I use Google messenger. Verizon's Message+ is good because you can also download that for your computer, ipad, etc. So you can seamlessly text from any device or computer. The problem with Message+ is the multiple repeat entries for each contact.
I decided to give Message+ a shot and its really quite good to my pleasant surprise. I have used Textra in the past but I am happy with Message+!
I miss the pop up messages though.
Can you get just a banner pop up on the lock screen instead of the message preview using messages+? I tried disabling the preview and it still happens.