Download Messenger - Best Software & Apps

WhatsApp Messenger2.16.351

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

Send free text messages from your Android phone

819 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

imo free video calls and chat(imo instant messenger) 9.8.000000003991

License: free Download
Platform: Android; Windows; iPhone

Another messaging app you don't need

140 votes

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

Messenger(Facebook Messenger) Varies with device

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

Text, voice calls, and video calls now included

595 votes

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

Messenger for Desktop1.4.3

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Mac

An unofficial Facebook desktop client

1369 votes

PROS:Chat without opening Facebook, Facebook options are automatically imported, Same options as the official Facebook Messenger apps
CONS:Unofficial app that isn't associated with or supported by Facebook, Interface is unimaginative

Telegram4.2.2

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

Fast and secure messaging app

142 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

WeChat6.3.16

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

WhatsApp style messenger with video chat

552 votes

PROS:Features group chats, Invite friends into chats with QR codes, HD video chats, Play games with WeChat friends, Withdraw sent messages feature
CONS:Overwhelming number of notifications, Video chat may not work well with big groups

Hike Messenger

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

Send free SMS messages with this WhatsApp-style app

318 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

WhatsApp Messenger2.12.965

License: try Download
Platform: BlackBerry; Java

Send free text messages on your BlackBerry

771 votes

PROS:Free text messages to other WhatsApp users, Send photos, videos, location, contacts and more, Email chat history
CONS:Tied to the WhatsApp protocol, Tedious setup process

Yahoo! Messenger 11.5.0.228

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Android; Mac; BlackBerry; Java

The new instant messenger from Yahoo!

2027 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

549 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!

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)8.5.3.9

License: free Download
Platform: BlackBerry

Official text and voice chat client for BlackBerry devices

1807 votes

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PROS:Easy to manage contacts, Add photos, videos and voice notes, Share events, music and locations, Group chat
CONS:Not all functions work on all versions of BB OS

Free WhatsApp Messenger Tips1.0.0.1

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A free app for Android‚ by Tipndradev

No votes yet

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Windows Live Messenger Speed0.17

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A Free app for Android

2 votes

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BBMVaries with device

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

An instant messaging classic goes multi-platform

277 votes

PROS:Multichat, Sending files, photos, voice memos, BBM groups, You control the people who can send you messages
CONS:BB 10 interface lacks some flexibility, No VoIP, Registration takes a little too long

Windows Live MessengerBuild 14.0.8117.416 2009

License: free Download
Platform: Windows; Symbian

See. Hear. Share. Instantly.

4866 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

MSN Messengerfor Windows XP 7.5.0322

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

New version of the popular messaging application

884 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 Portable14.0.8117.416

License: free Download
Platform: Windows

Windows Live Messenger without installation

350 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

Nimbuzz Messenger3.7.0

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

Chat for free on your Android phone

55 votes

PROS:Supports a wide range of networks, Organizes contacts very well, Offers lots of ways to communicate, Free text messaging
CONS:Poor access to Facebook contacts, No video chat, Temperamental Skype voice chat

Lite for Facebook & Messenger1.1.5

License: free Download
Platform: Android

A free program for android, by Social Network Lite

No votes yet

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SOMA Messenger(free video call and chat) 1.3.3

License: free Download
Platform: Android; iPhone

The best messaging app for voice and video calls

21 votes

PROS:Safe and secure, Quality audio and video
CONS:Another messaging app, Convincing your friends to use it

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#	Name	Version	Votes	Rating	Platform
1	Messenger for Desktop	1.4.3	1369	7.3	Windows, Mac
2	BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)	8.5.3.9	1807	6.6	BlackBerry
3	Windows Live Messenger	Build 14.0.8117.416 2009	4866	6.6	Windows, Symbian
4	MSN Messenger	for Windows XP 7.5.0322	884	6.4	Windows, Mac, Pocket PC
5	Yahoo! Messenger	11.5.0.228	2027	4.7	Windows, Android, Mac, BlackBerry

Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic

Version

Votes

Rating

Messenger for Desktop

1.4.3

1369

7.3

Windows, Mac

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)

8.5.3.9

1807