Best for broad reach and video calls
Messenger vs Telegram vs LINE: which messaging app should you choose?
Messenger suits broad social reach and video calls, Telegram suits large file sharing and cloud sync, and LINE suits sticker fans and free international calls.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | 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, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps offer free messaging across Android and iOS, along with multimedia sharing and internet-based communication. They differ most in their strengths: Messenger combines chats with video calls, Telegram emphasizes speed and large file sharing, and LINE pairs calls and messages with a large sticker collection.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings, reach, pricing, features, trade-offs, and declared data practices to help you choose the right fit.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, in-app purchase ranges, and ad status recorded on 2026-11-07, alongside each app’s stated communication features and the strengths and drawbacks relevant to choosing between them.
We also considered each app’s Google Play data safety declarations. Messenger declares sharing certain identifiers and collecting a broad range of information; Telegram declares no third-party data sharing and lists several collected data types; LINE’s data safety details are not included in this comparison.
Messenger
Meta Platforms, Inc.
4.7 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forkeeping up with a broad social circle through chats and video calls
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 114,813,598
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
Messenger has the strongest Google Play rating of the three at 4.7, and its 5 billion-plus installs point to especially broad reach. It combines text and multimedia chats with video calls, cross-platform support, and customizable themes, making it a practical choice for people whose friends and family already use it.
The trade-off is a broad declared data footprint: Messenger says it shares several identifiers and collects information that includes contacts, photos, videos, calendar events, and health and fitness details. It also has no offline messaging, can produce frequent notifications, and may take up substantial storage.
What we like
- Highest Google Play rating of the three: 4.7
- Largest reach, with 5 billion-plus installs
- Chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls
What to know
- Declares sharing identifiers and collecting a wide range of data
- Can use substantial storage and generate many notifications
Telegram
Telegram FZ-LLC
3.8 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forsharing large files and syncing chats across devices
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 17,343,583
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
Telegram is the strongest fit for large file sharing and cloud-based message sync. Its focus on speed and security, customizable interface, and active updates appeal to people who want chats and files available across devices. It also declares that it does not share data with third parties.
Its Google Play rating is 3.8, below Messenger’s 4.7, and its Mature 17+ content rating makes it less suitable for younger users. End-to-end encryption is available for encrypted chats rather than every chat by default, and some features can be tucked away in menus; the app may also be resource-heavy.
What we like
- Supports large file sharing
- Cloud-based message sync across devices
- Declares no data sharing with third parties
What to know
- Rated Mature 17+, unlike the Everyone-rated alternatives
- Some features are tucked into menus
LINE: Calls & Messages
LINE (LY Corporation)
3.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best forusing expressive stickers and making free international calls
- Price
- Free
- Ratings
- 13,759,359
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Everyone
LINE brings together messages, voice calls, and a large sticker collection, with free international calls among its notable strengths. Its familiar interface and availability on Android and iOS make it a useful option for people whose contacts already use it, especially those who enjoy expressive chats.
Its Google Play rating of 3.1 is the lowest of the three, and it is the only one here that contains ads. Users may also encounter connection issues, battery drain, and a large app size; its declared data safety details are not included in this comparison.
What we like
- Extensive sticker collection
- Free international calls
- Rated Everyone
What to know
- Lowest Google Play rating of the three: 3.1
- Contains ads and may use substantial battery and storage
Which one should you pick?
Best for large file sharing
Telegram
Best for stickers and international calls
LINE: Calls & Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Messenger has the highest rating at 4.7, compared with Telegram at 3.8 and LINE at 3.1. These figures were read from Google Play on 2026-11-07.
Which app is best for sharing large files?
Telegram is the clearest choice for large file sharing among these three.
Which app is best for video calls?
Messenger is the strongest fit if video calls are a priority; LINE is notable for voice calls and free international calling.
Which app declares that it does not share data with third parties?
Telegram declares no data sharing with third parties. Messenger declares sharing several identifiers, while LINE’s data safety details are not included in this comparison.
About this comparison
Appcrazy 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 fees are shown for reference and can change.