cross-platform availability. It is free to download, with in-app purchases available, and has 1 billion-plus installs. Its Google Play rating is 3.8 from 17,343,583 ratings.
Telegram’s focus on speed and security makes it appealing for community conversations, but end-to-end encryption is not applied to every chat. Google Play says it shares no data with third parties and encrypts data in transit; its declared collection includes contacts, location, files, messages, and media. Notification delays and variable voice-call quality are potential trade-offs.
What we like
- Large group chats and channels
- Cross-platform availability
- Free to download
What to know
- End-to-end encryption is not for every chat
- Voice-call quality and notification timing can vary
Which one should you pick?
Best for encrypted everyday chats and calls
WhatsApp Messenger
Best for large groups and channels
Telegram
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
WhatsApp has the highest rating of the three at 4.6, from 246,492,605 ratings. Google Messages is rated 4.2, and Telegram 3.8.
Which app is best for SMS?
Google Messages is the best fit for SMS because it combines traditional texting with RCS features. WhatsApp and Telegram are internet messaging apps rather than SMS inboxes.
Are WhatsApp and Telegram end-to-end encrypted?
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted chats. Telegram supports end-to-end encryption, but it does not apply to every chat, so check the chat type if that protection matters.
Which app is best for large groups and channels?
Telegram is the strongest choice for large group chats and channels. WhatsApp is well suited to everyday group conversations, while Google Messages is more focused on SMS and RCS.
About this comparison
AppCompare 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 are shown for reference and can change.