Although SMS messaging is widely used, it eventually becomes dull and hasn’t changed much in years. However, RCS( Rich Communication Service) has become a new way to send messages that actually feel modern.

RCS offers features like read receipts, high-quality media, smooth group chats, and a typing indicator. These features make communication more fun and go far beyond what SMS could achieve. There is no doubt that it’s the future of texting that keeps on evolving with time.

Let’s break down why RCS messaging is revolutionizing how we communicate. Here are the best RCS messaging apps you must try to stand out in modern messaging.

🔑Key Highlights
  • RCS is modernizing and replacing SMS by adding features like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing
  • Google Messages, WhatsApp, and Telegram stand out for their user-friendly design, cross-platform support, and powerful messaging tools.
  • Ensures secure and protected communication with end-to-end encryption, including tools like spam filters and message control
  • Prioritize ease of use, device compatibility, and security while selecting an RCS app

What is RCS Messaging?

what is rcs messaging

Rich Communication Services(RCS) is a modern messaging protocol with native integrations. It offers high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and group chats designed to replace traditional SMS and MMS. RCS works through the Internet, enabling it as a choice over SMS.

This messaging protocol, developed by the GSM Association(GSMA), operates over mobile data or Wi-Fi. It does not require third-party downloads and can be directly integrated into messaging apps. GSMA enables carrier-based messaging with enhanced functions.

Benefits of Upgrading from SMS to RCS messaging apps

Personal and business communication are benefiting from using enhanced functionality of RCS messaging. Its interactive and engaging user experience makes it fun to use over traditional SMS. Here are the key benefits RCS provides over the SMS app:

  • Internet connectivity: With RCS, you don’t need to worry about cellular networks. It uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, not just your cell signal, to receive or send text messages. This means achieving faster multimedia support and messages even in areas with weak cellular signals.
  • No character limits: SMS only lets you use 160 characters at a time. But RCS supports messages up to 8,000, so you can convey more in one message.
  • Better Security: RCS helps you keep your conversations private and safe with encryption. It offers secure communication with end-to-end encryption in supported apps.
  • More control for users: You can organize read receipts, block contacts and customize your privacy settings by RCS. This feature gives users the ability to control how they chat.
  • Share high-quality media: With RCS, you can share high-resolution media, GIFs, and even your location. SMS is limited to plain text and low-quality media, making it less engaging than RCS.
  • Excellent for Business: Using RCS, businesses can improve customer interaction and build trust. They can use branded messaging and real-time updates, such as appointment management.
  •  Improved branding and trust: Verified tickmarks and logos appear on verified business senders, increasing brand recognition. This helps customers ensure the messages are genuine and not spam. It also reduces the likelihood of the message being ignored.
  • Interactive Features: RCS offers typing indicators, read receipts, and delivery notifications. It enables dynamic customer interaction, mimicking instant messaging apps.
Also Read: How to Turn Off RCS Messaging? A Complete Guide

Top RCS messaging apps to use in 2025

Take a look at this brief comparison table of top RCS messaging apps based on their unique features.

Apps UI Security Integration Customization Delivery Speed
WhatsApp Polished, cross-platform Default end-to-end encryption WhatsApp Business/Meta Chat settings/Wallpaper Fast (Wi-fi/data)
Telegram Minimal, responsive End-to-end encryption (only in Secret Chats) Cloud tools/channels/bots Highly customizable Fastest (cloud-based)
Google Messages Clean, native Android RCS encryption Google ecosystem Basic themes Fast (Wi-fi/data)
Facebook Messenger Cluttered, Facebook linked Optional end-to-end encryption via secret conversation Facebook/Instagram Limited Fast (Wi-fi/data)
Samsung Messages Simple, Samsung-focused No encryption by default Samsung apps Themes/notification Fast
Viber Clean, multi-platform Default end-to-end encryption for all chats and calls CRM tools/third-party tools chatbots Custom stickers/chats Fast (Wi-fi/data)

1. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the widely used instant messaging apps for business and personal purposes. It supports rich media sharing, group chats, and voice/video calls, along with features like end-to-end encryption.

The app’s ability to support vast media formats such as various types of files, images, and videos. It enables WhatsApp users to share desired content, rivaling or exceeding the rich media functionalities of RCS.

Key Features

  • Ability to control group chats using admin tools. It helps to manage participant entry, message permissions, and group details for privacy
  • Safeguards all chats and calls using its default End-to-End encryption
  • Allows to share high-quality images, videos, and files through rich media sharing
  • Share your screen and device audio during video calls for collaborative works
  •  Companies focusing on RCS can use WhatsApp Business

Pros

  • Cross-platform availability(Android/ IOS), including backup options via iCloud or Google Drive
  • Regular updates offering AI-powered tools like smart replies and automated customer support
  • End-to-end encryption secure messaging and calls, accessible to the sender and recipient only

Cons

  • Dependency on Internet connection to function properly. Offline functionality like SMS/RCS app is not possible.
  • Provides fewer customization options compared to competitors like Telegram and Viber
  • Relying on metadata collection and integration with the Meta ecosystem raises privacy concerns

Pricing

  • Free to use besides new privacy policies on WhatsApp Business starting from July 1, 2025

2. Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that prioritizes speed, privacy, and security. It gives users maximum privacy through end-to-end encryption. You can also expect large file sharing, including support for massive group chats and channels.

Telegram stands out among messaging apps due to its unique blend of privacy, versatility, and advanced features. It is a privacy-focused alternative that users can use as their messaging app.

Key Features

  • End-to-end encryption in Secret Chats, ensuring only the sender and receiver can access the messages
  • Supports Large groups and channels(up to 200,000 members)
  • Through cloud storage, multi-device sync across phones, tablets, and desktops
  • Ability to edit messages after sending
  • Allows users to create custom bots for handling tasks like flight tracking and content sharing
  • Flexibility to share large files up to 2 GB( 4 GB for premium users)
  • Channels: Broadcast-style groups for content sharing

Pros

  • Works-across platforms(Android/IOS/Windows/macOS/Linux)
  • Custom bots, stickers, and channels for easy personal or business messaging.
  • No local backup dependence through cloud storage.

Cons

  • Limited Default encryption(only secret chats are end encrypted)
  • Media quality may degrade while sharing
  • Ads in public channels disrupt user experience

Pricing

  • Free of charge

3. Google Messages

Google Messages is a universal messaging platform developed by Google for Android, Wear OS, and the web. Google has focused on modernizing traditional SMS and MMS by integrating Rich Communication Services(RCS) to enhance the texting experience.

Additionally, Google Messages’ tight connection with the Google ecosystem enables productivity across devices. This motive for using RCS in their apps reflects their initiative to make it a new standard for texting.

Key Features

  • AI-powered tools for message scheduling, smart replies, and voice message transcription
  • Original Quality Media Sharing
  • Spam Protection
  • Improving efficiency within the Google ecosystem
  • RCS support enables high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Google Services
  • Advanced RCS features support seamless communication
  • Strong security using spam detection tools

Cons

  • Dependence on the Internet for RCS Functionalities
  • Problems of compatibility issues on non-Android platforms
  • No full end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp
  • Some features still in testing, such as Magic Compose

Pricing

Free of charge

4. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a messaging platform designed by Meta that provides personal and business communication. It was first developed as an integrated feature within Facebook for simple communication. However, the application is now originated as a standalone messaging app.

This messaging app offers various features, such as text voice/video calls and multimedia sharing. It has also improved in terms of privacy, providing default end-to-end encryption.

Key Features

  • Uses AI-powered tools for answering questions and providing advice
  • Ability to react instantly to media content in chat
  • Utilizes upgraded media sharing to share less compressed photo/video
  • Instant reactions to media content in chat using emojis, gifs, and all
  • Protects all conversations from unauthorized access using default end-to-end encryption
  • Choose how long your message sticks around using a disappearing message feature with a screenshots alert enabled

Pros

  • Ease integration with Facebook accounts
  • Strong privacy updates using encryption and features like disappearing message
  • Rich communication features such as HD media sharing with enhanced quality sharing options
  • Offers customization with themes, custom reactions, and chat colors
  • Provides in-app warnings, easy blocking/reporting, and spam detection features

Cons

  • Integration with Meta’s ecosystem raises concerns about data collection and tracking.
  • Resource intensive, consuming significant device storage compared to WhatsApp and Telegram
  • Not ideal for non-facebook users as it requires a Facebook login for full functionality
  • Plenty of features may make the app feel cluttered or overwhelming for some users

Pricing

  • Free of charge
You may also like:Top 6 Facebook Messenger Alternatives And Competitors

5. Samsung Messages

Samsung Messages is a messaging app developed by Samsung for its Galaxy devices. It offers features like SMS, MMS, and RCS to improve the messaging experience. This app requires Samsung devices operating in Android 9.0 and subsequent versions.

Google Messages is the default messaging app in newer Galaxy devices, but Samsung messages can be downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy store. Samsung continues to update the app with features, making it an alternative for users who prefer its interface and functions.

Key Features

  • Schedule messaging options to send at a specific time period
  • Options to edit messages within 15 minutes of sending(up to three times)
  • Automatically deletes OTP after 24 hours tidying up your inbox
  • Seamless message sync across Samsung devices linked to the same Samsung account.
  • Custom notification options for individual contacts or groups
  • Message Categories: of messages into categories, easing navigation

Pros

  • Valuable features like message editing and auto-deleting (Onetime passwords) OTPs
  • Integration with Samsung ecosystem
  • Offers media quality control, offering high, medium, or low-quality multi-media sharing
  • Easy-to-use interface with customization options
  • Supports RCS features for multi-media rich communication

Cons

  • Unavailability of cross-platform and only supports Samsung devices
  • Reduced privacy, lacking end-to-end encryption by default
  • Uncertainty about long-term support
  • Lacks built-in AI features

Pricing

  • Free of charge

6. Viber

Viber is a VoIP and instant messaging application, providing cross-platform capabilities developed by Rakuten. It safeguards user’s privacy-protecting messages using end-to-end encryption. The app offers features like instant messaging, voice/video calls, and multimedia sharing.

Using this messaging app, you can also create or join communities with unlimited members. It is also compatible with Google Assistant and Siri, including contact lists on a user’s phone.

Key features

  • End-to-end encryption protects messages sent over Viber.
  • Instant messaging features like image/videos sharing, GIFs, stickers, and emoticons.
  • Cros-platform availability(Android/iOS/ Windows/ Mac OS/ Linux Fedora/ Ubuntu)
  • Provides customization such as personalized stickers and GIFs
  • Real-time translation features for users who speak different languages
  • Extension capabilities allow users to do more without needing to leave the chat window

Pros

  • Offers tools like AI chat summary and Viber Dating differentiate it from WhatsApp and Telegram
  • Provides an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to navigate
  • Offers AI-powered ads, transactional messaging, and promotion tools for businesses
  • Added privacy using the disappearing messages features
  • Gives cost-effective calling options compared to traditional telecom services

Cons

  • Limited group features compared to its competitors like Telegram
  • Lacks the ability to block unknown or random callers during Viber Calls
  • An unreliable cloud backup system and syncing across devices may be problematic

Pricing

  • Free of charge

Tips to choose the best RCS messaging apps

Tips to choose the best rcs messaging apps.

To make your communication easier, you need to choose the right RCS messaging app. When picking one, look for things like simple design and an easy-to-use interface. It’s also important to check for strong security and if it works well on different devices.

The best RCS apps let you share pictures and videos, chat in groups, and connect easily with other services.

Compatibility

Look for the apps that work smoothly with your device and region. For example, Samsung Messages only supports Samsung devices, while WhatsApp supports both Android and iOS devices. Regional compatibility is also important, as some apps only offer full RCS functions in specific countries.

Moreover, you should confirm that your mobile carrier supports RCS services for the chosen app. This will help you clarify whether the carrier supports RCS functionality only partially or not at all.

Cross-Platform Support

It’s important to choose messaging apps that work on both Android and iOS, like Telegram and Viber. This makes it easy to talk to others without needing extra apps. It also helps you stay connected with everyone, no matter what device they use.

Access To Business Tools

If you use messaging for your business, choose apps with smart tools like branded messages, quick replies, and analytics. These features help you respond to customers faster and keep them engaged. They can also send updates, book appointments, or track orders—saving time and reducing work for your team.

Easy to Use

You can always look for apps having user-friendly interface avoiding complex ones with unnccesary features. You should also choose apps with minimal setup that don’t need an extra account. Avoiding apps that require extra account creation or setup helps smooth the onboarding process.

Security Features

It’s important to choose apps with strong security to protect your messages and personal information. Look for apps that use RCS encryption or end-to-end encryption so your data stays safe. This also helps businesses avoid spam and scams by making sure the sender is real.

Core Messaging Features

To improve your communication experience, prioritize apps that give read receipts, typing indicators, rich media sharing, and group chats. Samsung Messages and Google Messages are the top platforms providing rich features as compared to other RCS apps.

Implementing these features can lead to more interactive and engaging conversations. It also helps build a strong brand identity, ensuring consistent communication.

Cost consideration

Cost is important when you select RCS messaging apps. Almost all messaging platforms, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, are entirely free.

Almost all messaging platforms, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, are entirely free. Yet, there can be lavish features that may match your needs which may be only available in premium plans.

A premium plan may offer extra perks like more ways to customize, send larger files, or use special tools. If these additional features match what you need, they might be worth it

Conclusion

RCS messaging apps are the future of digital messaging as more devices and apps support them. This technological enhancement has provided users with better security, multimedia sharing, and enhanced messaging features. To up your communication experience, the RCS messaging apps listed here are great options to explore right away.

FAQs

What is RCS messaging?

RCS messaging is an advanced messaging protocol with features such as high-quality media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and more.

Does RCS need an internet connection?

Yes, RCS technology is dependent on the internet as its messages are sent over mobile data or Wi-fi.

What is the best SMS app with RCS?

Google Messages stands out as the best SMS app with RCS. It is considered the best due to its end-to-end encryption, compatibility across all Android devices, and smooth integration.

What are the messaging apps having RCS?

Samsung Messages, Apple Messages, and Google messages are RCS enabled. While Telegram and WhatsApp do not use RCS messaging protocol but merge RCS-like features.

Is RCS replacing SMS?

RCS is developed to be the next-generation messaging standard. It is slowly replacing SMS, providing richer features and a better user experience.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.