Whether you’re catching up with friends or managing work messages, you need a reliable texting app.
Heres a list of our favorites that are perfect for your Android tablet.
Most Popular Third-Party Text Messaging App: WhatsApp
Supports group messages.
Nanci Santos / iStock / Getty Images
Share files up to 2 GB.
Free with no ads.
Voice calls are not available in all countries.
Privacy features aren’t enabled by default.
Connect Your Smartphone to Your Tablet: Google Messages
Supports voice messages and videos.
Dark mode for low-light environments.
Also available for web browsers.
Connection between the app and your phone can be finicky.
That way, you’re free to sendSMSandMMSmessages from your tablet.
Your phone’s usual carrier fees apply.
Download Google Messages from Google Play if it isn’t preinstalled on your tablet.
Best Cross-Platform Messager: Telegram
Use on any gadget.
Reply to specific messages in a thread.
Group video calls with up to 30 people.
Different color themes to choose from.
Hard to avoid spam messages.
No easy way to tell when someone is online.
One of the defining features of Telegram is the option to edit and delete messages after you send them.
you’ve got the option to also set messages to self-destruct after a designated time.
you could even make custom stickers on Telegram for others to use.
Best Alternative to WhatsApp: Viber
Share videos and music via extensions.
Send money through the app.
End-to-end encryption is enabled by default.
May include more features than you need.
Viber and WhatsApp have much in common, but Viber boasts a broader selection of stickers and GIFs.
Other features include video messages, file attachments, disappearing messages, hidden chats, and a built-inQR codescanner.
Use Your Android Tablet Like a Phone: Talkatone
Works just like a normal phone number.
Free calls, texts, and picture messaging in the U.S. and Canada.
Change your phone number whenever you want.
Only offers numbers from the U.S. or Canada.
Your number expires if not used within 30 days.
The best features are behind a paywall.
Talkatone is another VoIP app that lets you make voice calls from your tablet.
The biggest benefit is the person you’re trying to contact doesn’t need the Talkatone app.
Best Alternative to Google Messages: Pulse SMS
Password protected.
Highly customizable interface and folders.
Frequent updates and responsive technical support.
Not free for tablets.
Some users report missed pictures.
The web version doesn’t have all the features of the mobile app.
Pulse SMS is another versatile messaging app it’s possible for you to use on almost any gear.
The phone version is free, but there’s a small monthly fee to add tablet support.
FAQ
Sometimes, the caller ID will show the service that created the number.
you could also search for the number on a service like White Pages.
