Here’s the Deal

IM+ vs iMessage

58 21

60 23

When comparing IM+ vs iMessage, the Slant community recommends iMessage for most people. In the question“What are the best messaging apps for iOS?” iMessage is ranked 5th while IM+ is ranked 24th.

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

Common Questions

What are the best messaging apps for iOS?

What is the best IM client for iOS?

Pros

Pro
Can send encrypted messages

IM+ has the most extensive client support out of any of its competition and is the only app with the ability to send secure, off-the-record messages.

Pro
Simple user interface

IM+ does the core IM experience incredibly well. The layout is intuitive to use and the very high app store reviews indicate how stable and user friendly the app is.

Pro
Advanced chat history

Access your messaging history in the app or on the web

Pro
View Twitter feed

Pro
Off-the-Record Messaging (As a paid upgrade)

Pro
Group Chats

Skype, MSN, AIM, and ICQ only

Pro
Photo, voice, video and IM messaging

Pro
Web application to chat from your desktop or laptop

Pro
Extensive client support

IM+ has the most extensive client support out of any of its competition:

Facebook
Skype
MSN/Live Messenger
GTalk
Yahoo!
AIM/iChat
ICQ
Twitter
Jabber
Renren
VKontakte
Odnoklassniki.Ru
Mail.Ru Agent
Gadu-Gadu
MeinVZ
SINA Weibo
mig33
Fetion
Mamba
Yandex IM.

Pro
Secure end-to-end encryption

Pro
Cross-platform within Apple ecosystem

iMessage is available on iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac.

Pro
Supports voice messages

Short voice recordings/messages can be quickly sent, and messages can be easily dictated into written messages as well.

Pro
Free and unlimited messages over Wi-Fi and data

Messages clearly indicates whether messages are being sent over iMessage (blue) or SMS (green) where messaging rates apply. iMessages do not count as SMS messages with your carrier, instead they use a negligible amount of data to send over Wi-Fi and cellular data networks.

Pro
Clear indicators for message delivery and receipt

The app indicates when messages have been sent, when they have been read, and when someone is typing.

Pro
Comes pre-installed

No need to download or sign up for a new service.

Pro
Seamlesss switching between SMS messages

Pro
Friends don't need to "sign up"

You can just message them using their existing phone number or Apple ID and they will get your message.

Pro
Clean UI

UI is minimalistic, and clear. And there is a plethora of stuff on the left of text box if you wanna use them.

Pro
Apps and games for iMessage are available

For example, you can play games like pool or you can show someone a destination to go to.

Ad
Cons

No cons yet!

Con
Not cross-platform

iMessage is not available on anything but Apple devices.

Con
Can't send separate texts to individuals who share a Contact record

iMessage is an utter disaster. It can't send separate texts to anyone who is on a shared Contact record but with separate mobile phone numbers (e.g., "Paul and Angie Smith"). It merges ALL threads that ever went to ANYONE on that shared Contact record. Want to text just the husband to set up a surprise party for the wife? Not possible. iMessage will ONLY add that new text to the EXISTING thread you had with the wife. Duh! iMessage is pitifully incompetent.

Con
Blocking Spam Messages takes 3 steps more than is needed

You have to open the message, select the sender, open info on the sender, then block sender. The default Android message app, select the message, block sender. it automatically deletes the message and blocks the sender.