Download Messenger - 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

16006 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

Messenger(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device

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

Text, voice calls, and video calls now included

4718 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

3244 votes

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

Messenger for Desktop1.4.3

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

An unofficial free Facebook desktop client

3307 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

WeChat2.6.0.1018

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

The popular chat app from China gets an English version

350 votes

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

Telegram4.8.9

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

Fast and secure messaging app

472 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

Yahoo! Messenger0.8.288

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

The new instant messenger from Yahoo!

3283 votes

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

QQ MessengerInternational 1.6

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Complete IM client with cute design and great features

760 votes

Download

PROS: Clear, nicely designed interface, Lots of customization options, Support for text, voice and video chats, Usual IM features: smileys, nudges, file sharing..., Extra tools like remote control, screen capture and video recording
CONS: Sometimes adding contacts is difficult, You can't download new interface themes, Number ID for contacts: not very user-friendly!

Free WhatsApp Messenger Tips1.0.0.1

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A free social & communication app for Android, by Tipndra.dev

44 votes

Download

Messenger Lite1.1

License: free Download
Platform: Android

Send messages without the bloat using Messenger Lite

57 votes

Download

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

Badoo4.56.2

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

Get social with Badoo

187 votes

PROS: Free to use, Easy messaging system, Lots of users to potentially interact with
CONS: Some users report fake accounts are common, Hard to delete an account

Hike Messenger

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

Send free SMS messages with this WhatsApp-style app

242 votes

PROS: Fast and easy to use, Lets you share multimedia, location, etc., Group chat, Plenty of emoticons, Supports Hidden chats
CONS: Not innovative, Some bugs

Facebook Messenger(Unofficial) (Chrome) 2.1.8

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Facebook Messenger in your broswer? Wait a minute...

4493 votes

Download

PROS: It works!, Chat without other Facebook distractions
CONS: No improvements over website, No unique login

MSN Messengerfor Windows XP 7.5.0322

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

New version of the popular messaging application

10211 votes

PROS: Very easy to use, Lots of fancy customization options, Decent video conferencing function
CONS: No VoIP features to speak of, Filled with not-so-subtle plugs to MSN services

Windows Live Messenger Speed0.17

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A Free app for Android

92 votes

Download

Windows Live MessengerBuild 14.0.8117.416 2009

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Symbian; iPhone

See. Hear. Share. Instantly.

23284 votes

PROS: Nice customizable interface, Great photo sharing service, New options for contacts management, Tons of emoticons, winks and other eye-candy for chats
CONS: No custom status messages, Uncomfortable menu buttons, Installation file is getting bloated, Advertisement on the main interface

Lite for Facebook & Messenger1.1.7

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A free social & communication app for Android, by Social Network Lite

56 votes

Download

Nimbuzz2.9.4

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

Old-fashioned and out-dated instant messaging platform

1112 votes

PROS: Enables you to sync contacts with your mobile phone
CONS: Fewer options than other similar tools, Really outdated, Only supports Facebook Chat

Windows Live Messenger Portable14.0.8117.416

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Windows Live Messenger without installation

548 votes

Download

PROS: No installation required, Can be run from a USB key, Includes all the functionality from the desktop version
CONS: Somewhat unstable, May trigger antivirus alarms

Kik10.4.0.6032

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows Phone; Java; BlackBerry; Symbian

Basic chat app that aims to be more than just a messaging service

188 votes

PROS: Play games in the app, Easy to use, Send videos, images, sketches and memes, Bots
CONS: Limited features, Basic user interface, A lot of spam

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#	Name	Version	Votes	Rating	Platform
1	Messenger	(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device	4718	8.3	Android, Windows, iPhone, Windows Phone
2	MSN Messenger	for Windows XP 7.5.0322	10211	8	Windows, Mac, Pocket PC
3	WhatsApp Messenger	2.18.78	16006	7.9	Android, Windows, Windows Phone, Mac
4	Windows Live Messenger	Build 14.0.8117.416 2009	23284	7.6	Windows, Symbian, iPhone
5	Facebook Messenger	(Unofficial) (Chrome) 2.1.8	4493	7.1	Windows

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic

Version

Votes

Rating

Messenger

(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device

4718

8.3

Android, Windows, iPhone, Windows Phone

MSN Messenger

for Windows XP 7.5.0322

10211