Among the fastest growing social networks today, you’ll find plenty of chat apps.In fact, it could be argued that instant messaging (IM) is the way forward for social networks, which is why Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion and Twitter opened up its Direct Messages.
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Sep 15, 2017 10 Best Instant Chat Messenger Alternatives for PC/Mac. The integration of instant messenger and popular online services has reduced the need for an IM client, especially when comes to a PC platform, but it hasn't vanished completely. As developers are getting crazy about instant messaging function for mobile devices, we can see so many IM apps provided for your Android/iPhone. Adium is probably the most popular third-party chat client. You can connect it to AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, Twitter, MobileMe, IRC, Bonjour, Jabber, plus a few more. It's a great way to keep most (if not all) of your various chat clients in order. Adium is an open-source instant messaging program client for Mac OS X that has a beautiful interface and reliable features. It is not as robust as Pidgin when it comes to features, but it is definitely worth a look for Mac OS X users. BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) is the best way to connect and share instant messages, pictures and more for free, in real time.
- Telegram is the best alternative to Whatsapp. It’s multiplatform, simple and free.
- September 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Facebook Messenger, the official Facebook app, allows you to instantly reach friends on their smart phones, feature phones or desktop computers. Also available here for iOS, and Windows Phone.
- September 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Android/iOS
- Download the latest version of WhatsApp Messenger for free. Enjoy texts, voice notes and free phone calls.
- September 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Download the latest version of WhatsApp Messenger for free. Enjoy texts, voice notes and free phone calls.
- September 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Franz is a free messaging app that combines chat & messaging services into one application. Franz currently supports Slack, WhatsApp, WeChat, HipChat, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Hangouts, GroupMe, Skype, and more. Best free email program for mac.
- September 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux
- This official 'Lite' Facebook Messenger app is designed to be more efficient with data and work in all network conditions, especially slower mobile connections.
- September 5, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- There are no limits. Call and message as much as you want.
- September 5, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Make calls, send messages and much more - freely and securely. Viber works on most Android, iOS, and Windows 10 devices, as well as Mac and Windows computers.
- September 4, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Snapchat is the fastest way to share a moment with friends. You control how long your friends can view your message - simply set the timer up to ten seconds and send.
- September 4, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Like WhatsApp Web, the desktop app is an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.
- September 4, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS
- Real-time messaging that works. Get full access to your messages and archives, upload files easily, and receive notifications whether you’re at your desk or on the go.
- August 30, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Skype is free and simple software that will enable you to make free calls anywhere in the world in minutes.
- August 28, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux/Android
- Skype allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet.
- August 28, 2019
- Freeware
- macOS
- The next generation of Skype is available in preview on desktop computers. We’re committed to providing a Skype experience you love, enhancing the way you talk, text, and experience the world—all from the comfort of your desktop.
- August 26, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android
- All-in-one voice and text chat for gamers that’s free, secure, and works on both your desktop and phone. Stop paying for TeamSpeak servers and hassling with Skype. Simplify your life.
- August 23, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Duo is a one-to-one video calling mobile app for everyone – designed to be simple, reliable and fun so you never miss a moment.
- August 19, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Send files from your PC to mobile, Facebook and Google+ friends.
- August 16, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS
- Free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype, whether they’re on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC, as well as IMs to your friends and family, no matter where they are.
- August 15, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Trillian is a multinetwork chat client that currently supports mIRC, AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo Messenger.
- August 6, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows
- IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a virtual meeting place where people from all over the world can meet and talk.
- July 27, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows
- Free text messaging and free video calls with more than 300 million people. Now also available for Windows and Mac desktop computers.
- July 19, 2019
- Freeware
- Multiple OS
- Trillian is a multinetwork chat client that currently supports mIRC, AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo Messenger.
- July 18, 2019
- Freeware
- macOS
- KakaoTalk is a fast and multifaceted messaging app. Send messages, photos, videos, voice notes and your location for free. Make chatting extra fun with an array of emoticons and sticker collections.
- July 16, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux
- LINE is a new communication app which allows you to make FREE voice calls and send FREE messages whenever and wherever you are, 24 hours a day. LINE has more than 150 million users worldwide and is used in over 230 countries.
- June 27, 2019
- Freeware
- macOS
- TeamTalk is a conferencing system which enables a group of people to collaborate and share information
- June 26, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux/Android
- Free, Open Source and Cross Platform messaging and emailing app that combines common web applications into one.
- June 24, 2019
- Freeware
- Windows
- Free calls, text messages, photo and video sharing – one app with all the functions you need to keep in touch with friends. Use ICQ and don’t worry about rates.
- June 21, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- Hangouts brings one-on-one and group conversations to life with photos, emoji, and video calls for free. Connect with friends across computers, Android and Apple devices. Brought to you by Google. (Replaces Google Talk)
- May 14, 2019
- Freeware
- Android
- LAN messenger from Softros. Instant LAN messaging software for offices.
- April 4, 2019
- Free to Try
- Windows
- BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) is the best way to connect and share instant messages, pictures and more for free, in real time.
- March 25, 2019
- Freeware
- Android/iOS
- WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for iPhone and other smartphones.
- July 31, 2018
- Subscription
- Apple iOS
- Pidgin is a multi-protocol instant messaging client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows.
- July 12, 2018
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux
- Supercharge team collaboration with group chat and IM.
- June 22, 2018
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux/Android
- Share photos instantly, send GIFs and even unsend messages. It’s the fastest way to keep in touch with friends.
- June 11, 2018
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS
- Instant messaging allows you to quickly exchange messages with your online friends.
- June 11, 2018
- Freeware
- macOS
- Bring your teams together in a place that makes it easy to keep people and work connected.
- May 22, 2018
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Android/iOS
- Multi protocol instant messenger client.
- April 26, 2018
- Freeware
- Windows
- KakaoTalk is a fast and multifaceted messaging app. Send messages, photos, videos, voice notes and your location for free. Make chatting extra fun with an array of emoticons and sticker collections.
- October 26, 2017
- Freeware
- Android
- Start a free video chat, voice or text group chat with anyone on any device.
- October 24, 2017
- Freeware
- Windows
- Tor Messenger is a cross-platform chat program that aims to be secure by default and sends all of its traffic over Tor.
- October 11, 2017
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux
- Allows internet users to communicate via private, personalized text messages.
- October 5, 2017
- Ad Supported
- Windows/macOS
- Adium is a multiple protocol instant messaging client.Some of the best Mac apps come pre-installed Some Of The Best Mac Software Comes Pre-Installed Some Of The Best Mac Software Comes Pre-Installed While many Windows systems come bloated with crap you will never need or want, Mac OS X provides these following gems. Read More.With a little planning, you can use these apps in unusual ways for organizing your work and life. Vijournal.
- April 28, 2017
- Freeware
- macOS
- 50 million users love Kik! It's the fast, simple, and personal smartphone messenger that connects you to everyone you love to talk to.
- March 23, 2017
- Freeware
- Android/iOS/Windows Phone
- Trillian helps you organize your online life with its powerful and flexible interface for IM, social networks, content syndication, the Web, and email.
- February 21, 2017
- Freeware
- Windows
- Fleep enables communication within and across organizations - be it your team chats, project communication or 1:1 conversations.
- November 16, 2016
- Freeware
- Windows
- Use messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Skype and many more in one app.
- September 28, 2016
- Freeware
- Windows/macOS/Linux
- Say “hello” to friends and family with an instant message, voice or video call on Skype for free. There’s so much you can do, right from the palm of your hand.
- September 28, 2016
- Freeware
- Apple iOS
- Skype is free and simple software that will enable you to make free calls anywhere in the world in minutes.
- January 16, 2017
- Freeware
- Linux
- WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
- October 18, 2017
- Freeware
- Windows Phone
- Free video and voice calls, texts, photo sharing, games and more.
- June 14, 2016
- Freeware
- Windows/Android/iOS
The competition for best instant messaging client on Mac is tough, and while the platform is full of good contenders, we believe Adium wins out thanks to its high level of customizability, broad support for different IM services, and open-sourced codebase.
Adium
Platform: Mac OS X
Price: Free, open source
Download Page
Price: Free, open source
Download Page
Features
- Supports AIM, GTalk, Jabber, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, IRC, ICQ, and just about any other service you could use to send an instant message or communicate in real-time via text.
- Tabbed chats
- Highly theme-able, letting you make your buddy lists and chat windows look just about any way you want. On top of that, you can add custom sound sets.
- Adium supports extensions, so you can add new features that don't already come with the app.
- Excellent chat logging system
- Support for 27 different languages
- Integrates with the OS X Address Book app
Where It Excels
Adium is lightweight, supports just about every type of IM account you could think to use, and is incredibly customizable. Not only can you theme the look of just about every aspect of the app, but you can change the alert sounds and install extensions to add more functionality. Adium has a separate domain, AdiumXtras.com, for housing the many customization options. If you want some great examples, try Pretty Simple for your message style, Tokyo Train Station for your sound set, and HUD for your buddy list style. If you want what you see in the screenshot, here's what you'll need:
Free Instant Messenger Programs
- Service Icons: Glowing (transparent)
- Status Icons: SimpleGray
- Menu Bar Icons: Leopard
- Emoticons: MacThemes2
- Dock Icon: Flurry Adium
- Contact List Color Theme: Pretty Simple
- List Layout: Pretty Simple
- Window Style: Borderless
- Message Style: Pretty Simple
- Message Style Variant: Background 8
Adium is a great IM client on its own, but also provides you with the ability to add what you think is missing, so there are few missing features you can't add yourself.
Best Instant Messenger Program For Mac And Pc
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Where It Falls Short
Beyond text chat, you can't do much else. Adium has long been without support for voice and video chat. While those features are certainly secondary to standard instant messaging, it's still annoying to have to open iChat or Skype when you'd prefer to talk without typing.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126097511/545244771.jpg)
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The Competition
iChat is an obvious alternative, and may be worthwhile if you video/audio chat often and only use one of the few IM services it supports. While Trillian is another popular multi-protocol IM client that's now available for Mac, the free version is ad-supported and the paid version costs $12 per year. While some clients outpace Adium in certain areas, or have comparable feature set, Adium wins by virtue of offering the most important features, implemented in the best ways with the fewest drawbacks.
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Lifehacker's App Directory is a new and growing directory of recommendations for the best applications and tools in a number of given categories. This week, we're focusing on IM clients.
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