Download Instant Messaging - Best Software & Apps

WhatsApp Messenger2.19.69

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone; Mac

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

38660 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

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

15129 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

imo free video calls and chat9.8.000000011461

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone

Another messaging app you don't need

7304 votes

PROS: Voice and video calls, Share photos, Group chat, Completely free!
CONS: Offers nothing new

Facebook211.0.0.43.112

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone; Web Apps

Official Facebook app for Android, connecting on the go

10383 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

Instagramvaries-by-device

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; iPhone; Web Apps

Popular photo-based social network

4457 votes

PROS: Easy to use, Share to various social networks, Impressive photo editor, Tag friends in images, Geotagging support, Capture and share video
CONS: Requires sign-up

Messenger for Desktop2.0.9

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

An unofficial free Facebook desktop client

4237 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

Facebook for Windows 101.3.0.9

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

The free official Facebook app for Windows 10

3744 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

Skype8.42.0.60

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; Mac; iPhone

Skype, the telephone of the 21st century

29233 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

Telegram5.4.0

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone; Mac; Web Apps

Fast and secure messaging app

825 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

Telegram for Desktop1.3.0

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Free speedy and secure alternative to WhatsApp

2028 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

WeChat2.6.7

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; iPhone; Mac

The popular chat app from China gets an English version

561 votes

PROS: Simple and easy to use, Excellent file transfer and screenshot tools
CONS: No video or audio support

Messenger Lite53.0.1.6.210

License: free Download
Platform: Android; iPhone

Send messages without the bloat using Messenger Lite

407 votes

PROS: Small size, Access to Messenger service, Simple user interface
CONS: Fewer features than full version

ManyCam5.5

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Add fun special effects to your webcam

3568 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

imo for Windows 101

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Stay in touch easily with imo for Windows 10

998 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

Hangouts2017.1019.418.1

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; iPhone

Google's platform for instant messaging and videoconferencing

1471 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

Vibervaries-with-device

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone; Mac

Call and text free over 3G and Wifi

3342 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 1014.34.81.0

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Video chat, texting and instant messaging in one

1795 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

Discord0.301

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Chat with friends, family and fellow gamers, for free

361 votes

PROS: Great interface, Easy bot scripting
CONS: No Ctrl+F, Slow log retrieval

LINE5.15.0.1908

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; iPhone; Mac

Send messages and make free calls from your PC

5086 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

IMVU526.6

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Unique 3D IM client with avatars

3287 votes

PROS: Very original 3D chat rooms, Totally customizable avatars, Credits enable you to acquire new stuff
CONS: Chat in speech bubbles is confusing, It can take some time to load

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#	Name	Version	Votes	Rating	Platform
1	imo free video calls and chat	9.8.000000011461	7304	8.4	Android,Windows,iPhone
2	WhatsApp Messenger	2.19.69	38660	8.3	Android,Windows,iPhone,Mac
3	Messenger	205.0.0.18.110	15129	8.3	Android,Windows,iPhone,Mac
4	Facebook	211.0.0.43.112	10383	8.1	Android,Windows,iPhone,Web Apps
5	Skype	8.42.0.60	29233	7.2	Windows,Android,Mac,iPhone

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic

Version

Votes

Rating

imo free video calls and chat

9.8.000000011461

7304

8.4

Android,Windows,iPhone

WhatsApp Messenger

2.19.69

38660