Download Instant Messaging - Best Software & Apps

WhatsApp Messenger2.18.78

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

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

16202 votes

PROS: Lets you send photos, audio, video, location, and links, Group messaging, Works across different platforms, Support for Android Wear, Syncs with web version, Free calls, Save chats automatically to Google Drive
CONS: Only works if the other person has the app

Facebookvaries-with-device

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

Official Facebook app for Android

7515 votes

PROS: Easy to get around, Upload photos from your phone, Real time notifications, Chat, Good integration with Android system
CONS: Not optimized for tablets, News feed isn't ordered chronologically

Messenger(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device

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

Text, voice calls, and video calls now included

4750 votes

PROS: Supports chats, voice calls, video calls, Support third party apps, Easy to use
CONS: Compatible apps require new download

imo free video calls and chat9.8.000000010161

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

Another messaging app you don't need

3278 votes

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

Instagramvaries-by-device

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

Popular photo-based social network

1670 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

Skype7.41.0.101

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

Skype, the telephone of the 21st century

28094 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

Messenger for Desktop1.4.3

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

An unofficial free Facebook desktop client

3320 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

2773 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

Telegram for Desktop1.3.0

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Free speedy and secure alternative to WhatsApp

1639 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

WeChat2.6.0.1018

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

The popular chat app from China gets an English version

351 votes

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

Viber5.6.0.2415

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

Call and text free over 3G and Wifi

2082 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

LINE5.8.0.1706

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

Send messages and make free calls from your PC

4878 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

Telegram4.8.9

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

Fast and secure messaging app

477 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

IMVU526.6

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Unique 3D IM client with avatars

3110 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

imo for Windows 101

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Stay in touch easily with imo for Windows 10

365 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

Skype for Windows 102.7

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Video chat, texting and instant messaging in one

1652 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

Hangouts

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone

Google's complete messaging app

219 votes

PROS: Excellent sync across devices, Feature rich, Easy to use
CONS: No Google Drive integration, Collects data on how you use the app

ManyCam5.5

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Add fun special effects to your webcam

3516 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

Yahoo! Messenger0.8.288

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; Mac; Pocket PC; Java

The new instant messenger from Yahoo!

3285 votes

PROS: Amazing video quality!, Highly customizable, Great privacy settings
CONS: Animated backgrounds are ad-ridden, Long installation process, Too much bloat

Mozilla ThunderbirdEN 24.0

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

Excellent mail client from the makers of Firefox

361 votes

PROS: Free to use, Handles virtual identities, Lots of extensions , Easy to import contacts and mails, Support for Microsoft Exchange, Good learning spam filter, Strong encryption and support for certificates
CONS: Conversation style message view feature has to be downloaded seperately, Calendar needs to be downloaded seperately

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#	Name	Version	Votes	Rating	Platform
1	Messenger	(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device	4750	8.3	Android, Windows, iPhone, Windows Phone
2	Facebook	varies-with-device	7515	7.9	Android, Windows, Windows Phone, iPhone
3	WhatsApp Messenger	2.18.78	16202	7.9	Android, Windows, Windows Phone, Mac
4	Skype	7.41.0.101	28094	7.2	Windows, Android, Mac, iPhone
5	LINE	5.8.0.1706	4878	7.1	Windows, Android, iPhone, Mac

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic

Version

Votes

Rating

Messenger

(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device

4750

8.3

Android, Windows, iPhone, Windows Phone

Facebook

varies-with-device

7515