Chat apps are essential to keep in touch with friends and family during the rush of everyday life. There are also anonymous chat options to meet new people.
Most programs go beyond text messages and allow the sharing of media files, called by voice and even by video.
AppGeek brought together the 12 best chat apps to chat online with whoever you want. Check out!
1. WhatsApp

The most popular chat app of all could not be left out of the list. This popularity is the main advantage of the program over the rest. After all, it is unlikely that you will exchange phone numbers with someone that the messenger has not installed on your cell phone.
WhatsApp allows you to chat by text, voice and video calls with up to 8 people. It is also possible to share audio messages, photos, videos, documents, GIFS and even real-time location.
In terms of security, the company ensures that all content is encrypted from end to end. That is, only those who receive and send have access to shared information. No one else can, not even WhatsApp, promises.
2. Telegram

Considered the main competitor of WhatsApp, Telegram offers features that the rival does not have. The secret chat, in which the user can set a timer for self-destruction of the conversation, one of them. In addition, it is not allowed to take a print or forward items exchanged through it.
Another highly praised function is the channels. In them, only administrators are authorized to publish. The other members act as mere spectators. The ideal tool for those who follow subject matter experts, content producers or even known news and information sites.
Despite allowing file sharing of up to 1.5 GB (as much as WhatsApp's maximum 100 MB), Telegram relies only on voice calls. There is still no time to speak by video.
3. Messenger

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Initially, Messenger was a chat integrated with Facebook. Until it took on a life of its own and became an app separate from the social network. The highlight of the tool goes to the various augmented reality filters and the possibility of playing different games with your friends.
With regard to other resources, it allows you to make voice and video calls with up to 4 people. Users can also upload audio and share photos and videos, as well as their location in real time.
In May 2020, the Messenger Rooms feature, called Salas, was launched in Portuguese. With it, it is possible to create a video conference room with up to 50 people and invite them by sharing the link. It is not necessary to have a Messenger account to participate in the conversation.
4. Buzzr

Buzzr proposes to allow conversations with strangers anonymously. Just press Start and access the chat. Simple and straightforward for the purpose of chatting, it does not offer any features other than text message exchange.
If the conversation pays off, the matter may continue in some other app on this list. But, if it doesn't flow, just press the button Disconnect to leave the room.
- Buzzr (free with in-app purchases, in Portuguese): Android | Web
5. Viber

One of the pioneers when it comes to chat apps, Viber allows you to make free voice and video calls. But it also offers the option of calling landlines or international mobiles at lower rates than those charged by traditional telephone companies.
There is also the possibility to make video calls, send and receive media files and stickers, create communities etc. Another interesting feature is the extensive chat. With it, you can search and share content without leaving the application.
6. KakaoTalk

KakaoTalk one of the most popular chat apps in China. In addition to the classic features of sending text messages and media files, the program has fun voice filters.
With them, it is possible to make voice and video calls with the voices of characters like the kitten Talking Tom. Not to mention the various filters of augmented reality to use in real time. There is also a location sharing feature and a calendar tool to make sure you don't forget any appointments.
The app also allows you to reply to messages through wearable devices equipped with Android Wear. Unlike WhatsApp, which limits groups to 256 people, the service guarantees rooms with an unlimited number of contacts.
7. Skype

Initially known for making voIP calls, Skype has evolved over the past few years and has come to offer several new features. In addition to text chat, it allows you to make voice calls to other users of the app or to landlines or cell phones. There is also the possibility of making video calls with up to 50 participants.
The application has a feature that adds subtitles and translations in the calls. Both by voice and live video, in real time. Unlike most programs of its kind, Skype natively provides a tool for recording conversations.
And yet: if you want to show someone a content directly from the screen of your phone or computer, the service allows you to use the screen sharing functionality.
8. Kik

Tired of waiting for your friends to answer you in chat apps. Kik promises to solve this problem by making robots available to answer your questions.
The buttons are themed and can offer news, play with you, help with product purchases, among other resources. The application does not require a phone number. Just create a username and thus be found on the platform.
9. ICQ

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The classic computer messenger from the early 2000s is back and has a new look. The new ICQ has a chat room feature with support for 25 thousand people, in which it is possible to create smaller chat groups, if you want.
The application is capable of transcribing audio messages into text and offers suggestions for ready responses when analyzing the content received. There is also the option of making voice and video calls with up to 30 participants (with options for augmented reality filters).
The program also guarantees the transfer of large files in real size, has bots to spend time if you do not find anyone to chat and much more.
10. Discord

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Discord is a chat application developed specifically for gamers. The idea that the platform be used to make channels to play with friends, find partners, organize your teams and whatever else you want.
You can communicate using text, audio and video, exchange GIFs and photos. In addition to the closed groups, there are also voice channels, open to everyone, to chat and exchange tips on your favorite games.
11. Hangouts

Another option for those who want to meet and chat with new people, UOL Chat offers dozens of thematic rooms, separated by categories. You can search for someone to talk about sports, soap operas, movies and, of course, flirt.
It is not necessary to reveal your identity. Just create a nickname, include a photo (if you want) and start chatting. If you choose to speak to someone privately, you can communicate using text, audio and video.
- UOL chat (free, with in-app purchases, in Portuguese): Android | iOS | Web
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