Best Messaging App

I tried Messages+ and was impressed, but I couldn't let Textra go. More than anything, Textra lets you mark the message as read by dismissing the notification. I know it seems like a really minor feature, but I live by it. I can't stand dismissing a notification only to open the app and see the message still unread.
 
I'm assuming I don't need to be a Verizon customer to use their messaging app, correct? Are there features I may miss or not be able to use not being a customer?
 
I pretty sure anyone can use the Verizon app. I don't think you're missing out on anything by not being a Verizon customer
 
If you're not on Verizon, you can't sync messages across all your devices. You can still use Messages+ as a stand-alone messaging app. I have an AT&T iPhone 7 and messages are not synced, whereas my 4 Verizon devices all sync.
 
I use Textra. Its just sad that Google cant make one consistent messaging app. I actually like the Google Messenger, but its performance is terrible on my pixel. I have a message thread with 52000 messages. On Textra ... Its butter on a bowling alley lane. WIth Google Messenger, its wet concrete and molasses in the winter. They just need two of us and we can fix their whole messaging problem. Saving them thousands of dollars.
 
Hangouts is a must for me, and with free wifi video calling, and sending free pictures its the only one you'll ever need PERIOD!
 
I would have nothing against Google Messenger if Google would just allow dismissing notifications to mark things as read. Same gripe about Gmail. If I swipe the notification away, I'VE READ IT. Make it an option at least so people who don't want the functionality can turn it off. It seems so simple, I don't understand why they can't add that.
 
Hangouts is a must for me, and with free wifi video calling, and sending free pictures its the only one you'll ever need PERIOD!
Except Google specifically told users not to get dependant on it for SMS, which makes a lot of us VERY nervous.
 
Thanks for turning me on to Textra, this coming from a long time Handcent user.

Even with my very simple texting needs I find text it wonderful. Specifically that I can swipe away a text and it delete from my notification bar, rather than having to open the app to delete it from my notification bar