America Online Instant Messenger for Mac (AIM for Mac) is a completely revamped version of their messenger client but predictably, it doesn't really offer anything that other messengers can't. Once again, it puts a high emphasis on sounds allowing you to configure a new sound for every buddy when they come online or contact you. You can also add a huge number of AIM Plug-ins including games, stock updates, weather forecasts etc. This plug-in feature is possibly the only thing that distinguishes it from the pack, making it easy to expand your messenger client by clicking on the magnifying glass at on the bottom bar.

Other standard features are included such as video chats, phone calls and AOL email integration. Although the service is free, you have to sign up for an AOL account. Text messages also cost extra and are only available in the US at the moment. You can edit your buddy icon to give yourself a unique image and also assign yourself a sound that others will hear when you sign on.

AIM for Mac could be a good option for those that love to customize their messenger client with sounds but unless you're an AOL mail user, there are better alternatives, such as Adium, out there.

Download AIM for Mac 2.2.439 in Softonic

Colloquy is an advanced IRC, SILC & ICB client which aims to combine the best of all these messenger clients in what is a very elegant and refined interface. It supports everything you'd expect a decent client to do including AppleScript, file transfers, emoticons although unfortunately, it doesn't support either audio or video chats.

Probably the best part of the client is that fact that it can be upgraded with lots of cool plugins. These include such things as Transbot which translates to and from any language supported by Google's translation engine and Grab URL takes a URL in a chat room and attempts to replace its text with the page's title.

In all Colloquy is very interested and elegant chat client that would score much higher if it supported audio and video but as it is, it's a great chat only client.

Download Colloquy 2.3 4129 in Softonic

Conversation lets you connect to multiple servers, as long as you have your user name and password. You can keep more than one conversation open at once and organize your contacts in groups. Like in other IRC clients, Conversation has simple drag and drop file transfer, emoticons and lets you customize your profile.

Conversation is supposedly aimed at newbies, so I was a bit surprised to find advanced features like XDCC or a customizable search box, which not all people will know how to handle.

Conversation is enjoyable to use, yet I wouldn't say it's more intuitive than MSN Messenger or iChat. Rather than going for it because it's aimed at beginners, I'd give it a try if you feel satisfied with the set of features.

An accessible IRC client, Conversation is a good alternative app for chatting.

Download Conversation 2.14 in Softonic