Download Free Instant Messaging - Best Software & Apps

  • WhatsApp Messenger

    WhatsApp Messenger2.19.137

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Mac

    Send free text, audio and video messages from your Android phone

    8
    41285 votes
    • PROS: Group chat with personalization options, End-to-end encryption, File sharing with up to 100 MB size, Support for syncing and Android Wear
    • CONS: Requires to be downloaded on other devices to enable communication, Data charges can be still applied, Communications in WhatsApp are shared, Lacks extra contents other than communication
  • Facebook

    Facebook211.0.0.43.112

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Web Apps

    Official Facebook App for Android

    8
    11083 votes
    • PROS: Easy to navigate, Allows user to upload photos directly from their phone, Other tabs are accessible from the news feed, Real-time notifications
    • CONS: Separate messaging, News feed are not chronologically arrange, Constant updates sometimes leave the users baffled, Catch-all drawer
  • Messenger

    Messenger205.0.0.18.110

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Mac

    Get in touch with your friends: text, voice calls, and video calls all included

    8
    16323 votes
    • PROS: Personalize your chat box, Light and dark theme, Create group chats, Send document files
    • CONS: Cluttered with features, Calls may consume large amount of data, Cannot check Facebook notifications through the app, Requires log-in
  • Instagram

    Instagram84.0.0.21.105

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Web Apps

    The best photo-sharing app

    8
    2546 votes
    • PROS: Apply filters to photos and videos, Upload 10-minute videos through IGTV, Upload stories exclusive to close friends, Like private messages
    • CONS: Does not feature voice and video calls, Does not support advanced video editing, Cannot re-arrange order of photos on feed, Layout feature is not automatically included
  • imo free video calls and chat

    imo free video calls and chat9.8.000000011461

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone

    Another messaging app you don't need

    8
    8109 votes
    • PROS: Voice and video calls, Share photos, Group chat, Completely free!
    • CONS: Offers nothing new
  • Telegram

    Telegram5.4.0

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Mac
    Web Apps

    Fast and secure messaging app

    8
    979 votes
    • PROS: Supports group chats, Share videos up to 1GB, Send batches of photos, "Snapchat" style Secret Chat, Higher level of privacy compared to WhatsApp
    • CONS: Voice messages supported but no voice calling, Small user base compared to WhatsApp
  • Skype

    Skype8.46.0.60

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    Mac
    iPhone

    Skype, the telephone of the 21st century

    7
    29396 votes
    • PROS: Group videoconferencing, Talk-chat-type, Excellent audiovisual quality, Calls to mobile, Integration with Facebook
    • CONS: Requires a good connection, High consumption of resources, Some features are extra
  • Telegram for Desktop

    Telegram for Desktop1.7.3

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Free speedy and secure alternative to WhatsApp

    8
    2114 votes
    • PROS: Useful notification customization options, Strong focus on security and speed, Seamless synchronization across devices, Completely free
    • CONS: Must have a Telegram account on a mobile app
  • Facebook for Windows 10

    Facebook for Windows 101.3.0.9

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    The free official Facebook app for Windows 10

    8
    3965 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Excellent user experience, Responsive controls, Ideal for Facebook use on tablets, Displays most important status updates
    • CONS: No new functions, Account and privacy options could be improved
  • Messenger for Desktop

    Messenger for Desktop2.0.9

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    An unofficial free Facebook desktop client

    8
    4377 votes
    • PROS: Chat without opening Facebook, Facebook options are automatically imported, Same options as the official Facebook Messenger apps, Completely free, Safe to use
    • CONS: Unofficial app that isn't associated with or supported by Facebook, Interface is unimaginative
  • WeChat

    WeChat2.6.7

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone
    Mac

    The popular chat app from China gets an English version

    9
    615 votes
    • PROS: Simple and easy to use, Excellent file transfer and screenshot tools
    • CONS: No video or audio support
  • Messenger Lite

    Messenger Lite53.0.1.6.210

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    iPhone

    Send messages without the bloat using Messenger Lite

    9
    476 votes
    • PROS: Small size, Access to Messenger service, Simple user interface
    • CONS: Fewer features than full version
  • ManyCam

    ManyCam6.7

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Add fun special effects to your webcam

    7
    3577 votes
    • PROS: Lots of fun effects, Everything from backgrounds to accessories, More free effects on the developer site
    • CONS: Effects are poorly positioned, Resizing images often results in a black screen
  • WhatsApp Web

    WhatsApp Web1.0

    License
    free
    Platform
    Web Apps

    WhatsApp wings its way to the web for free

    8
    5273 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Familiar WhatsApp look and feel makes it easy to use, End-to-end message encryption, Well-designed user interface displays all the information you need, Seamless link up between mobile and web versions, Completely free
    • CONS: Lacking a lot of features
  • Hangouts

    Hangouts2019.411.420.1

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone

    Google's platform for instant messaging and videoconferencing

    7
    1505 votes
    • PROS: Simple and minimalist interface, Video calls to multiple people, Apps available during video calls
    • CONS: No audio calls, Chrome must always be open
  • imo for Windows 10

    imo for Windows 101

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Stay in touch easily with imo for Windows 10

    8
    1078 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Simple manageable interface, Unlimited free voice and video calls
    • CONS: Limited customisation and contact management options, User base smaller than major rivals
  • Viber

    Vibervaries-with-device

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    Windows
    iPhone
    Mac

    Call and text free over 3G and Wifi

    8
    3428 votes
    • PROS: Very simple to use, Notifies you of contacts who are on Viber, Decent call quality, Send photos and videos, Stickers and emoticons to liven up chats, Group messaging with up-to 100 people, Hold & Talk feature
    • CONS: You may have to convince friends to switch to Viber
  • Skype for Windows 10

    Skype for Windows 1014.34.81.0

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Video chat, texting and instant messaging in one

    7
    1810 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Supports video chats, texting and instant messaging, High quality video chats, Automatically imports contacts from Microsoft accounts, Lots of emoticons, Free group video calls and screen sharing
    • CONS: Interface looks a bit sparse, Contacts may need editing after importing
  • LINE

    LINE5.17.1.1950

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone
    Mac

    Send messages and make free calls from your PC

    7
    5119 votes
    • PROS: Free calls and messages, Group chats, Many stickers, Minimalist interface...
    • CONS: ...that's not very appealing, You need to have the LINE app on your mobile
  • Discord

    Discord0.305

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Chat with friends, family and fellow gamers, for free

    9
    422 votes
    • PROS: Great interface, Easy bot scripting, Simple Installation Process
    • CONS: No Ctrl+F, Slow log retrieval
Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#NameVersionVotesRatingPlatform
1imo free video calls and chat9.8.00000001146181098.4Android,Windows,iPhone
2WhatsApp Messenger2.19.137412858.3Android,Windows,iPhone,Mac
3Messenger205.0.0.18.110163238.3Android,Windows,iPhone,Mac
4Facebook211.0.0.43.112110838.1Android,Windows,iPhone,Web Apps
5Skype8.46.0.60293967.2Windows,Android,Mac,iPhone

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