Text Messaging alternative apps?

Does anyone out there recommend any free apps that provide texting through an app without actually having to use standard text messages? I know I can do it through the Google Voice app, but I was wondering if there were any other apps out there. Thanks!

Accepted answers

Jax_Omen

For what you want (texting without using SMS, but having the recipient receive it as an SMS), Google Voice is the only option I'm aware of.

If the recipient is another Android user you could always just email their gmail account: those are delivered in real time and would be roughly equivalent to texting...

All comments

Wildman

Handcent is one of the more popular app used by users...

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.handcent.nextsms&feature=search_result

Jax_Omen

Ann154

Or Google Talk aka Gtalk can be used to send "text messages" to another person with a gmail address. I use this a lot instead of true text messaging.

Wildman

I misunderstood the explanation, I just thought the wanted another app than the stock one, my mistake..... Google Voice will probally be the best option.

DroidudeAZ

Anyone have any experience with GoSMSPro? I've been using it for about a week and I like it so far.

Jax_Omen

I use GoSMSPro, although I found that I prefer using it with the "pro" features disabled, as regular GoSMS >_>