When comparing Antox vs Handcent Next SMS, the Slant community recommends Antox for most people. In the question“What are the best messaging apps for Android?” Antox is ranked 28th while Handcent Next SMS is ranked 36th. The most important reason people chose Antox is:
Antox is licensed under Creative Commons with source code available on [GitHub](https://github.com/subliun/Antox). Being open source makes it possible to make sure your messaging are not controlled by a corporation.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros

Pro Free, open source
Antox is licensed under Creative Commons with source code available on GitHub. Being open source makes it possible to make sure your messaging are not controlled by a corporation.

Pro Peer-to-peer
There is no middleman, all communication happens between the users.
Pro Can split a group text
Splitting a group text is a great option, so that follow-up can be personal and not everyone sees every response.
Pro Missed notification reminders
Pro Can text from a PC, Mac or tablet
Texting from another device allows one to not pick up one's phone every minute.
Pro Customizable appearance
Cons
Con High data usage
Antox uses the Tox protocol which is Peer to Peer, so there will be high data usage and battery drain. WiFi only mode is currently recommended for now.
Con Still in early development
Antox is still really early in development, being in beta currently.
Con Battery drain
Antox uses the Tox protocol which is Peer to Peer, so there will be high data usage and battery drain.
Con Name is confusing
In your app drawer you'll see "Next SMS" but in Google Play "Handcent" is the first word of the app. That might confuse some people.
Con Texting from a PC, Mac or tablet requires extra work
