AIM AlternativesInstant Messengers and other similar apps like AIM

AIM is described as 'AOL Instant Messenger is an instant messaging and presence computer program which uses the proprietary OSCAR instant messaging protocol and the TOC protocol to allow registered users to communicate in real time' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 50 alternatives to AIM for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and Linux apps. The best AIM alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like AIM are Telegram, Discord, Pidgin and WhatsApp.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1356 likes
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    An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.

    216 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Snapcraft
    Signal screenshot 1
     

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to AIM.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to AIM.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceAIM is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Signal is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightAIM is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2076 likes
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    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    286 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
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    7
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to AIM
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    As opposed to AIM this is a SMS replacement that requires a phone number.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    AIM Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Most users think Telegram is a great AIM alternative.

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to AIM.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryAIM is also Freemium and Proprietary
    • Telegram is Lightweight, Privacy focused and Security-focusedAIM is not according to our users
  4. Discord icon

    Discord

     1106 likes
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    An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.

    191 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Desktop UI
     
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  5. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1529 likes
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    Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log into accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on XMPP and sitting in an IRC channel at the same time.

    118 Pidgin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin screenshot 1
     
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    2
    6
    Comments about Pidgin as an Alternative to AIM
    SM64Roblox88
    Negative
    0

    It is a tool for connecting and chatting on AIM and other services, not an actual communication service

    Guest
    Negative
    -1

    AIM is the server plus the protocol. Pidgin just has the protocol, as well as many other protocols. With the AIM server going away, and pretty much all the other protocols supported having closed or limited servers or needing specialized network support, there is no good way to generally use Pidgin.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    AIM Icon
    Pidgin icon

    • Some users think Pidgin is a great AIM alternative, some don't.

    • Pidgin is Free and Open SourceAIM is Freemium and Proprietary
  6. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     849 likes
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    Exchange messages without SMS fees using this app for iPhone, Android and desktop, featuring group chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls. The app requires an internet connection and the latest version for optimal functionality.

    248 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
  7. Jitsi Desktop icon

    Jitsi Desktop

     490 likes
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    Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .

    78 Jitsi Desktop alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Contact list
     

    • Jitsi Desktop is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to AIM.

    • Jitsi Desktop is Free and Open SourceAIM is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Jitsi Desktop is Privacy focusedAIM is not according to our users
  9. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     264 likes
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    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    221 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
  11. Adium icon

    Adium

     338 likes
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    Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application for Mac OS X, written using Mac OS Xs Cocoa API, released under the GNU GPL and developed by the Adium team. Based on the libpurple protocol library, Adium can connect you to any number of messaging accounts on any...

    68 Adium alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Adium screenshot 1
     
  12. Franz icon

    Franz

     120 likes
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    Franz is a free messaging app / former Emperor of Austria and combines chat & messaging services into one application. Franz currently supports Slack, WhatsApp, WeChat, HipChat and many more. You can download Franz for Mac, Windows & Linux.

    69 Franz alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Franz screenshot 1
     
  13. Messenger icon

    Messenger

     231 likes
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    Provides comprehensive communication features including group video calls, voice calls, fast messaging, photo sharing, and location mapping. Access through mobile and web platforms with real-time notifications, ensuring seamless interactions using multimedia tools.

    196 Messenger alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    Messenger screenshot 1
    Messenger screenshot 2
    Messenger screenshot 3
     
  14. Trillian icon

    Trillian

     280 likes
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    Trillian is an instant messaging app that works on phones, tablets, and desktops while keeping your chats neatly synchronized between all of them! We think conversation should be easily shared between all of your devices, not trapped as text messages on your phone.

    149 Trillian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Trillian screenshot 1
     

    • Trillian is the most popular SaaS alternative to AIM.

    • Trillian is Freemium and ProprietaryAIM is also Freemium and Proprietary
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