Messenger
Best for Facebook-connected chats
Messenger vs Telegram vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
Messenger suits people who want Facebook-connected chats and calls, Telegram fits users who value file sharing and multi-device sync, and LINE is appealing for stickers, groups, and voice and video-c.
At a glance
| App | Google Play | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MessengerMeta Platforms, Inc. | 4.7 out of 5114,813,598 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.05 - $7,999.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Mature 17+ |
 LINE: Calls & MessagesLINE (LY Corporation) | 3.1 out of 513,759,359 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.29 - $394.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
Ratings and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Prices change over time.
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How we compared them
All three apps offer messaging and calls, and each is free to install on Android. Their differences are in how they connect you with people, the features they emphasize, and their trade-offs: Messenger is closely tied to Facebook, Telegram focuses on speed and file sharing, and LINE puts stickers and group communication front and center.
This comparison looks at their features, privacy declarations, Google Play ratings, and costs so you can decide which app best fits your conversations.
How we compared them
We compared the apps using their Google Play ratings and install counts, price, in-app purchase ranges, and whether they contain ads. We also considered their stated features and the strengths and drawbacks relevant to each app.
For privacy context, we included only the data safety declarations shown for each app on Google Play. These figures and declarations were read on November 7, 2026; they reflect what each developer declares, not an independent privacy audit.
Messenger
by Meta Platforms, Inc.
4.7 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forkeeping in touch with Facebook friends
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 114,813,598
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Messenger is the natural fit if your social circle is already on Facebook. It combines chat with voice and video calls, customizable themes, and emojis, and its familiar interface works across a range of devices. Its 4.7 Google Play rating is the highest of these three apps, with 5 billion or more installs.
That Facebook connection is also a limitation: signing up requires a Facebook account. Messenger has no ads, but its in-app purchase range is the broadest here, and frequent notifications and limited offline functionality may not suit everyone. Its Google Play safety declaration says it shares some identity and device identifiers and collects a range of information, including contacts, photos, and videos.
Pros
Facebook contacts are easy to reachVoice and video calls are built inThemes and emojis personalize chats
Cons
A Facebook account is required to sign upNotifications can be overwhelming
Telegram
by Telegram FZ-LLC
3.8 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forsharing files and syncing across devices
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 17,343,583
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
Telegram is a strong choice for sharing large files and media, with multi-device sync and customizable themes and settings. It focuses on fast messaging and offers end-to-end encryption for encrypted chats. It has more than 1 billion installs and no ads.
Its Google Play rating is 3.8, below Messenger's 4.7 but above LINE's 3.1. Telegram's content rating is Mature 17+, and its in-app purchase range is the lowest of the three at the upper end. Its safety declaration says it shares no data with third parties, while collecting information that includes contacts, location, files, messages, photos, and videos; encrypted chats should not be confused with end-to-end encryption being the default for every conversation.
Pros
Supports large files and media sharingSyncs across multiple devicesNo ads and no declared third-party data sharing
Cons
Its content rating is Mature 17+Groups and their activity can feel overwhelming
LINE: Calls & Messages
by LINE (LY Corporation)
3.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forsticker-filled group chats and calls
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 13,759,359
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
LINE combines messaging with voice and video calls, large group chats, and a broad range of stickers and emojis. Its user-friendly navigation makes it an option for people who want expressive conversations and group communication, and it has more than 1 billion installs.
LINE is the only app in this comparison that contains ads, and its 3.1 Google Play rating is the lowest of the three. Video calls can consume significant data, some features require in-app purchases, and users may encounter connectivity issues. LINE offers end-to-end encryption for chats, but its declared ad-supported model and purchase options may be less appealing to people seeking a simpler, ad-free app.
Pros
Wide selection of stickers and emojisHigh-quality voice and video callsLarge group chats are supported
Cons
Contains adsVideo calls can use significant data
Which one should you pick?
Telegram
Best for file sharing and device sync
LINE: Calls & Messages
Best for stickers and group calls
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which 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 3.1.
Which app is best for sharing large files?
Telegram is the clearest fit for large file and media sharing, and it also syncs across multiple devices.
Which app is ad-free?
Messenger and Telegram do not contain ads. LINE contains ads.
Which app offers end-to-end encrypted chats?
Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for encrypted chats, and LINE offers end-to-end encryption for chats. Messenger's stated strengths do not include end-to-end encryption.
Mobxio 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 prices are shown for reference and can change.