Which messenger app is good in 2023?

Question

Facebook finally closed down the Messenger Lite app&sup1; that I've been relying on since the main Messenger app became so overburdened with adverts that I couldn't bear to use it any more. Now I'm looking for a replacement.Mostly this will be for my wife and myself, on Android, but we'd prefer something where we can reasonably easily connect with our friends. Adverts (and Meta) are a dealbreaker, paying for the service isn't. I've lost track of which app Google are abandoning next, and I don't love the idea of tying identity to a phone number. I'd prefer something I can use from the (Linux) desktop as well.What do you recommend? Help me HN, you're my only hope...---&sup1; https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/24/meta-is-shutting-down-messenger-lite-for-android-in-september/

smt88 · Accepted Answer

WhatsApp is building interoperability due to EU regulations and most of your friends probably have it already anyway.The best mainstream messenger is Signal, but it's less likely your friends have it and it isn't going to be interoperable soon or (probably) ever.

samketchup · Answer

I use Signal and the android app is great