Best for Facebook-connected chats
Messenger vs Telegram vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
Messenger suits Facebook-connected chats, Telegram suits large communities and flexible file sharing, and LINE suits people who value calls and expressive stickers.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MessengerMeta Platforms, Inc. | 4.7 out of 5114,813,598 ratings | Free | Everyone | |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Mature 17+ | |
 LINE: Calls & MessagesLINE (LY Corporation) | 3.1 out of 513,759,359 ratings | Free | Everyone |
Ratings and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
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How we compared them
All three apps offer messaging, voice or video calls, and group conversations, and each is free to download. Their priorities differ: Messenger centers on Facebook connections, Telegram adds channels, bots, and cloud-based chats, while LINE brings calls and a sticker-focused chat style.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and reach against features, trade-offs, and declared data practices to help you choose the right fit.
How we compared them
We compared Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges, and ad status, alongside each app’s core features and the strengths and drawbacks described for it. Store figures were read on November 7, 2026; ratings and installs are snapshots, not measures of call quality or privacy.
We also considered each app’s Google Play data safety declarations. Messenger and Telegram declare that data is encrypted in transit and that users can request deletion; Telegram declares no third-party data sharing. These declarations are not a guarantee that every type of conversation is end-to-end encrypted: Telegram’s standard cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, while Secret Chats offer that option.
Messenger
Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Google Play
- 4.7 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- keeping up with Facebook friends
Messenger is the most natural choice for people already connected through Facebook. Its straightforward interface, group chats, video calls, and broad selection of emojis and stickers make everyday conversations easy, and its Google Play rating of 4.7 is the highest of these three apps.
The trade-off is its reliance on a Facebook account and a more limited set of customization options than some users may want. Frequent notifications and battery use can also be drawbacks. Messenger declares that it shares several identifiers and contact details, while also collecting a range of device, media, and other information.
What we like
- Highest Google Play rating of the three: 4.7
- Direct fit for Facebook-connected conversations
- Group video calls, emojis, and stickers
What to know
- Requires a Facebook account
- Frequent notifications and battery use may be drawbacks
Telegram
Telegram FZ-LLC
- Google Play
- 3.8 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- large groups, channels, and file sharing
Telegram offers the broadest toolkit for large-scale conversations: groups, public channels, bots, extensive file sharing, and cloud sync across phones, tablets, and desktops. Secret Chats add end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, while individual and group voice and video calls cover direct conversations.
That range can make the interface harder for newcomers to navigate, and public spaces can bring spam or unwanted content. Standard cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, so users seeking that protection need to choose Secret Chats. Telegram declares no third-party data sharing, but its declared collection includes contacts, location, files, messages, and media.
What we like
- Groups, channels, and bots support varied communities
- Cloud sync and extensive file sharing
- Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption
What to know
- Standard cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm beginners
LINE: Calls & Messages
LINE (LY Corporation)
- Google Play
- 3.1 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- sticker-rich chats and international calls
LINE combines free global voice and video calls with group calls, encrypted messages, and a strong emphasis on stickers and emojis. It is a good fit for people who want calls and expressive chats together, with multi-device support adding flexibility across devices.
Its Google Play rating of 3.1 is the lowest of the three, and ads are present; some features also require in-app purchases. Battery use, occasional connection issues, and a large app size can be concerns, while customization is limited.
What we like
- Free global voice and video calls
- Sticker- and emoji-focused conversations
- Multi-device support
What to know
- Contains ads and some features require purchases
- Lowest Google Play rating of the three: 3.1
Which one should you pick?
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Frequently Asked Questions
01Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Messenger has the highest rating among these three, at 4.7. Telegram is rated 3.8, and LINE is rated 3.1.
02Which app is best for large groups and channels?
Telegram is the strongest fit for large groups and public channels, and it also supports bots and extensive file sharing.
03Are Telegram chats end-to-end encrypted by default?
No. Telegram’s standard cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default. Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption.
04Which apps declare that they show ads?
LINE declares that it contains ads. Messenger and Telegram declare that they do not.
About This Listing
App-foxy 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 and fees are shown for reference and can change.