Google Messages is one of the most popular messaging apps on the Play Store – at least it’s far better than most pre-installed messaging apps. As testament to this, Google Messages has recently seen its 500 millionth download.

Features like a dark mode, built-in Assistant functionality, and and a modern clean design make Messages a great replacement for any SMS app. Even with so many downloads, the app still sports a 4.2 star rating from over a million reviews. Google’s doing something right.

If Google wants to break the top spots of the Play Store, it still has a way to go to beat Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp at over 1 billion installs each.

Messages comes preinstalled on Pixels and Android One phones, but most other manufacturers choose to provide their own messaging apps. If you’re tired of your pre-installed messaging app and want a better alternative, it’s easy to recommend Google’s own offering.

[appbox googleplay com.google.android.apps.messaging]