India is a mobile-first nation. From morning chai to late-night work calls, most of our conversations happen on a smartphone screen. For years, WhatsApp has dominated messaging in India, but the digital landscape is shifting. With the government’s Vocal for Local initiative and growing concerns about privacy, many users are exploring the best Indian messaging apps that are made in India.
If you’ve ever wondered “Which is the best Indian messaging app in 2025?” or “Is there a made in India alternative to WhatsApp?”—you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
What Is Instant Messaging?
Instant messaging (IM) is a way of exchanging messages in real time over the internet, making conversations faster and more interactive compared to traditional SMS. While SMS relies on mobile networks and often charges per message, instant messaging is typically free as long as you have access to mobile data or WiFi.
What makes instant messaging powerful is how much it has evolved. Today’s apps are not just about typing text. You can send photos, videos, documents, voice notes, GIFs, stickers, and emojis that make conversations more expressive. Many apps also include voice calls, video calls, group chats, community channels, and even payment options, turning them into all-in-one communication platforms.
For Indian users, instant messaging goes a step further with regional language support. Apps like JioChat and Namaste Bharat allow people to chat in their local languages, making digital communication more inclusive. This is especially important in a diverse country like India, where not everyone is comfortable with English.
In simple terms, instant messaging has become the default way Indians connect daily—whether it’s families sharing updates, friends sending memes, students coordinating projects, or businesses managing teams. That’s why exploring the best Indian messaging apps is important: they’re designed with local needs in mind and often act as homegrown alternatives to WhatsApp and other global apps.
6 Best Indian Messaging Apps
Indian Messenger
Indian Messenger is one of the earliest homegrown apps that tried to offer an Indian alternative to WhatsApp. It was developed with the idea of giving users a familiar chat experience while keeping the focus on data security and privacy within India.
Key Features:
- Text Messaging: Send and receive instant text messages.
- Voice and Video Calls: Make high-quality voice and video calls.
- File Sharing: Share documents, images, and other files seamlessly.
- Status Updates: Post and view status updates.
- Group Chats: Create and participate in group conversations.
- Chat Requests: Send chat requests to connect with new users.
- Global Search: Search for users by name, username, or contact number.
- Privacy Settings: Customize profile privacy according to user preferences.
Availability:
The app is available for download on Appstore and Playstore
Overall Rating:
The app has received positive feedback from users, with an average rating of 4.3 stars based on over 130,000 downloads.
Why It Stands Out:
Indian Messenger distinguishes itself by prioritizing user privacy and data security, offering a lightweight and user-friendly interface. It caters to users seeking a secure Indian messaging app for daily use, providing essential features without unnecessary complexity.
JioChat
Built by Reliance Jio, JioChat blends messaging, video conferencing, and entertainment into one seamless app experience for Indian users. It fits naturally within the Jio ecosystem, making it especially smooth for millions of Jio subscribers.
Key Features:
- HD Voice & Video Calls: Crystal-clear one-to-one calls and group video conferences.
- Group Chats for up to 500 members: Great for communities, families, or local groups.
- Stickers & Emoticons in Indian Languages: Enjoy 1,000+ fun stickers in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, and more.
- Branded Channels & Bite-Sized Stories: Follow brands, receive updates, and watch short videos from content creators.
- App in 10+ Regional Languages: Choose from Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, and Odia.
- File Sharing & More: Send documents, images, voice notes, and even play instant games
Availability:
JioChat is available for Android, iOS, and JioPhone, and can be downloaded via the Google Play Store or iOS App Store.
Overall Rating:
The app has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on user feedback on platforms like GetApp and Capterra. Users highlight its rich features and call quality, though a few mention occasional bugs
Sandes
Background:
Sandes is a secure, Indian-built messaging platform developed under the Digital India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives. Created by the Government of India through the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it’s designed to serve both citizens and government officials with encrypted messaging on government-hosted infrastructure.
Key Features:
- End-to-End Encryption: Messages, media, calls, and backups are encrypted to ensure data security.
- Verified User Profiles: Government accounts can be verified for official communication, enhancing trust.
- Message Labels: Tag messages as “Confidential,” “Priority,” or “Auto Delete” to manage how others view them.
- File and Media Sharing: Supports documents, images, audio, and video—with higher size limits (e.g., up to 500 MB for media).
- Desktop/Web Version: Use Sandes in your browser or via web app for added flexibility.
- Integration with e-Gov Tools: Works seamlessly with DigiLocker, NIC email, and e-Office for smooth government workflows.
Availability:
Available for Android, iOS, and web. It can be downloaded via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or directly from the government’s Sandes portal.
Overall Rating & Use:
On Google Play, Sandes has over 100,000 downloads and holds an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Users appreciate its security and official backing, though some report minor issues with contact syncing.
Why It Stands Out:
Sandes is arguably the most trusted Indian alternative to WhatsApp, thanks to its government origins and security-first design. It’s increasingly being adopted for official use—like how the Maharashtra government mandated Sandes for all official communication to raise data security standards.
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is an Indian-made workplace collaboration and messaging tool, created by Tvisha Systems to meet internal communication needs and launched publicly in 2018. It’s built for businesses, NGOs, government agencies, and teams that need a secure, multi-channel chat platform tailored for modern workflows.
Key Features:
- Secure Group Chats & 1:1 Messaging with end-to-end encryption to keep communication private and safe.
- Audio & Video Calls including group calls with HD-quality, plus screen sharing and remote control capabilities for seamless presentations.
- Integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier, and upcoming support for Jira and GitHub—great for file sharing and integrating workflows.
- Unique Tools like Burnout for self-destructing chats, Forkout to broadcast to multiple users/groups, Jointly Code for real-time code collaboration, and Orange Member for inviting external stakeholders securely.
- Multiple Deployment Options: SaaS, on-premise self-hosted, Chat APIs, and fully customizable enterprise versions.
Availability:
Troop Messenger supports Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, and Linux—so teams can collaborate on any device, anytime.
Overall Rating & Reviews:
- Capterra showcases high praise with ratings like 5.0 overall and outstanding marks for ease of use and support.
- G2 user reviews highlight its seamless combination of messaging, calls, and screen sharing—also noting self-hosting as a big plus.
- Another user on TechJockey rated it 4.8/5, specifically praising its conferencing and code collaboration tools.
- Teams appreciate features like Orange Member and advanced messaging controls, making it stand out in business communication.
Why It Stands Out:
Troop Messenger shines as an Indian-made alternative to global tools like Slack or Teams, thanks to its robust security, flexible deployment (self-hosted or SaaS), and deep business-friendly features. Features like Burnout, Jointly Code, and Orange Member show it’s designed with real-world collaboration and privacy in mind.
Flock
Background:
Flock is a Made-in-India workplace messaging and collaboration app, launched in 2014 by Bhavin Turakhia. It was built to solve the inefficiencies of email-based workflows by offering a streamlined, chat-based platform for business teams.
Key Features:
- Channels & Team Messaging: Create public and private channels or group chats for different departments and projects.
- Video Conferencing & Screen Sharing: Hold meetings and share screens directly within the app.
- Built-in Productivity Tools: Track tasks with to-dos, create polls or reminders, share notes, and even insert code snippets—all without leaving Flock.
- App Integrations: Tap into Trello, GitHub, Jira, Twitter, Google Drive, Asana, Bitbucket, and more—via a native app store.
- User Experience & Speed: Known for its clean interface and fast performance, Flock promotes fluid communication—users rarely feel bogged down.
- Federated Team Access: Users with the same company email domain can find and connect with each other automatically—no manual invites needed.
Availability:
Flock runs on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Web platforms, making it easy to use across devices.
Nyburs – (Recommended Local-First App)
Nyburs is a modern Indian social and messaging app designed with a simple mission: reduce app fatigue. Instead of switching between 4–5 different apps every day for chatting, networking, and community engagement, Nyburs combines these into one streamlined platform. It’s built in India, for Indian users, with a focus on local discovery and meaningful connections.
Key Features:
Instant Messaging: Smooth, real-time chats with text, voice, and media sharing.
Community Groups: Join or create groups around interests, localities, or professional needs.
Local Discovery: Explore nearby events, businesses, or communities directly from the app.
Personal Branding Tools: Build your online presence through posts, profiles, and content sharing.
Secure Access: Strong privacy controls and identity verification options to protect users.
Availability:
Android: Available on the Google Play Store
iOS: Available on the App Store
Overall Rating & Reviews:
Since it’s a relatively new app, Nyburs is still building its review base. Early adopters highlight its clean interface, reduced dependency on multiple apps, and focus on Indian communities as strong positives.
Why It Stands Out:
Unlike most messaging apps that focus only on chats, Nyburs takes a local-first approach. It blends messaging with social networking and discovery, making it a unique alternative to global apps. For Indian users who feel overwhelmed juggling WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, and local apps, Nyburs offers all-in-one convenience without compromising on security or trust.
Download Nyburs –
For Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nyburs.app&hl=en_IN
For Apple Store – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyburs/id6550898228
Advantages of Messaging Apps
Messaging apps have completely changed the way we connect, both in India and around the world. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
- 1. Free Communication
Unlike traditional SMS, messaging apps work on mobile data or WiFi, which means no extra texting charges. For most people, especially in a mobile-first country like India, this makes staying connected much more affordable.
- 2. Rich Features
Today’s apps go far beyond simple text. You can send voice notes, make video calls, share files, pay bills, and even run group discussions from the same platform. This versatility has turned messaging apps into everyday digital hubs rather than just chat tools.
- 3. Local Language Support
Many Indian-made apps are leading the way in regional language inclusivity. Whether it’s Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, or Marathi, chatting in your preferred language makes conversations more natural and accessible—especially for first-time internet users in rural areas.
- 4. Global Connectivity
With messaging apps, distance no longer matters. Families with members abroad can stay connected instantly and for free, sharing photos, videos, and calls in real time. This global reach is one reason messaging apps have replaced international calling cards.
Disadvantages of Messaging Apps
While messaging apps have become an essential part of our daily lives, they are not without drawbacks. Here are a few challenges users should keep in mind:
- 1. Privacy Concerns
Not every app offers end-to-end encryption or follows strict data protection policies. Some collect user data for ads or analytics, which can put sensitive conversations at risk. For people worried about digital privacy, this is one of the biggest reasons to carefully choose which apps they use.
- 2. Over-Dependence
Messaging apps make it easy to stay connected, but they also encourage constant availability. Many people find themselves replying instantly, even during work or family time. Over time, this can reduce real-world interactions and create a sense of digital fatigue.
- 3. Fragmentation
With so many apps in the market—WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Nyburs, and others—users often juggle multiple platforms. This fragmentation makes communication harder instead of easier, as important messages may be scattered across different apps.
Future Trends in Indian Messaging Apps
The way Indians use messaging apps is changing rapidly. What started as simple text exchanges has now grown into a hub for work, entertainment, shopping, and payments. Looking ahead, here are the trends shaping the future of Indian messaging platforms:
- 1. AI Chatbots
Messaging apps are moving beyond just connecting people. AI-powered chatbots are helping brands provide smarter customer support, faster problem resolution, and even product recommendations. For users, this means instant replies without waiting for human agents—whether it’s tracking an order or booking a service.
- 2. AR/VR Integration
With the rise of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality), messaging could soon feel more immersive and interactive. Imagine attending a birthday party virtually, sending a 3D hologram sticker, or walking through a digital shopping store—all from within a chat window.
- 3. Regional Language Support
India’s strength lies in its diversity, and messaging apps are finally embracing it. Better Indian language support is opening doors for rural and semi-urban users who prefer chatting in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, or Marathi. This not only makes apps more inclusive but also ensures no user is left out because of language barriers.
- 4. Payments and Services
Messaging apps are quickly turning into all-in-one financial tools. From sending money to splitting bills or paying utility charges, many platforms are integrating UPI-based services. This is especially useful for small businesses and daily transactions, making messaging apps a new kind of digital wallet.
Conclusion
India’s digital ecosystem is evolving fast. While global apps like WhatsApp still dominate, Indian messaging apps are quickly catching up by focusing on local needs, privacy, and multi-functionality. If you’re looking for a modern, all-in-one solution, try Nyburs—an app that not only helps you chat but also connects you with communities and opportunities.
It’s time to give homegrown innovation a chance.
FAQs
Which is the best Indian messaging app in 2025?
It depends on your needs. For business, Troop Messenger works well. For everyday use, Nyburs is a great option.
Is there a made in India alternative to WhatsApp?
Yes—apps like Sandes, JioChat, and Nyburs are designed as Indian alternatives to WhatsApp.
3. Are these apps secure for Indian users?
Most Indian apps now use encryption, but always check privacy policies before sharing sensitive data.
Can I use Indian messaging apps internationally?
Yes, most work globally as long as you have data or WiFi.
Are these apps available for both iOS and Android?
Yes, almost all major Indian apps support both platforms.
