- GET THE GROUP TOGETHER WITH ROOMS Send a link to group video chat with anyone, even if they don't have Messenger. Host up to 50 people with no time limits. SAY 'HI' IN LOW LIGHT WITH DARK MODE Cut down glare from your screen in low light situations, so you can stay in.
- There are strategic advantages to using a Facebook Messenger bot for your company. If you want to become a household name, using Messenger is a smart way to get your company and mission in contact with billions of people. Facebook Messenger is comfortably in the top five when you are talking about the most used apps in the world.
Go big with Messenger A simple app that lets you text, video chat, and stay close with people you care about. Turn off the light in Dark Mode Give your eyes some rest with a sleek new look.
Facebook's official messenger app is the obvious way for many smartphone users to chat and share content with their social media contacts. Since Facebook deactivated the messaging feature within their mobile app, users appear to have no choice but to switch to the separate Messenger app. This becomes especially annoying when you realize that the app always runs in the background, consuming both battery power and data. This should also ring alarm bells when it comes to data protection. Facebook Messenger constantly scans internal data such as contacts, browser history, calendar info, and even GPS data.
There are now numerous alternatives to Facebook Messenger on the market. However, a distinction is made between multi-messaging apps, which combine many different messaging services in a single app, and so-called wrappers. The latter are apps that read Facebook's website and 'repack' the data for you. We have compiled both the best wrappers and multi-messaging apps, which can be used as Facebook Messenger alternatives on Android or iOS.
- Wrapper
- Multi-messenger apps
Wrapper
Metal for Facebook (Android)
Metal is a small wrapper tool (approx. 3 MB) that reads Facebook and displays the information in its own browser. In addition to this, Metal also brings together Facebook and Messenger in one single compact app. The interface is very clear and easy to use – Facebook users should have no problem at all using Metal. The app also scores points with its extensive energy saving options and by being completely ad free. Messaging is straightforward and efficiently done, however viewing and saving shared images can be slightly cumbersome. An example of this is the fact that you cannot enlarge received images.
The free version of Metal contains all of Facebook's features. On top of this, Metal supports Twitter as well. The pro version ($2.49) offers additional designs and is geared more towards developers than anything else.
Metal is a very efficient app that makes the Facebook app, the Facebook Messenger app, and even the Twitter app superfluous. Metal saves battery and data, it does not spy on your data, and is also very easy to use. For the everyday regular user, there is very little difference between the free and the Pro version. All in all, it is safe to say that it is an accomplished alternative to Facebook Messenger.
Swipe for Facebook (Android)
Swipe becomes a very interesting Facebook Messenger alternative, especially if you upgrade to the pro version for $2.99. In addition to its many energy-saving options, Swipe allows you to filter specific messages and advertising content, as well as lock the app with your own individual pin code. Both the abundance and diversity of designs is positively surprising. Like Metal, Swipe combines Facebook and Messenger. In any case, Swipe and Metal are very similar to each other, meaning that the design and handling are based on Facebook's official apps. However, above all, it is the filters that make Swipe a particularly attractive app for customers who are willing to pay that little bit extra.
The free version of Swipe offers no filters and only has one single design, which is Facebook blue.
Thanks to its many personalization tools, Swipe is an excellent wrapper for those who are willing to pay, making it a solid alternative to Facebook Messenger. However, it is worth noting that the free version is not as extensive as Metal, which of course is also free.
Friendly for Facebook (Android and iOS)
For iOS users, Friendly (Android and iOS) is one of the best alternatives alternative to Facebook Messenger. This will most likely be the case as long as Metal and Swipe remain exclusively available for Android. Similar to the above-mentioned apps, Friendly combines Facebook with Facebook Messenger, while also saving considerably more energy. In the fee-based version, Friendly Plus (for Android (as an upgrade) and iOS; $1.99), it's also possible to hide unwanted Facebook ads with the handy keyword filtering feature.
Another notable feature is the quite simple, but very welcome integration of Instagram. Although it must be said that Friendly is still very much centered around Facebook Messenger and has a very appealing slim touch and modern design. One disadvantage when compared with its competitors is the relatively bulky file size of about 18 MB. Additionally, there have also been reports of performance problems: e.g., some notifications are said to arrive quite late. On top of this, iOS 11 users have complained about long loading times.
With Friendly, iOS users have access to a decent Facebook Messenger alternative. While the fee-based version scores points with its keyword filters, the free version also provides a solid basis for the first-time migration from Facebook Messenger. Android users are more likely to prefer the more streamlined and consistent Metal and Swipe outlined above.
Multi-messenger apps
With such a plethora of social media platforms and instant messaging apps, it can be very difficult to keep track of everything. Multi-messenger apps bring several services together into one easily accessible app. This is especially handy because it means that you can uninstall multiple apps from different providers, including Facebook Messenger.
One major downside of such apps is compatibility. Because multi-messenger software like this retrieves data from different services, updates to these services can often cause instability, or even incompatibility. It has emerged that some multi messenger apps like IM+ (Android and iOS) had to stop supporting Facebook because of these reasons. As a company, Facebook has also been known to block third-party integration of your apps. This has meant that good quality apps for Facebook, like Social Media Vault and Puffin, have to link back to Facebook Messenger to retrieve messages.
The convenience of apps like this, provided that they work, should not be underestimated. New and innovative apps offer multi-messaging solutions, Facebook included. Users of multi-messaging apps could soon find that they are a very good alternative to Facebook Messenger, as well as other individual apps.
Disa (Android)
Thanks to its many personalization tools, Swipe is an excellent wrapper for those who are willing to pay, making it a solid alternative to Facebook Messenger. However, it is worth noting that the free version is not as extensive as Metal, which of course is also free.
Friendly for Facebook (Android and iOS)
For iOS users, Friendly (Android and iOS) is one of the best alternatives alternative to Facebook Messenger. This will most likely be the case as long as Metal and Swipe remain exclusively available for Android. Similar to the above-mentioned apps, Friendly combines Facebook with Facebook Messenger, while also saving considerably more energy. In the fee-based version, Friendly Plus (for Android (as an upgrade) and iOS; $1.99), it's also possible to hide unwanted Facebook ads with the handy keyword filtering feature.
Another notable feature is the quite simple, but very welcome integration of Instagram. Although it must be said that Friendly is still very much centered around Facebook Messenger and has a very appealing slim touch and modern design. One disadvantage when compared with its competitors is the relatively bulky file size of about 18 MB. Additionally, there have also been reports of performance problems: e.g., some notifications are said to arrive quite late. On top of this, iOS 11 users have complained about long loading times.
With Friendly, iOS users have access to a decent Facebook Messenger alternative. While the fee-based version scores points with its keyword filters, the free version also provides a solid basis for the first-time migration from Facebook Messenger. Android users are more likely to prefer the more streamlined and consistent Metal and Swipe outlined above.
Multi-messenger apps
With such a plethora of social media platforms and instant messaging apps, it can be very difficult to keep track of everything. Multi-messenger apps bring several services together into one easily accessible app. This is especially handy because it means that you can uninstall multiple apps from different providers, including Facebook Messenger.
One major downside of such apps is compatibility. Because multi-messenger software like this retrieves data from different services, updates to these services can often cause instability, or even incompatibility. It has emerged that some multi messenger apps like IM+ (Android and iOS) had to stop supporting Facebook because of these reasons. As a company, Facebook has also been known to block third-party integration of your apps. This has meant that good quality apps for Facebook, like Social Media Vault and Puffin, have to link back to Facebook Messenger to retrieve messages.
The convenience of apps like this, provided that they work, should not be underestimated. New and innovative apps offer multi-messaging solutions, Facebook included. Users of multi-messaging apps could soon find that they are a very good alternative to Facebook Messenger, as well as other individual apps.
Disa (Android)
Disa, another free app, combines notifications from the two most important messaging services, WhatsApp and Facebook (also Telegram, with other services to be announced). Disa can also be set as the default app for SMS and MMS. It is an app that uses plugins, which can be installed via the app itself. In a nutshell, Disa brings together all chats, both individual and group from all services, in one timeline. You can also go as far as merge multiple conversations from different platforms into the app. This then allows you to share WhatsApp and Facebook history with the same person in one chat.
As it is still in its beta version, Disa is still relatively new. This means that users have to be prepared for several plugin installations and setup wizards when originally setting up the app. For example, to use WhatsApp, you first need to have your phone WhatsApp verified again. You will need to exercise caution though, because as soon as you do this, WhatsApp will become inactive until you start a new verification process. On the other hand, setting up the Facebook Messenger function is very simple. Disa replaces Facebook Messenger without any problems.
Disa is an exciting tool for the future, as long as it continues to develop and adds to its supported plugins. However, when it comes to data protection, it is definitely worth bearing in mind that this app synchronizes and centralizes an enormous amount of data. Furthermore, it also requires access to a lot of your phone's records.
Disa is a smart and intuitive multi-messenger, however, it is still under development. Without a doubt, its most attractive feature is the combination of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
Trillian (Android and iOS)
Trillian (Android and iOS) is already seen as an established option in the world of instant messaging apps. In addition to Facebook, the mobile app can also be used to set up accounts for ICQ, Google Talk, Yahoo, AIM, and MSN. Trillian combines all platforms into one compact chat history. At first glance, the tool looks extremely minimalistic, however, it is fast and relatively small regarding memory size. One annoying aspect is that you have to create a new account for Trillian.
Trilian's minimalist approach means that, as a user, you will have to do without the likes of emoticons, GIFs, and similar types of media. Trillian only allows the attachment of image files. However, the app does allow you to record voice messages hosted on your own servers.
The free version of Trillian contains advertising, but ads are deactivated within the pro version. Additionally, the app's developers work with a chat chronicle, which stores all chat histories online for you. The pro version will cost you two dollars a month or twenty dollars for a year. This makes Trillian considerably more expensive than the competition. One particularly handy feature is synchronization between all platforms, e.g. between the mobile app and the desktop app, which can be done in all versions.
Facebook Messenger Support Number
If you are looking for a simple app that has been continuously developed over several years, while simultaneously looking for a Facebook Messenger alternative, then Trilian could be the right choice for you. Apart from the lack of certain chat elements, the biggest shortcoming is probably the registration requirement. Those who are frequent users of Trilian supported services should consider signing up to the app – at least until Disa catches up with the competition. However, you should also bear in mind that WhatsApp is not included in Trillian.
An overview of the best alternatives to Facebook Messenger
| Wrapper apps | System | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | Android | Fast, efficient, and ad free; use of battery and data noticeably lower; energy saving options | Sharing of media not always seamless | Free, pro version – $2.49 |
| Swipe | Android | Fast and efficient; use of battery and data noticeably lower; pro version: energy saving options, message filter, ad filter, multiple designs | Free version has significantly fewer features, shows ads; individual performance issues | Free, pro version – $2.99 |
| Friendly | Android, iOS | Fast and efficient; use of battery and data noticeably lower; supports multiple accounts; individual password security; pro version: keyword filtering blocks undesirable Facebook content | File size (18 MB); only the pro version is ad free; some performance issues, particularly in iOS 11 | Free, pro version – $1.99 |
| Multi-messaging apps | System | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disa | Android | Fast, efficient, and ad free; combines Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and SMS/MMS; brings together chats and contacts from multiple platforms | Relatively complicated setup; uses a lot more battery and data compared to wrappers; currently still in the beta phase; comparably less choice of plug-ins | Free |
| Trillian | Android and iOS | Supports Facebook, ICQ, Google Talk, Yahoo, AIM, and MSN; send audio messages; synchronizes chats across various platforms; free version contains ads | Registration requirement; limited chat features; pro version is comparably more expensive; pro version deactivates adverts and saves chats online | Free, pro version – $2 a month or $20 a year |
If it is the case that you are not just looking for an alternative to Facebook messenger, but want to completely switch to a different social network, our Digital Guide also has plenty of recommendations relating to this.
Related articlesFacebook Messenger is a messaging platform used to communicate on Facebook. Originally, Messenger was just Facebook Chat and was integrated into the website as a private messaging function. In 2010, Facebook started developing Messenger as a standalone app and the following year it was released for Android and iOS mobile devices. When the app was released, users were prompted to download it instead of accessing messages through the Facebook app, tapping on the Messenger icon would take you to the separate Messenger app. This frustrated a lot of users, who didn't see the necessity in having the app when the messaging function of the Facebook app met all the user needs of the time. Messenger is great for every type of user who has Facebook, from the casual user to someone who uses Facebook and its messaging service frequently. Messenger is updated consistently, adding new features to improve accessibility among other things.
Video calls, text chats, and multimedia sharing all on one platform
For the casual user, Messenger is a fun way to communicate with your Facebook friends.
You can chat with other Facebook users that aren't on your friends list as well after accepting access to the message. In the beginning, when Messenger was just Facebook chat, text chat was the only available way of chatting, and you could send pictures as well. Now, when tapping on the text box, you can add pictures from the camera roll, take pictures directly from the app using your device's camera, add gifs, send money, and have access to a number of different apps that you can use with the person that you're chatting with. You can share your location for 60 minute increments, play Facebook games, and set reminders.
Besides text chatting, you're able to record voice messages and send the recorded message to chats that you're having with other friends. There's a voice to text option as well if your friend can't listen to the message out loud. If you have a Pinterest account you can link it and send pins, or articles from well-known publishers like the Wall Street Journal. Like a message by tapping the thumbs up, or send emojis, stickers, and GIFs. Add more friends and create a group chat so everyone can join in on the fun at the same time.
Video chatting and calling are the most popular updates to the messenger. As long as you have internet access you can call a friend. Tapping on the phone icon opens up the call screen. You can do a regular voice call and toggle on the camera to turn on the video function. Access the text box while in the call by clicking on the text bubble, mute the microphone by clicking on the mic icon, and you can reverse the camera view from front facing to standard view. Take screenshots in the call that will save to your mobile device or tablet's camera roll. Now not only can you have text group chats, but you can have group voice and video calls too.
As for customization, you can change the color of the icons and the text bubbles. When you send messages, the color that you select shows up in your friend's chat as well. You can view friends' stories at the top of the app, sending messages and emojis for each clip, and you can add to your own story as well.
On an Android, Messenger takes up about 120 MB of storage while running. As you chat with more people and use more functions like sharing videos, pictures, and outside articles, the space that the app takes up begins to swell and after prolonged use, the app can sometimes shut down randomly. The app also drains the battery very quickly if you're using it for even a few different chats.
Where can you run the program?
Messenger is available for PCs, mobile devices and tablets running Windows, Mac, iOS and Android mobile devices and tablets. On PC, you can access Facebook Messenger through the Facebook website, with pop-out text boxes appearing when messages are sent. There is also a separate Messenger website if you wanted to have a separate tab for your chats, voice and video calls. Terraria latest version pc. All of the functions available for Messenger on Android are available on the web versions. On iOS when voice or video chatting, you can pick from a number of effects that hang and float all over the screen.
Is there a better alternative?
For Android, the best alternative is Messages, the Android function that comes with your phone. It has all of the functions that regular text messaging apps come with, but of course there isn't a way to contact Facebook friends unless you have their phone number. The next alternative would be Whatsapp. Text, voice, and video chatting is good across the board, and just like Messenger you need to have some sort of internet or data connection to use it. Other similar functions to Messenger are photo and video sharing capabilities, GIFs and stickers, voice messages, voice to text, and group chatting. With Whatsapp, you can display statuses, and view your chats on your desktop. Just go to the Whatsapp site for web and scan the QR code with your phone. You're instantly able to view all of the chats that you have on your phone on your desktop or laptop.
Our take
Facebook Messenger for Android is a lot of fun to have. It is absolutely packed with functions that make chatting delightful and kicks it up a notch in the messaging app department. There aren't many other apps with this many capabilities available for free for most mobile devices.
Should you download it?
Yes, Facebook Messenger is a useful app, but bear in mind that it drains battery power very quickly, and asks for a lot of personal information in order to download it. When it was first released, users were essentially forced to download it in order to chat with Facebook friends on a mobile device. If you're a user that utilizes a lot of functions often like video or voice chatting, sharing documents, photos, and videos, and you don't mind charging your phone more often, Messenger is worth having on your phone. Otherwise, the messaging application that comes with your phone or Whatsapp should meet your needs just fine.
Facebook Messenger Loyalty Program
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