“Text me” might mean sending an SMS or opening a conversation on a messaging app. The choice matters when you’re keeping in touch with family abroad or setting up a group that everyone can join. You can send an SMS to someone’s phone number, while most messaging apps require both of you to use the same service.
Texting and instant messaging differ in who you can reach, what you can send, and how you’re charged.
What Are Texting and Instant Messaging?
People often say “texting” whether they’re sending an SMS or chatting on a messaging app. This comparison focuses on SMS texting and internet-based instant messaging, with MMS covered for sending photos and videos.
An SMS is a text-only message sent to a phone number. MMS lets you send media, such as photos or videos, through your carrier’s messaging service. The recipient doesn’t need an account with a separate messaging service to receive them.
Instant messaging sends messages over the internet through services such as imo, WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage. On an iPhone, the Messages app can send both iMessages and carrier text messages. RCS is another messaging service supported by Google Messages and compatible iPhones, so a message sent from a built-in app isn’t necessarily an SMS.
Key Differences Between Texting and Instant Messaging
|
Feature |
SMS texting |
Instant messaging |
|
Connection |
Carrier messaging service; mobile data usually isn’t required |
Internet access through Wi-Fi or mobile data |
|
Contact requirements |
Their SMS-capable phone number |
Usually an account on the same messaging service |
|
Cost |
Depends on your texting plan and destination |
Depends on the service and your internet or data costs |
|
Photos and files |
SMS itself carries text; media uses another service, such as MMS |
Supported formats and file limits vary by app |
|
Read receipts |
No standard read receipts |
Often available, depending on the app and privacy settings |
|
End-to-end encryption |
Not provided by standard SMS |
Available in some services and conversation types |
Network Requirements
You can send an SMS without mobile data if your phone can connect to your carrier’s messaging service. An instant message needs an internet connection to reach the service and then the recipient.
If you have working Wi-Fi but poor cellular coverage, an internet messaging app may still work. Some carriers and devices also let you send SMS over Wi-Fi through Wi-Fi Calling.
Contacts and Device Compatibility
SMS is convenient when you have a phone number but don’t know which apps the person uses. With instant messaging services, both people need an account on the same service. Before moving a family group to an app, check that everyone’s phone can run it.
Some messaging services offer desktop apps or browser access, but the available features and history may differ from the phone version.
Google Messages for web can send SMS through a connection to your phone, with the same carrier charges that would apply on the mobile app.
Costs and International Messaging
SMS may already be included in your mobile plan. If you mostly send short messages within that allowance, switching services may not save you money.
Sending an international SMS from home and texting while abroad may be charged differently. Check whether your plan includes both international texts and texts sent while roaming.
Free personal messaging services generally use your internet connection rather than charging an international SMS fee for each message. Sending videos over a roaming connection can add to your bill even when the messaging app itself is free.
Photos, Voice Messages, and Group Chats
For a short address or arrival update, plain text may be all you need. Adding a photo or video means using a service other than SMS. MMS supports photos and videos, but file-size limits can lead to compression or prevent a large file from sending. RCS supports higher-quality photos and more group chat features when it’s available and enabled for everyone in the conversation.
On imo, you can send photos, videos, voice messages, and files, then move to a voice or video call when typing becomes inconvenient. Messaging apps also have file-size limits, and some compress photos unless you choose a higher-quality setting.
Privacy and Message Status
Standard SMS and MMS don’t provide end-to-end encryption. Some instant messaging services do, but the protection depends on the service and conversation type.
For RCS, end-to-end encryption depends on the supported setup of everyone in the conversation. Check the conversation’s security details or encryption indicator to see whether end-to-end encryption is active.
Standard SMS doesn’t show whether someone has read your message. Many instant messaging apps offer read receipts, though users may be able to turn them off. On imo, you can choose who can see your read status. Hiding your read status from someone also means you won’t see theirs.
Should You Use Texting or Instant Messaging?
If you just need to send a quick update and have someone’s number, SMS is often enough. You can send it without mobile data as long as carrier messaging is available.
For ongoing conversations with photos, voice messages, or group plans, instant messaging gives you more ways to communicate. On imo, you can also start a voice or video call from the same chat.
If you regularly contact friends or family abroad, a messaging app can help you avoid international SMS charges. The savings depend on your plan: international texts may already be included, while mobile data can cost extra, especially when roaming.
You don’t have to use one for everything. A messaging app can handle your regular conversations, with SMS as a backup when someone has no internet access or doesn’t use the same app.