Staying in touch with your fam can be tough, especially if everyone's scattered across the globe. But with the right app, it can be a breeze! We've rounded up the 14 best apps for family group chats on mobile, offering features like easy sharing, secure messaging, and fun ways to stay connected. You'll find everything from classic options like Messenger and Google Messages to newer apps like Telegram that pack a punch.
Whether you're looking to share photos and videos, coordinate family events, or just catch up with loved ones, these apps have you covered. We've considered features like user-friendliness, privacy, and extra fun stuff like video calls and games. So grab your phone and get ready to connect with your crew in a whole new way!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Messenger |  | Android, iOS | 4.1/5 | 7B+ | Unlimited video and voice calls, Customizable reactions |
| 2. Google Messages |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 6B+ | End-to-end encryption, High-resolution sharing, Smart replies |
| 3. Telegram |  | Android, iOS | 4.1/5 | 2B+ | Fast and secure, Unlimited storage, Multi-device syncing |
| 4. Discord |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 467M+ | Customizable chat spaces, Fun group chat enhancements |
| 5. Life360 |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 146M+ | Real-time location sharing, Crash detection, SOS alerts |
| 6. Google Chat |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 48M+ | Cross-platform messaging, Integrated document editing |
| 7. Messenger Kids |  | Android, iOS | 4.3/5 | 47M+ | Parental Control, Kid-Friendly Filters, No In-App Purchases |
1. Messenger
Unlimited text and video calls, Group video chat up to 8, Custom reactions and chat themes
Cost:
Free (Free)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 6.5 Billion Downloads |
| Features | Messenger offers unlimited text, voice, and video calls, group video chats, custom reactions, chat themes, and the ability to watch videos together with friends. |
| Who It’s For | Messenger is ideal for families looking for a reliable and feature-rich app for group chats, video calls, and staying connected. |
- Tags:
- Unlimited communication
- Fully Customizable
- Fun and engaging
Messenger is a popular app for family group chats, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones through text, voice, and video calls. While it boasts features like multimedia sharing and seamless syncing across devices, some users have reported frustrating issues like inconsistent notification delivery and intermittent glitches with photo sharing. These hiccups, while occasionally frustrating, don't negate the app's core function: providing a convenient platform for families to stay in touch, no matter the distance.
Pros & Cons
- Great for staying connected
- Offers voice and video calls
- User-friendly interface for chats
- Seamless message syncing across devices
- Heavy on battery usage
- Too many notifications sometimes
- Issues with picture sending and viewing
Why we chose it?
Messenger is my go-to for family group chats because it's incredibly easy to use, with features like group video calls and shared photos that make it super fun to stay connected. Plus, it's free to use and available on everyone's phone, so there's no need for anyone to download something new. I love that I can quickly send a message or hop on a video call with my family, no matter where we are in the world!
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2. Google Messages
Secure group messaging, Shared family calendar, High-resolution photo sharing
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 6 billion downloads |
| Features | Google Messages offers features like group chat, high-quality image and video sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and spam protection for a seamless and secure communication experience. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a reliable and feature-rich app for group chat communication. |
- Tags:
- End-to-end encryption
- Emoji replies
- Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Google Messages is a handy app for keeping your family connected, allowing you to easily manage group chats and stay organized. While it offers helpful features like pinned message threads and starred messages, some users have reported recent issues with search functionality and group chat messages. These issues can be frustrating for users who rely on the app for scheduling, invoicing, or simply staying in touch. However, the app's intuitive interface and convenient features still make it a solid choice for families looking for a reliable messaging platform.
Pros & Cons
- Group chat functionality
- Simple and user-friendly
- Search feature for messages
- Pinned message threads
- Search feature is broken
- Group chat issues
- Opening screen design
Why we chose it?
I love Google Messages for family group chats! It's super simple to use, and I can easily create groups and add everyone, even if they don't have the app. Plus, the built-in RCS features mean we can share high-quality photos and videos without any hassle, and it's really secure with end-to-end encryption, which is important for me. It's just a great, reliable app for keeping in touch with everyone in the family.
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3. Telegram
Secure and private conversations, Unlimited group members and files
Cost:
Free (Free), Telegram Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 1.95 Billion |
| Features | Telegram offers end-to-end encryption, group chats with up to 200,000 members, self-destructing messages, file sharing without limits, voice and video calls, channels for broadcasting to large audiences, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a secure, fast, and feature-rich messaging app for group chats and communication. |
- Tags:
- Fast and secure
- Synced across devices
- Unlimited media and files
Telegram is a fantastic app for family group chats, offering seamless communication across multiple devices. With its lightning-fast speed and unlimited file sharing capabilities, keeping everyone in the loop is effortless. However, the user experience could be further enhanced by addressing some minor quirks. One common gripe is the automatic creation of new threads when a contact joins the group, cluttering up conversations. Additionally, while Telegram's sleek animations and smooth performance are top-notch, some users yearn for features like downloading voice messages as MP3s and the ability to "friend request" contacts, adding a layer of control and transparency to connections.
Pros & Cons
- Fast and secure messaging
- Large group chat support
- Consistent updates and improvements
- Smooth and efficient performance
- Annoying automatic thread creation
- Lack of MP3 voice message download
- Circular video format is inconvenient
Why we chose it?
Telegram is my go-to for family group chats because it's super fast and reliable, even with tons of messages and media. Plus, no limits on file sizes means I can share all those precious family photos and videos without a fuss. And the best part? End-to-end encryption keeps everything private and secure, so I can chat with my family knowing our conversations are safe.
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4. Discord
Voice and video calls, Shared media and files, Customizable group settings
Cost:
Nitro Basic (US$2.99/month), Free (Free)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 467 million downloads |
| Features | Discord offers voice, video, and text chat, screen sharing, custom emojis, direct messages, group chats, server management, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Discord is a great app for family group chat, with features like voice and video calls, direct messaging, and shared channels. |
- Tags:
- Group chat
- Fun games
- High-Quality Streaming
Discord, while primarily known for its gaming community, can also be a powerful app for family group chats. However, recent updates have introduced some frustrating inconsistencies. Users have reported issues with message delivery, notification reliability, and even call stability. While the app still offers strong features like seamless voice calls and customizable profiles, these glitches can make it a less than ideal experience for families looking for consistent communication. If Discord can address these growing pains, it has the potential to become a truly valuable tool for families looking to stay connected.
Pros & Cons
- Great for group voice calls
- Seamless chat for families
- Enables sharing and streaming
- Quick updates and bug fixes
- Messaging issues and delays
- Inconsistent notification settings
- Frequent disconnections during calls
- Unstable app performance
Why we chose it?
Discord is a fantastic choice for family group chats because it's super easy to use, even for the less tech-savvy folks. It's got voice, video, and text chat, so you can connect with everyone no matter what they're up to. Plus, it's got tons of fun features like custom emojis and voice filters, making it a great way to keep everyone entertained and connected.
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5. Life360
Real-time location sharing, Emergency alerts and SOS, Group chat and communication
Cost:
Free (Free), Life360 Premium ($7.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Lifestyle |
| Downloads | Over 146 million downloads |
| Features | Life360 offers real-time location sharing, crash detection, SOS alerts, roadside assistance, identity theft protection, and a family group chat for seamless communication and coordination. |
| Who It’s For | Families and groups looking to stay connected and ensure safety for loved ones. |
- Tags:
- Real-Time Location Sharing
- Comprehensive Safety Features
- SOS Alerts and Crash Detection
Life360 is an app designed for families to stay connected and share their location, offering a sense of security and peace of mind. While it was initially praised for its intuitive design and reliable functionality, recent updates have left users frustrated with bugs and glitches. Some users have reported issues with location alerts, picture updates, and even the paid version's functionality. Although the app still offers a convenient way to communicate with family members, the inconsistent performance and lack of timely customer support have raised concerns about its effectiveness as a reliable family communication tool.
Pros & Cons
- Keeps track of family members
- Allows for group communication
- Provides location updates
- Offers SOS features for emergencies
- Inconsistent app performance
- Customer support lacks resolution
- Limited accuracy for location tracking
Why we chose it?
Life360 is more than just a family group chat app, it's a complete safety and communication hub! I love how it combines real-time location sharing with group messaging and calls, keeping everyone connected and safe. Plus, the place alerts and driving safety features give me peace of mind knowing my family is always accounted for.
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6. Google Chat
Group video calls with family, Shared calendar for family events
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 48 million downloads |
| Features | Google Chat is a feature-rich app for group messaging and collaboration, allowing you to create, share, and work on content with family members. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a secure and organized way to communicate and collaborate. |
- Tags:
- Secure group collaboration
- Integrated content creation
- Powerful search functionality
Google Chat is a mobile app that aims to connect families, but unfortunately, its recent updates have caused some frustration for users. While praised for its easy navigation and intuitive design, the app has been criticized for its frequent UI changes, which many find disruptive and even aesthetically displeasing. The search feature, while helpful, is the only aspect that seems to be consistently working well. The lack of read receipts in group chat and a scheduled send feature also leave some users feeling that the app isn't quite living up to its potential as a robust family communication tool.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use
- Easy to navigate
- Family and friends can use
- Great for group chat
- Email booting issues
- No read receipts in groups
- No scheduled send feature
Why we chose it?
I love Google Chat for family group chats! It's super easy to use, and everyone in my family is already familiar with it. Plus, it's seamlessly integrated with other Google services, so we can easily share files, photos, and even calendar invites. And the best part? It's free!
7. Messenger Kids
Parent-controlled contact list, Kid-friendly video calling, Creative messaging tools
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 46 million downloads |
| Features | Messenger Kids lets kids video chat, send messages, and share photos with family and friends, with parental controls like contact lists, message monitoring, and usage limits. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a safe and fun way for kids to connect with loved ones through a dedicated app. |
- Tags:
- Parental Control
- Fun and creative
- Safe and Secure
Messenger Kids is a fun and easy-to-use app designed specifically for family group chat, allowing children to connect with loved ones through video calls and messages. Parents can rest assured with features like the ability to manage their child's contact list, monitor messages, and set usage limits, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. While some users have expressed frustration with the sleep mode feature, which can interrupt calls and delay messaging, the app offers a valuable resource for families seeking a secure and engaging way to stay connected.
Pros & Cons
- Easy for kids to use
- Fun way to chat with family
- Parents can control settings
- Good for younger children
- Sleep mode disrupts calls
- Glitches and disconnects often
- Not ideal for older children
Why we chose it?
Messenger Kids is the perfect app for families who want to stay connected without worrying about safety. It’s designed specifically for kids, so you can rest assured that they’re only chatting with people you approve. Plus, it’s packed with fun features like stickers, GIFs, and drawing tools, making it a great way for kids to express themselves and have fun with family. Messenger Kids is free, easy to use, and completely safe for kids, making it my top choice for family group chats.
8. GroupMe
Easy to add members, Customizable notification settings, Shared media and GIFS
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 30 million downloads |
| Features | GroupMe is a free app that allows you to create group chats with friends, family, and colleagues, enabling easy sharing of messages, photos, and GIFs with customizable notifications. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a simple and reliable app for group chat |
- Tags:
- Free group chat
- Cross-platform messaging
- Customizable notifications
GroupMe, a popular app for family group chat, promises to keep you connected with the people you love. While lauded for its simplicity and ease of use, recent updates have drawn mixed reactions from users. Many complain about the clunky new "Like" feature, which now requires double-tapping to access, and the relocation of the "Like" icons below each message, making conversations less readable. The new "react" feature is also criticized for cluttering the message flow and obscuring the content. Some users lament the loss of the familiar, text-like layout that made GroupMe so appealing, wishing for an option to revert to the previous design. Despite these concerns, GroupMe remains a valuable tool for families who want to stay connected and share life's moments, big and small.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- Convenient group chat features
- Great for family communication
- Supports multiple messaging formats
- Recent updates less efficient
- New UI layout less readable
- Like feature now inconvenient
Why we chose it?
GroupMe is a fantastic choice for family group chats because it’s super easy to use and doesn’t require everyone to have the app - they can chat via SMS! The clean interface makes it simple to manage multiple family groups, and shared photos and videos keep everyone in the loop.
9. JusTalk Kids
Safe video and voice calls, Fun educational content included
Cost:
Free (Free), JusTalk Kids Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 4 million downloads |
| Features | JusTalk Kids allows children to video chat, send messages, and play games with friends and family in a safe, moderated environment. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a fun and secure way for kids to connect with loved ones |
- Tags:
- Safe Communication
- Fun Learning Tools
- Encrypted Privacy
JusTalk Kids is a delightful app for family group chat, designed with young children in mind. It allows for easy communication between kids and their loved ones, fostering a sense of connection and independence. While the app shines in its simplicity and user-friendliness, a few features are missing that would make it truly exceptional for family group chat. Parents find it comforting knowing their children can easily reach them, but the app's current limitation to one-on-one calls makes it less appealing for larger family gatherings. If the developers were to add multi-party calling and other features like customizable chat bubbles and group drawing, it would become an essential tool for families to stay connected and share experiences.
Pros & Cons
- Easy for kids to use
- Great for family contact
- User-friendly interface
- Good sound quality
- Limited group chat
- Calls end randomly
- Lack of customization
Why we chose it?
JusTalk Kids is a fantastic choice for family group chat! It's super safe and kid-friendly, making it perfect for keeping in touch with little ones. With features like video calls, voice messages, and even fun games, JusTalk Kids provides a playful way for families to connect and stay close, no matter where they are. Plus, it's totally free!
10. Kinzoo
Safe video calls with friends, Group chat with family members
Cost:
Free (Free), Kinzoo Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 598,000 |
| Features | Kinzoo allows for safe video calls, picture sharing, text messaging, and video sharing with chosen family and friends, all without the need for a phone number, making it ideal for family group chat. |
| Who It’s For | Families, Kids (ages 6+), Parents, Extended Family |
- Tags:
- Safe video calling
- Fun and educational games
- Age-Appropriate Content
Kinzoo is a game-changer for families looking for a safe and engaging way to stay connected. This app, designed specifically for family group chat, offers a secure platform that keeps kids entertained and parents reassured. With seamless video calling, fun games like "Drawn Together," and a wealth of stickers, Kinzoo goes beyond simple messaging to create shared experiences and lasting memories. And, unlike other platforms, Kinzoo is completely independent, ensuring that your family's digital conversations stay within your own private circle.
Pros & Cons
- Perfect messaging app for kids
- Parents can monitor and control
- Smooth and clear video calling
- Fun games like Drawn Together
- Minor issues with sticker loading
- Still under development, needs adjustments
- No connection to other media platforms
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Kinzoo for family group chats! It's designed with kids in mind, so it's super safe and easy to use. The video calls are crystal clear, and I love that my kids can share pictures and videos with their grandparents without worrying about privacy issues. Plus, the built-in games and stories make it so much more engaging than just plain old texting!
11. Fambase
Live video calls and chat, Customizable group permissions, Shared calendars and to-do lists
Cost:
Free (Free), Fambase Pro ($10/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Lifestyle |
| Downloads | Over half a million downloads |
| Features | Fambase offers group chat, live features, multicast, group management roles, and customizable group permissions. |
| Who It’s For | Fambase is an app for family group chat and staying connected with loved ones. |
- Tags:
- Live Video Chat
- Multicast Messaging
- Customizable Permissions
Fambase is an app for family group chat that keeps everyone connected, even across different devices. While it excels at bringing families together, some users, particularly those on Android, have encountered connectivity issues and lagging updates compared to their iPhone counterparts. Despite these technical hiccups, Fambase offers a vibrant community experience with features like live chat and group management tools. However, features like personalized notifications and integrated payment options would enhance the experience for many users, making it even more user-friendly and catering to diverse needs.
Pros & Cons
- Great for family group chats
- Easy to share photos and videos
- Keeps families connected remotely
- Provides a safe space for families
- Android version lags behind
- Connection issues on Android
- Limited notification customization
Why we chose it?
Fambase is my go-to for family group chats because it's super easy to use, packed with features like live video and audio, and keeps everyone organized with group roles and permissions. It's the perfect way to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they are!
12. Stars Messenger Kids Safe Chat
Private, safe, and free messaging, Video chat with family and friends
Cost:
Free Plan (Free), Stars Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 364 thousand downloads |
| Features | Stars Messenger Kids offers private, safe, and free messaging, video chat, and group video chat for kids and families, with features like friend codes, group codes, and optional parent view. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a safe and fun way to connect with each other through messaging and video calls. |
- Tags:
- Private and Safe
- No Phone Number Required
- Parent View Optional
Stars Messenger Kids Safe Chat is a fantastic app for families seeking a secure and limited way for kids to connect with loved ones. Parents rave about its simplicity and safety features, particularly its lack of ads, in-app purchases, and random contacts. While some users have experienced occasional glitches with message delivery and notifications, the app's core functionality for family group chat remains strong. Users appreciate the peace of mind knowing their children are communicating within a safe and controlled environment.
Pros & Cons
- Safe and secure for kids
- Limited, controlled contact list
- No ads or in-app purchases
- Simple and easy to use
- Message delivery inconsistencies
- Notification issues for video/voice chat
- Limited customization options
Why we chose it?
Stars Messenger Kids is a fantastic choice for family group chats because it's super safe and kid-friendly! You can rest easy knowing your little ones are only chatting with people you approve of thanks to its unique Friend Code system. Plus, voice and video calls are crystal clear, making it perfect for staying connected with loved ones near and far!
13. kChat
Parental control for safety, Group chat for families, Easy to use interface
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 100,000 downloads |
| Features | kChat offers a safe and controlled environment for family communication, featuring full parental control, secure messaging, and the ability to create private group chats. |
| Who It’s For | Families looking for a secure and controlled app for family group chat. |
- Tags:
- Parental Control
- Kid-Friendly Interface
- Safe Messaging
kChat is a fantastic app for family group chat that lets kids connect and chat with friends and family, all while keeping parents in control. This user-friendly app makes it easy for kids to create groups, send messages, share pictures, and even video chat, all with the added security of parental approval for friend requests and group additions. While the app might be newer and still gaining traction, it offers a safe and fun environment for kids to communicate, making it a perfect tool for families who want to stay connected and keep their children safe online.
Pros & Cons
- Fast signup and easy use
- Chat with anyone, make groups
- Great for kids with ADHD/Autism
- Perfect for kids needing company
- Limited user base currently
- Setup might require parental help
- No specific features for family chat
Why we chose it?
kChat is the perfect app for family group chats because it prioritizes safety and control. I love that parents have complete control over who their kids can chat with, and the app doesn't require kids to have their own phone numbers or devices. Plus, it's incredibly user-friendly, making it easy for everyone in the family to jump in and join the conversation!
14. FamilyChat
Secure group messaging for families, Unlimited free calls and video chat
Download:
Application information
| Category | Communication |
| Downloads | Over 8,000 downloads |
| Features | FamilyChat offers free unlimited messaging, group video calls, voice calls, media sharing, and automatic chat deactivation after three days of inactivity. |
| Who It’s For | Families and friends looking for a secure and user-friendly app for group chat and communication. |
- Tags:
- Free Audio/Video Calls
- Unlimited Family Messaging
- Auto-Disable Inactive Chats
FamilyChat is an app for family group chat that goes beyond the ordinary, focusing on creating a secure and engaging space for families to connect. This app stands out for its intuitive interface and innovative features like the AI Chat Assistant, making it easy for families to stay in touch. With features like end-to-end encryption and the unique three-day chat disable option, FamilyChat prioritizes privacy and ensures that communication stays focused within the family circle. Whether you're sharing updates, funny memories, or just need a quick check-in, FamilyChat provides a reliable and secure platform for families to stay connected.
Pros & Cons
- Focuses on family communication
- User-friendly interface and secure
- Reliable performance and privacy-focused
- Unique three-day chat disable feature
- No specific cons mentioned
- No specific cons mentioned
- No specific cons mentioned
Why we chose it?
FamilyChat is my go-to for family group chat because it's super easy to use, even for my tech-challenged relatives! I love that it encourages regular interaction with its "chat inactivity" feature, and the media sharing options make it perfect for sharing memories and updates.