Communication apps are a must-have in today’s interconnected world. They’re a lifeline as more and more people go abroad for work, education, and leisure. With a stable internet connection, you can send text messages and other data, while voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology allows you to make phone calls, no matter where in the world the other party is, and often for free.
Chat apps aren’t just for free international text messages and calls, though. As remote work takes hold across the globe, these apps can help employers and employees meet the challenges of telecommuting, such as real-time collaboration across long distances and time zones.
The Best International Chat Apps for 2024
So which apps are the best for chatting internationally? Whether you’re collaborating at work or just checking in with friends and family back home, we’ll break it down for you below.
1. Skype: The best app for international chat and low-cost calling
Skype needs no introduction. The pioneering platform has provided reliable communication capabilities since 2003. Skype users can chat one to one, in groups, or via voice and video technology over a range of devices. A fully functioning telecommunications application, Skype allows users to send SMS messages and call landline phones at reduced rates through credit purchased on the platform. It’s a great option for chatting with coworkers or friends back home.
“Skype has been around for a while and is well-known for its reliability in online calling and chatting. Its key strength lies in its widespread use and familiarity; many people already have it installed, which makes connecting easier. For international chatting, Skype offers decent call quality and a variety of features like screen sharing and file transfers.” — Connor Butterworth, CEO and Owner, Southwestern Rugs Depot
When it comes to business use specifically, Skype for Business was discontinued in 2021 and replaced by Microsoft Teams.
Skype pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Skype Pros | Skype Cons |
| Clean and intuitive interface, available on multiple platforms, and quick setup. | Call quality can suffer with slow internet speeds. |
| Free video chats for up to 100 participants with no time limits | No built-in language translation services. |
| Screen sharing and file transfer | Some users report poor customer support and slow resolution of issues |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Kindle Fire, Xbox One
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.4 (Stars) from 1,498 people
- Capterra 4.3 (Stars) from 445 people
- G2 4.3 (Stars) from 23,170 people
2. Chatox: The most versatile free chat app
Chatox is a feature-rich chat app powered by Brosix. It’s a versatile choice for users looking to take their messaging capabilities to the next level without compromising on security or budget. With Chatox, you get direct text chatting, chat rooms, voice and video chats, and tons of other tools to enhance communication. Share your screen, capture and send screenshots, transfer unlimited files, and collaborate visually on the whiteboard. Fully encrypted peer-to-peer connections with optional anti-virus integration make Chatox a secure, sensible communication solution.
“What sets Chatox apart is its ability to facilitate asynchronous communication. Our team can leave messages, share files, and even record video updates for each other, making it easy to collaborate across different time zones. Plus, the platform’s analytics provide valuable insights into our communication patterns, helping us optimize our workflows and improve our response times.
But what really gets me excited about Chatox is its potential to democratize access to legal services. By enabling seamless global communication and collaboration, Chatox is helping us bridge the gap between legal teams, clients, and communities worldwide. It’s a powerful tool for social impact, and we’re just starting to scratch the surface of its potential.” — C.L. Mike Schmidt, Lawyer, Schmidt & Clark LLP
Chatox pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Chatox Pros | Chatox Cons |
| Real-time instant messaging | May appear to have a less modern interface |
| Superior voice and video call quality | Slow synchronization of message history across devices |
| Antivirus protection and encrypted peer-to-peer channels |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
3. Viber: The best app for synching chat across devices
Viber is a popular platform for international messaging. It’s a multi-platform application that syncs between any device you use, allowing you to chat seamlessly with other Viber users from mobile, desktop, or tablet. Viber is fully encrypted, meaning any chats, calls, community discussions, and media shared on Viber are protected and private. What’s more, with Viber Out, you can call any landline or mobile number globally, even if they don’t have Viber.
Viber pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Viber Pros | Viber Cons |
| Free messaging and calling between Viber users | Sometimes there are issues like poor sound and high battery drain for video and voice calls |
| Group chat functionality | Inability to add contacts in the desktop version |
| A wide selection of stickers and emojis | Occasional syncing issues between mobile and desktop |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.4 (Stars) from 159 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 4,007 people
4. WhatsApp: The most popular chat app internationally
If you’ve got an international audience, WhatsApp is a sure bet. With VoIP and instant messaging software, you get direct messages and group chat on an interface that resembles SMS text messaging. You can also make voice and video calls and share content, including images, documents, and user locations. A limited business version provides a business profile, some automated messaging capabilities, and usage metrics. With more than 1.5 billion users, wherever in the world your contacts are, there’s a good chance they’re on WhatsApp.
“Traditional video conferencing platforms have their place, but WhatsApp does provide major strengths for our global team. The first is accessibility. With smartphones that have WhatsApp installed, almost all team members end up on the app, regardless of their location or device restrictions. Often, this means we can do check-ins, live project updates, and impromptu brainstorms when it’s convenient, not when it’s formally scheduled.
Second, WhatsApp is much less formal and allows for more informal conversation compared to a formal video meeting. This can be highly effective for breaking down communication barriers and encouraging those team members in other time zones who might not speak out in a larger video call.” — James Wilkinson, CEO, Balance One Supplements
WhatsApp pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| WhatsApp Pros | WhatsApp Cons |
| WhatsApp is straightforward and accessible to a wide range of users | Limits on file size can be a hassle for sharing large documents or videos |
| Offers free messaging and calling with end-to-end encryption | Lacks tools for business communication management |
| Multimedia and document sharing | Can be slow and sometimes crashes, frustrating users |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.6 (Stars) from 943 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 15,738 people
- G2 4.6 (Stars) from 60 people
5. Telegram: The best app for large-group communication
If you’re looking to communicate in groups without limitations, Telegram’s got you covered.
Supergroups can accommodate up to 200,000 people, skyrocketing communication with followers and lead generation potential. Groups can be admin-controlled and private, or publicly searchable and open to all through an invitation link. Gaining in popularity overseas, Telegram users can chat via text, video, or voice, including persistent conferencing that members can join and leave as they wish.
Just know that Telegram chats aren’t encrypted by default. Telegram has reserved that for its secret chats only, and that could lull you into a false sense of security.
“Telegram’s Channels functionality has transformed our team’s communication. We established a separate channel to streamline our foreign project updates. This enabled us to send crucial announcements to team members in different time zones without disrupting individual chats. During a significant product launch, Telegram Channels kept everyone updated in real time, reducing confusion and keeping the team on track.” — Logan Mallory, Vice President of Marketing, Motivosity
Telegram pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Telegram Pros | Telegram Cons |
| Secret chats are end-to-end encrypted. | End-to-end encryption is not available by default. |
| Includes group chats, channels, bots, and stickers | Smaller user base compared to other messaging apps |
| Data is stored in the cloud, accessible from multiple devices. | Requires contact permissions, raising privacy concerns |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.9 (Stars) from 396 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 6,273 people
6. Signal: The best app for secure international messaging
It’s normal to be concerned about security when communicating internationally. Signal Messenger is an encrypted chat app that goes to great lengths to protect you. In addition to being fully encrypted, Signal is open-source, meaning its source code is open to examination and improvement. Signal also hides metadata, including the message sender. You won’t get lots of extras with Signal. But you can be sure that what you do get—texting capabilities, voice and video calls, and file sharing—is fully secure.
“One experience highlighting Signal’s effectiveness was during a project where we needed to coordinate with a remote team on a highly confidential SEO campaign. Signal’s encryption and disappearing messages feature assured us that our discussions would remain secure.” — Sahil Kakkar, Founder and CEO, RankWatch
Signal pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Signal Pros | Signal Cons |
| Provides strong end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice calls, and video calls | Providing a phone number is mandatory for signing up |
| Includes message reaction emojis, encrypted stickers, and view-once media | Some users report occasional problems sending and receiving messages. |
| Allows messages to disappear from devices after a set time | Smaller user base compared to other messaging apps |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
User rating:
- Trustpilot 2.7 (Stars) from 41 people
- G2 4.4 (Stars) from 441 people
7. Google Chat (Hangouts): The best App for integration with Google Services
Google Chat (formerly Hangouts) is a cross-platform messaging app from Google. You will need a Google account, but from there you can chat one-to-one, set up a group for friends or coworkers, and make voice calls with other Google Chat users through Google Meet, either from your browser or the mobile app. Google Meet allows you to register your phone number and communicate for free within the U.S. or Canada, as well as call and text internationally at lower rates.
Google Chat pricing: Free as part of Google Workplace’s plans: Starter at $6 per user per month; Business Standard at $12 per user per month; Business Plus at $18 per user per month; Enterprise at a custom price.
Pros and cons
| Google Chat Pros | Google Chat Cons |
| Facilitates effective coordination and collaboration with a user-friendly UI | Offers fewer customization options compared to other platforms |
| Seamless integration with Google Tools, such as Gmail and Google Calendar. | Requires high RAM and internet speed, with the mobile app consuming significant phone memory |
| Benefits of Google’s state-of-the-art security infrastructure | Non-Google users may face a learning curve, impacting adoption rates |
Available on: Android, iOS, Web
User ratings: Capterra 4.5 (Stars) from 2,301 people
8. WeChat: The best app for chatting in Asia
WeChat hasn’t gained a strong footing in the West. But if you’re looking to do business in Asia or just chat with friends there, WeChat is a must. With more than a billion users, WeChat is messaging, social media, and mobile payment all rolled into one. You can chat, share photos and videos, and make voice and video calls, as well as access other useful features like news, maps, and e-payments. Just take heed of some documented risks to privacy and proceed with an element of caution.
“WeChat offers an all-in-one platform. The app’s built-in translation tool helps break language barriers. However, it’s not as widely adopted outside of China, which could limit its effectiveness globally.” — Andy Gillin, Attorney and Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
WeChat pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| WeChat Pros | WeChat Cons |
| WeChat is free to use, offering all services as long as it is connected to the internet | Owner Tencent has access to user data and may collaborate with the Chinese government, compromising privacy |
| Allows sending or receiving files up to 100MB | Lacks end-to-end encryption for messages, raising concerns about third-party access |
| Offers WeChatPay, a virtual wallet service for quick and secure payments | The interface can be challenging to navigate, leading to usability issues |
Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.9 (Stars) from 36 people
- G2 4.7 (Stars) from 14 people
9. Discord: The best app for persistent voice communication
Discord is a chat app best known in the gaming community. That’s because its always-on voice chat has proven itself invaluable for gamers. But Discord isn’t just for gamers. Discord servers, or communities, bring users together to discuss everything from pop music to stock trading. Companies have even begun using Discord for simple team text chatting, screen sharing, and overlay capabilities that allow you to text and voice chat at the same time.
For more on the VoIP messaging platform, check out our Discord review.
“Our staff spans multiple continents, and Discord helps us prioritize important updates and announcements in each channel. This ensures that all team members may catch up on important information regardless of time zone.” — Shawn Plummer, CEO, The Annuity Expert
Discord pricing: Freemium; Nitro Basic for $2.99/month; Nitro for $9.99/month for higher-quality video and larger file uploads
Pros and cons
| Discord Pros | Discord Cons |
| Easy to install and set up, accessible to users of all ages and skill levels | File sharing for free is limited to up to 25MB. |
| Integrates well with other platforms and tools, such as Clickup, Google Calendar, and YouTube | Consumes significant memory space, which can be a concern for users with limited resources |
| Provides a secure environment with end-to-end encryption, moderation tools, and private servers | Occasional server lags and outages |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.5 (Stars) from 1,057 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 433 people
10. Facebook Messenger: The best chat app for integration with Facebook
It’s hard to imagine a conversation around communication that doesn’t include Facebook. With around 2 billion users, the social network is easily the world’s biggest communication platform. If that’s not reason enough to consider Messenger, you can send other users messages, record audio messages, make voice calls, exchange photos and other media, and even hold group video chats. Just remember that Messenger is a free instant messenger and its integration with Facebook subjects you to the network’s data-sharing practices.
“Facebook Messenger is great for its accessibility. Almost everyone has a Facebook account, so getting started is easy. The interface is user-friendly, but the app lacks the robust feature set for professional collaboration.” — Cesar Cobo, COO, Webris
Messenger pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Messenger Pros | Messenger Cons |
| Connects directly to Facebook’s chat system for quicker sending and receiving of messages | Messenger’s interface can feel cluttered with ads, features, and information. |
| Provides end-to-end encryption for conversations | Constant message notifications can be distracting and interrupt productivity |
| Supports voice and video calls, even internationally | Runs in the background and can quickly drain device batteries |
Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Web
User ratings: Trustpilot 1.6 (Stars) from 244 people
11. RingCentral: The best platform for global phone, messaging, and meetings
If you’re after Zoom-style video conferencing but with exclusive messaging features, give RingCentral a look. With RingCentral, you get integrated phone, messaging, and video meetings. You can make unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada and take advantage of different overseas calling plans. Team messaging workspaces provide threaded chats, file sharing, screen sharing, and business SMS text messaging from a dedicated RingCentral phone number. RingCentral gives you a number of options to meet your international communication needs.
“I can tell you that RingCentral has been a game-changer for Verpex’s global team. The seamless integration of voice, video, and messaging has greatly improved our teamwork and productivity. One significant strength is its dependability; I’ve had critical client conversations from multiple locations without issue. The international talking tool has been really useful for quick updates with our development team in Asia.” — Julia Lozanov, Chief Editor, Verpex
RingCentral pricing: Core at $20 per user per month; Advanced at $25 per user per month; Ultra at $35 per user per month. These prices are for an annual subscription.
Pros and cons
| RingCentral Pros | RingCentral Cons |
| User-friendly interface requiring little training | Frequent updates that can cause lags during presentations |
| High-quality audio and video | RingCentral’s screen sharing is limited, with mobile users only able to view, not annotate |
| Works with popular business apps, such as Slack, Google Workspace, and Salesforce |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 2.3 (Stars) from 728 people
- G2 4.0 (Stars) from 132 people
12. Slack: The best chat app for integrating with third-party software
Slack is a business communication platform best known for its ability to connect to other apps and software. Companies all over the world use Slack to sync internal communication and streamline workflows and processes. You can chat one-to-one or in groups that can be public or private and feature threaded messages. You also get audio and video calls, screen sharing, and file sharing. But Slack’s bread and butter is its ability to integrate with more than two thousand third-party applications, like Google Drive, Salesforce, and Trello.
Explore our recent Slack review to learn more!
“Slack facilitates real-time communication across teams, regardless of location. Our marketing team in New York can discuss a new email campaign with the design team in London instantly. Documents, Mailmodo campaign drafts, and design assets can all be shared within Slack channels, fostering better collaboration. Everyone in the loop can see discussions and updates within relevant channels, promoting transparency and accountability.” — Saba Khan, Growth Marketing Manager, Mailmodo
Slack pricing: Free 10K messages and 10 integrations; Pro Plan at $7.25 per user per month; Business+ at $12.50 per user per month; Enterprise Grid at a custom price.
Pros and cons
| Slack Pros | Slack Cons |
| Neatly arranged chats in channels for smooth collaboration | Possible notification overload that can cause distractions, especially for larger teams |
| Connects teams globally and integrates with numerous apps and tools | Access is restricted to the most recent 90 days of message and file history (for the free version) |
| Allows tailoring of communication and workflow through apps and bots | New users may find it challenging to navigate due to its many features and integrations |
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 2.9 (Stars) from 276 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 23,217 people
- G2 4.5 (Stars) from 32,576 people
13. Twist: The best application for simple asynchronous communication
One of the challenges of communicating internationally is managing its asynchronous nature. When you’re chatting across time zones, someone’s always playing catch-up. Twist helps you cope by automatically turning conversations into threads and then filtering them into an inbox. This way, responses that are relevant to you aren’t buried in streams of conversation. Twist integrates with the productivity app Todoist, and you can invite freelancers or guests to the platform. It’s a great option if you’re working with digital nomads.
“Twist focuses on asynchronous communication, making it great for teams working across different time zones. It avoids the noise of real-time messaging but might feel too slow-paced for teams that need quick interactions. Each app has unique strengths in making global teamwork smoother, but it also has areas where it can improve.” — Mary Tung, Founder and CEO, Lido.app
Twist pricing: Free; Unlimited at $6 per user per month, billed yearly
Pros and cons
| Twist Pros | Twist Cons |
| Keeps conversations organized and on the topic using threads | Fewer integrations and add-ons compared to other apps |
| Encourages flexibility in responses, reducing the need for back-to-back meetings | No built-in audio or video call capabilities; requires connecting to third-party apps |
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 3.8 (Stars) from 3 people
- Capterra 4.3 (Stars) from 36 people
- G2 3.9 (Stars) from 19 people
14. Brosix: The best app for managing international team communication
Brosix is an all-in-one instant messaging software for businesses. With a combination of real-time messaging, collaboration, and advanced control features, Brosix is built to manage team communication, from distributed office branches to remote teams and everything in between.
Each Brosix Team Network is fully administrable. Network administrators not only have the power to authorize who can join the network but also fully manage user contact lists, shared chat spaces, access to features on a user basis, individual data security levels, and much more.
Communication and collaboration are secure yet intuitive. Each text message, chat room conversation, and audio and video call is encrypted end-to-end. Screen sharing with remote desktop control, unlimited file transfers, screenshots, and the virtual whiteboard are never more than a click away.
“Brosix’s chat rooms and whiteboards are quite useful for worldwide collaboration. Our worldwide marketing team used these tools to brainstorm and design a campaign, despite the fact that they were in various time zones. The real-time collaboration tool increased our productivity and creativity, resulting in a successful campaign launch.” — Phil Strazzulla, Founder, SelectSoftware Reviews
Brosix pricing: Free Team Network for up to 3 users; Business at $4 per user per month; Enterprise at $6 per user per month
Pros and cons
| Brosix Pros | Brosix Cons |
| Simple to use and configure | Issues with notifications, navigation, and quitting the app |
| Plenty of integrations are available: Shopify, Hubspot, Github, etc. | Limited integrations compared to other apps |
| Offers end-to-end encryption for all communication |
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 4.3 (Stars) from 14 people
- Capterra 4.6 (Stars) from 71 people
- G2 4.7 (Stars) from 44 people
The Upshot
There are tons of international chat apps to help you easily and affordably communicate abroad. But you don’t have to use them all. Most people pick a handful that serve as their go-to apps. Most are free or feature free trials so you can test-drive each one at your convenience. Just keep in mind that most messenger apps require both parties to use them.
If you’re communicating for business, go with a secure, instant messaging app for teams, like Brosix. Combining real-time messaging, collaboration, and advanced control features, Brosix is built to manage international team communication. Sign up for a demo today.
