Chat & Instant Messaging (219 programs)
Pros: Real-time Danmu chat for on-screen viewer interaction. Supports high-definition and 4K streaming quality. Mac client optimized with hardware acceleration for smooth playback. Available on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Cons: On-screen messages are public to all viewers. User feedback notes aggressive monetization practices. App Store macOS build requires macOS 11.0 or later.
Pros: End-to-end encryption enabled by default for one-on-one chats and calls. High-definition voice and video calling available on the desktop client. Full synchronization of chats, call history, and contacts across devices.
Cons: Requires active mobile Viber account for desktop activation. Viber Out needed to call non-Viber phone numbers. Occasional activation issues reported by some users.
Pros: Self-hosting supports data sovereignty on private clouds or on-premises. Universal Mac binary supports Intel and Apple Silicon hardware. Deep integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Jenkins.
Cons: Requires a Mattermost server connection to function. Desktop interface is reported as less polished than proprietary competitors. High-availability deployments demand operational and maintenance effort.
Pros: Tabbed chat windows centralize multiple conversations. Webcam and video recording support on Mac. Multiple simultaneous account logins supported. Customizable through skins, themes, and plugins.
Cons: Requires Java Runtime Environment for operation. High memory consumption and non-native Java interface reported. Depends on the decommissioned MSN network, so it no longer connects. No documented encryption details or granular notification settings.
Pros: End-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and file transfers. Group chats support up to 100,000 members. Message history synchronised across up to six linked devices. Anonymous ID option hides phone numbers from contacts.
Cons: Notifications require manual system and in-app configuration. Some users report occasional performance lag during peak usage. High notification volume demands careful management in massive groups.
