The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The best alternative depends on whether you need carrier SMS/RCS or a separate private messaging service. For a replacement inbox that can exchange ordinary texts with phone numbers, consider SMS-focused apps such as Textra SMS or Pulse SMS—but the available descriptions do not establish that either currently supports RCS. For private internet messaging, Signal is a strong option only when the people you contact use Signal too; it cannot send or receive SMS/MMS.
First decide what “texting” means for you
SMS/MMS and RCS are carrier-oriented messaging standards; internet messengers such as Signal work differently. If you need to text any phone number, choose an app that supports the carrier messaging types you rely on. If your priority is private app-to-app conversations and your contacts will use the same service, an internet messenger may fit better.
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- Need a general-purpose carrier-text inbox: look at SMS-capable apps, and verify current RCS support if you depend on RCS features.
- Want private conversations with participating contacts: consider Signal, understanding that both people need Signal and the conversation uses the internet.
- Want to keep using Google Messages: check whether the issue is the app itself or the encryption status of a particular conversation.
How the alternatives compare
| App | What it is suited to | SMS/MMS and RCS | Encryption and contacts | Customization or other access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | Private internet messaging with people who use Signal | Does not send or receive SMS/MMS. RCS support is not established by the cited sources. | Signal conversations are end-to-end encrypted; both people need Signal. | Backup and transfer options are available, with different constraints. |
| Textra SMS | Customization-oriented SMS alternative | SMS is indicated by its name and the secondary roundup; current RCS support is not established. | Encryption details are not established by the cited source. | Android Central describes it as customizable. |
| Pulse SMS | Customizable texting with cross-device access, as described by Android Central | Current RCS support is not established by the cited source. | Encryption details are not established by the cited source. | Android Central describes customization and cross-device text access. |
| Google Messages | Carrier messaging, including supported RCS conversations | Supports RCS where available; capabilities depend on support and message type. | Eligible RCS conversations can be end-to-end encrypted. SMS/MMS are not. | Samsung recommends it for affected U.S. Galaxy users moving from Samsung Messages. |
Textra and Pulse descriptions come from Android Central’s July 2026 roundup, a secondary source. Verify current app listings and features before switching, especially if RCS is essential. Google’s encryption rules are explained in Google Messages Help.
Signal: a private messenger, not an SMS replacement
Signal is a credible choice for private conversations with people who also use it. Signal says its conversations are always end-to-end encrypted, so they can be read or heard only by intended recipients. This applies to Signal conversations—not to carrier SMS or MMS in another app.
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Signal’s support page is explicit: “No. You can not send or receive insecure SMS/MMS with Signal.” That means it cannot serve as your only app for ordinary carrier texts. See Signal’s SMS/MMS FAQ and its privacy FAQ.
Textra SMS and Pulse SMS: consider them for customization
Textra SMS
Android Central’s July 2026 roundup presents Textra as a customizable SMS alternative. The available source does not verify current RCS support, so do not assume it will preserve Google Messages’ RCS capabilities. Check the current listing and app settings against your needs before making it the default.
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Pulse SMS
Android Central describes Pulse SMS as customizable and offering cross-device text access. That description does not establish Google Messages-style RCS support or end-to-end encryption. If either is a requirement, verify it directly rather than inferring it from cross-device access.
Both app descriptions are from the same secondary roundup; the evidence here does not establish a complete current feature comparison between them.
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Google Messages: know which conversations are encrypted
Google Messages supports end-to-end encryption for eligible RCS conversations, but Google says encryption is unavailable for SMS and MMS. The fact that a message appears in Google Messages does not mean it is encrypted. Check the conversation’s status and ensure RCS chats are on when you want to use eligible RCS encryption. Google’s instructions and qualification are in its encryption guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Samsung Messages users in the United States
Samsung’s current U.S. notice says Samsung Messages is discontinued and recommends Google Messages as the default messaging app for affected users. The notice says devices running Android 11 or lower are not affected. This is a U.S.-specific transition notice; check Samsung’s end-of-service page for the details that apply to your device.
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Plan message history before switching to Signal
Changing apps or devices can affect access to conversation history. Signal documents optional end-to-end encrypted Secure Backups that use a recovery key, encrypted on-device backup files for Android and Desktop, and device-to-device transfers. These are different recovery paths rather than interchangeable copies.
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- Android on-device backups are for Android restoration and cannot be restored on iPhone.
- Device-to-device transfers work within the same platform, according to Signal’s current support guidance.
- Choose and set up a recovery route before changing devices; consult Signal’s backup and transfer guide for current requirements.
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