With over a billion active users, Facebook Messenger stands as one of the most popular instant-messaging apps. Offering a plethora of features, it enables users to engage in online games, share images, videos, stories, GIFs, and more. However, this versatility comes with drawbacks. In its pursuit to deliver a multifaceted messaging experience, Facebook has cluttered its Messenger app, impacting not only user experience but also other installed apps and battery life. Fortunately, several excellent alternatives to Facebook Messenger exist. Here, we present our top picks.
Facebook Messenger App Alternatives – 2020
Below are apps that serve as excellent alternatives to Facebook Messenger. Carefully review their descriptions and select the one that suits your needs.
1. Facebook Messenger Lite
Similar to Facebook Lite, Facebook Messenger Lite offers a streamlined version of the Messenger app. It’s designed primarily for users in developing countries with slow internet speeds. However, anyone wanting to remove unwanted features such as Stories or online games from Facebook Messenger can benefit from Messenger Lite. If that’s your preference, Messenger Lite is the top alternative for you.
The app offers core Messenger features: sending & receiving messages, stickers, sharing photos & links. It’s divided into three tabs, each dedicated to different functions. The first tab is for chats, where you’ll find all your conversations. The next tab shows active friends; tap to start or resume conversations. The last tab is for Messenger settings, with a direct link to the main Facebook app.
Despite its status as a lite version, Facebook Messenger Lite facilitates audio and video calls. If you seek a streamlined app devoid of performance concerns, Facebook Messenger Lite offers a compelling alternative to the main app.
Get Facebook Messenger Lite (Free)
2. Disa
Disa serves as a multi-messenger service, consolidating various messaging platforms under one roof. Its utilization of third-party open source plugins renders it the most advantageous option. Upon installation, simply add Facebook Messenger as a plugin, which will be sourced externally.
Disa will prompt you to log in to Facebook with your credentials. That’s it. You’ll see your list of friends and can start chatting without issues. However, it’s worth noting that Disa is highly limited in features.
You’re only able to send and receive messages, including photos, videos, etc., but options like GIFs and stickers are absent. Unlike Facebook Messenger Lite, you can’t make or receive calls. Overall, Disa is a basic Facebook Messenger client. It also supports managing your Telegram account and SMS.
Get Disa (Free)
3. Swipe for Facebook
Swipe isn’t just another Facebook Messenger alternative; it integrates Facebook and Messenger into one streamlined app. You can view all your Facebook messages in a separate window with minimal distraction from the News Feed. What sets Swipe apart is that it retains all your Messenger features such as Chat heads, real-time notifications, and media sharing. Plus, it offers an ad-free experience by allowing you to block Facebook ads within the app.
Aside from being lightweight and bloat-free, this app requires no permissions. Therefore, if privacy is a concern, Swipe stands out as the top Facebook Messenger alternative. Moreover, it boasts extensive customization options, including dark mode scheduling, Do Not Disturb (DND), and fingerprint lock, making it a standout choice among Messenger alternatives.
Get Swipe (Free, with in-app purchases)
4. Folio for Facebook & Messenger
Folio, a Facebook Messenger alternative, offers speed, reliability, and privacy without sacrificing functionality. Alongside access to the Facebook News Feed, it provides a dedicated window for messages, ensuring seamless communication.
Notably, Folio boasts a compact size, leading to extended battery life compared to Facebook Messenger. It maintains efficiency without excessive battery consumption. Furthermore, Folio offers security features like a 4-digit PIN lock and supports night mode.
In summary, Folio stands out as an optimal choice for those seeking a Messenger alternative that prioritizes storage efficiency and battery preservation.
Download Folio (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
5. Friendly
Friendly offers a convenient alternative to the Facebook Messenger app, allowing you to use both Facebook and Messenger in one place. Upon installation and logging into your Facebook account, you’re directed to your News Feed. From there, you can switch between using it as the Facebook app or accessing Messenger to chat with friends.
In Messenger, you can send and receive messages, share images, videos, emojis, and stickers. The only missing feature is the ability to make calls, which requires the Messenger Lite app. Nevertheless, Friendly serves as an excellent Messenger alternative.
Besides Facebook, Friendly manages Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. It’s a handy one-stop app for all your social media needs, and it’s free.
Download Friendly (Free)
The Best Facebook Messenger App Alternatives in 2020
Here are some Facebook Messenger alternatives to stay updated with your Facebook Friends. Facebook Messenger Lite is recommended as it works well for most users, being a first-party app. However, third-party apps offer unique features like ad-blocking worth trying. Test these apps and share your favorites in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
