Chat & Instant Messaging (447 programs)

Pros: Very simple interface. Works across platforms.

Cons: Very limited in features.

Pros: Control IM, email and social network accounts from one single interface. Support for the most popular online services. Clear, organized interface. Very complete settings menu.

Cons: A bit slow when logging in. Facebook doesn't work properly with Digsby.

Pros: Nice design and navigation menu.

Cons: No features at the present. Instant messenger just for MSN, Yahoo and Smooch network. Poor usability.

Pros: Easy to setup and use.

Cons: Only worth using if you install the IM client.

Pros: Simple interface. Easy to use. Accepts unlimited users.

Cons: Not many advanced conferencing options.

Pros: Protects IM messages from snooping. Open source.

Cons: Very complicated to setup.

Pros: Supports many popular IM clients. Allows you to access chats via web. Logs support photo and video previews.

Cons: Can be hard to configure. Connectivity issues.

Pros: Great collection of smileys. Cute animations. Includes also eCards.

Cons: Adds an advertisement line to email messages. Recipient needs to have the program installed in order to see smileys.

Pros: Very original chat client. Loads of customization possibilities.

Cons: Takes too much web browsing space. Customization menu not available in the program.

Pros: Simple to setup and use. No complicated jargon or ads.

Cons: Still requires some basic IP knowledge to setup server.

Pros: Perform multi functions in one app. Great for collaborating on team tasks.

Cons: Can be hard to configure desktop sharing. Lags while sharing desktops.

Pros: Easy to use and setup. Avoids the need to visit seperate sites all the time.

Cons: Can be slow to notify you of new messages.

Pros: Extremely simple to operate. Auto-detects webcam.

Cons: Only supports WMV.

Pros: Clean slick interface. Allows you to call, text and video conference.

Cons: Call costs not much different from Skype.

Pros: Has a range of features. Can call mobile and landline numbers. Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Cons: Occasional connection issues and delays. Cluttered interface compared to its competitor apps.

Pros: No installation required. Autoreply function. Nice, minimalist interface.

Cons: Song display and avatar selection don't work properly.

Pros: Adds hotlinks to Skype contacts within a document. Send Office documents instantly via Skype. Provides quick communication with the author of a document.

Cons: Doesn't integrate with Outlook.