There are a handful of cross-platform texting apps available for computer users. However, choosing the right one can be challenging. This is why you must check a few determinants before using the messaging app on the PC.
Ensure the app lets you send and receive unlimited messages from the device. It should be free and must have an end-to-end encryption feature. Besides, you should check the type of data you can share on the texting app.
There are messaging apps that only let you send videos and images. Go for an application that allows users to share documents and other media. Additionally, you must check whether the app stores users’ data on their servers. If yes, then look for an alternative option.
Two-factor or multifactor authentication plays a pivotal role in messaging apps. It will help you to prevent unauthorised users from accessing your texts. So, look for a free messaging app that incorporates this security feature to reduce data threats.
Now, let’s see the list of the best texting apps for computer for free:
1. WhatsApp
Since its inception, WhatsApp has remained the most popular and easy-to-access messaging app. This application was first introduced in 2009 for smartphone users. Afterwards, developers made this texting app available for PC users.
With WhatsApp on your desktop, you can seamlessly sync all of your chats to your computer. From Windows to Mac computers, you can install this messaging app everywhere. It provides an easy way to communicate with loved ones.
Moreover, all WhatsApp chats are encrypted. From a business point of view, it’s secure enough to share data like account passwords. One of the main advantages of this app is it offers a wide range of formats and content options for messaging.
Here is the type of content you can send or receive via Whatsapp on PC:
- Links
- Images
- Videos
- Attachments
- Contact
- Audio files
- Location
2. Telegram
Are you looking for a free messaging app for your Windows PC? Then, Telegram might be the best option. It uses the end-to-end encryption approach to store your conversations on its servers. This allows you to log in from multiple devices, which you can’t do on messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Do you know what the best part about Telegram is? You can send or receive messages from the PC even when the phone is off. Users can share photos, videos and other files from their computers via this application. Besides, you can create group chats with 200,000 participants on Telegram.
If you wish to encrypt your chats, enable the “Secret Chats” feature. Afterwards, text someone and select “New secret chat” from the menu. For texts, you can also set a time to remove the messages automatically from chats.
Moreover, Telegram has an open API which you can use to design apps. Unigram, a Windows 10-optimised third-party client, was developed with this service. Apart from Windows computers, Telegram is also available on Mac and Linux devices.
3. Signal
Signal is a reliable messaging app available for Windows and Mac computers. It is one of the cleanest-looking apps out there. You can access almost all features from a single screen on Signal. Other than selecting from themes and backgrounds, you can also customise texts.
On Signal, you will notice WhatsApp-style double ticks to denote text status. This texting app for computers features a free one-on-one voice calling feature. Additionally, you can make video calls to other Signal users easily. Signal also has an end-to-end encrypted feature to secure your chats.
You can send texts, videos, voice messages and documents on Signal. Additionally, users can share unlimited photos in individual or group conversations. It allows you to add up to 1,000 participants in a group.
The texting app also gives you the option of setting an expiry date for each conversation. You can also send regular messages to non-Signal users from a single interface. Signal, is a great option, if you want security and simplicity.
4. Viber
Viber can be your go-to messaging app for your Windows or Mac computers. It has more than 1 billion active users across the globe. The app combines text and media messaging with a free voice and video call service.
You can talk to individuals or create a group with 250 participants on Viber. Moreover, this app makes it easier to send a video message with one click. Make the conversations interesting with GIFs and stickers on this texting app computer free.
All Viber one-on-one and group chats are encrypted. However, the channels and communities of this texting app aren’t end-to-end encrypted. With Viber Out, users can call any mobile or landline number worldwide. It’s like Skype, but Viber has better security parties and a niche desktop app.
Viber features an easy user interface with minimal design. You can enable dark mode when sending texts from a PC in low-light environments. Besides, Viber offers “Community”, which is a chat option where you can add an unlimited number of members. You can also manage and control who can share media in the group.
5. Facebook Messenger
It’s not essential to have a Facebook account to use Facebook Messenger. The company allows you to sign up with a phone number to send messages to anyone using the service. But, if you already have a Facebook account, you can message anyone from your friends’ list.
It is pretty easy to install Facebook Messenger on your PC. All you need to do is open a browser and search for Messenger’s desktop app. Choose the OS your PC uses and click the download link. Once the installation is complete, tap on Facebook Messenger to send messages online.
The app includes all the basic messaging and calling features like WhatsApp. Users can send texts to individuals or groups of up to 250 participants. Additionally, you can react to messages with stickers, emojis and even GIFs. Facebook Messenger also has a built-in camera with 30+ filters.
Here are the exclusive features of Facebook Messenger:
- This texting app allows you to send voice messages, photos and videos.
- Users can create group video chats called “Rooms” with 50 members.
- It lets you encrypt the chats with the “Go to Secret Conversation” feature.
- It scans all the media to prevent users from sharing sensitive content.
Alternative Texting app for Computers for Free
You can use Line on the computer for sending text messages online. It has cross-platform support and is available on Windows and Mac devices. You can also install the Line Chrome extension to send instant messages from the browser.
Additionally, you can use WeChat on your Windows PC. It is the third most popular messaging app after WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The app allows hold-to-talk voice messaging and broadcast messaging to its users.
However, WeChat is not available on Linux devices. If you need an existing app for Linux PCs, go with Threema. It is an open-source messaging app which uses end-to-end encryption. You can also conduct group calls and send files of any type via this app.
Slack is also a free-to-use text messaging app for PCs. The desktop version of this app allows you to make video calls to other users. You can add members and create channels for different office projects using this app. So, choose the right app for the computer and send messages quickly.
