Google Messages

A practical default for Android messaging

Google Messages is Google’s communication app for SMS, MMS and RCS conversations. It suits anyone who wants one place for ordinary texts and richer chats, particularly people whose friends and family also use RCS. The app is developed by Google LLC and has passed 5,000,000,000 installs, with a 4.58 rating from roughly 39.9 million reviews.

More than basic texting

Where RCS is available through the relevant carrier and region, conversations can include higher-quality photos and videos, typing indicators, read status and more capable group chats. RCS can also allow conversations with iPhone users, although the exact experience depends on the devices and services involved. These benefits make Messages feel less limited than traditional SMS, without requiring a separate social network.

Useful safeguards and extras

Google Messages includes spam protection, and eligible one-to-one chats between Google Messages users can use end-to-end encryption. It also offers small personal touches such as chat colour options and selfie GIFs. Magic Compose and other AI-assisted features are intended to help draft replies, but their availability varies by market and device. Messages can also be used on tablets, computers and Wear OS devices, helping it cover more than the phone in your pocket.

The limits are mostly outside the app

Messages is strongest when RCS is supported consistently by everyone in a conversation. Carrier support, regional availability, device compatibility and data requirements can all affect which features appear. That makes the app’s experience uneven for some users, especially in mixed RCS and SMS chats. Still, its broad reach, familiar interface and gradual improvement over basic texting give it a strong claim as an everyday Android messenger.

Score: 8.8/10