What is the best app for a group chat or community?

Discord is the best free app for communities, gaming groups and clubs, with voice rooms, channels and moderation tools. For family and friend groups, a WhatsApp or Signal group is simpler. Some Discord servers contain adult content, so check Family Center settings for teens.

Sites last checked 15 Oct 2026. How we test

Our pick

Discord

Our pick

Voice, video, channels and moderation, all free.

Free plan + paid Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone No ads · 2 trackers

Report card Open

Discord homepage on a phone — Discord on a phone, captured 15 Oct 2026

Also good

WhatsApp

Good

Encrypted messages and calls, used everywhere.

Free Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Web No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

Signal

Good

The private messenger. Nonprofit, encrypted.

Free Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

Telegram

Good

Big groups and channels. Not encrypted by default.

Free plan + paid Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux, Web No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

More in Talk