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 Mac, Windows, 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.

filter to find the best alternatives

AIM alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Group Chat Apps.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of AIM.
AIM iconAIM
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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.

More about AIM
AIM alternatives page was last updated Sep 13, 2021
  1. Signal icon
     1249 likes

    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.

    220 Signal alternatives
    Signal screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  Mobile friendly
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Stickers
    Signal iconAIM Icon

    Signal VS AIM

    Is Signal a good alternative to AIM?
     
    • 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 and Security-focusedAIM is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon
     2040 likes

    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...

    293 Telegram alternatives
    Telegram Desktop

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Video Calling
    8.  Multi Device Support
    9.  Channels
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Bots
    12.  Secret chats
    Telegram iconAIM Icon

    Telegram VS AIM

    Is Telegram a good alternative to AIM?
     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to AIM
     
    Guest

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

    Negative commentDec 5, 2017
    0
    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 and Privacy focusedAIM is not according to our users
  3. Discord icon
     1063 likes

    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.

    183 Discord alternatives
    Discord screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox

    Top Discord Features

    1.  Screen Sharing
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Video Calling
    4.  Multi Channel
    5.  Text chat
    6.  Bots
    7.  Voice Chat
    8.  Multiple Servers
    9.  Push to talk
    10.  Text to Speech
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Two-factor Authentication
    Discord iconAIM Icon

    Discord VS AIM

    Is Discord a good alternative to AIM?
     
  4. Pidgin icon
     1519 likes

    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.

    123 Pidgin alternatives
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com

    Top Pidgin Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Supports XMPP
    4.  Multiple Account support
    5.  IRC
    6.  Portable
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Xmpp
    12.  Multiple chat protocols
    Pidgin iconAIM Icon

    Pidgin VS AIM

    Is Pidgin a good alternative to AIM?
     
    Comments about Pidgin as an Alternative to AIM
     
    SM64Roblox88

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

    Negative commentOct 6, 2017
    0
    Guest

    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.

    Negative commentOct 7, 2017
    -1
    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
  5. WhatsApp icon
     842 likes

    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.

    251 WhatsApp alternatives
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    +2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Wear

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Custom Backgrounds
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Two-factor Authentication
    7.  Picture in Picture
    8.  Expiring Stories
    9.  Support for @mentions
    10.  Screen Sharing
    11.  Multiple Account support
    12.  Passkey Support
    WhatsApp iconAIM Icon

    WhatsApp VS AIM

    Is WhatsApp a good alternative to AIM?
     
  6. Jitsi Desktop icon
     489 likes

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

    79 Jitsi Desktop alternatives
    Contact list

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Video Conferencing
    2.  SIP
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Support for Multiple protocols
    5.  Live Meeting
    6.  WebRTC
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  Desktop Sharing
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Voice Chat
    11.  Web-Based
    12.  Unlimited users
    Discontinued

    Jitsi Desktop is not actively developed anymore: last version, released in October 2017, can be still downloaded from GitHub. Its successor is Jitsi Meet icon Jitsi Meet

    Jitsi Desktop iconAIM Icon

    Jitsi Desktop VS AIM

    Is Jitsi Desktop a good alternative to AIM?
     
    • 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
  7. Zulip icon
     203 likes

    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.

    228 Zulip alternatives
    Zulip screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free PersonalOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted

    Top Zulip Features

    1.  Threaded Conversations
    2.  Team Collaboration
    3.  Support for Hotkeys
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Support for MarkDown
    6.  Syntax Highlighting
    7.  Chat Bot
    8.  Integrated File Sharing
    9.  Secure Chat
    10.  Third party integrations
    11. GitHub icon  GitHub Integration
    12.  Live topics
    Zulip iconAIM Icon

    Zulip VS AIM

    Is Zulip a good alternative to AIM?
     
  8. Conversations icon
     98 likes

    Conversations is a privacy focused, open source XMPP Texting [Jabber] client for Android 4.0+ smart phones with wife-approved easy encryption [OTR, OMEMO, or GPG].

    160 Conversations alternatives
    Conversations screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  Image Sharing
    5.  Supports XMPP
    6.  OMEMO
    7.  OpenPGP
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  GPG Encryption
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Self Destructing Messages
    12.  Dark Mode
    Conversations iconAIM Icon

    Conversations VS AIM

    Is Conversations a good alternative to AIM?
     
  9. Adium icon
     337 likes

    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...

    69 Adium alternatives
    Adium screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac

    Properties

    1.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Xmpp
    3.  Supports XMPP
    4.  Multiple languages
    5.  Tabbed interface
    6.  Messages
    7.  OTR
    Discontinued

    The last update is from March 2021.

    Adium iconAIM Icon

    Adium VS AIM

    Is Adium a good alternative to AIM?
     
  10. Facebook Messenger icon
     230 likes

    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.

    202 Facebook Messenger alternatives
    Facebook Messenger screenshot 1
    Facebook Messenger screenshot 2
    +3
    Facebook Messenger screenshot 3

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Android Wear

    Facebook Messenger Features

    1.  VoiP Calls
    2.  Expiring Stories
    3.  Face Filter
    4.  Stickers
    5.  Messages
    6.  Text messaging
    7.  In-app Money Transfer
    8.  Private messaging
    Facebook Messenger iconAIM Icon

    Facebook Messenger VS AIM

    Is Facebook Messenger a good alternative to AIM?
     
  11. Trillian icon
     279 likes

    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.

    153 Trillian alternatives
    Trillian screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

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

    Trillian Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Xmpp
    3.  Messages
    4.  IMAP Support
    5.  POP3 Support
    Trillian iconAIM Icon

    Trillian VS AIM

    Is Trillian a good alternative to AIM?
     
    • Trillian is the most popular SaaS alternative to AIM.

    • Trillian is Freemium and ProprietaryAIM is also Freemium and Proprietary
  12. Franz icon
     119 likes

    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.

    74 Franz alternatives
    Franz screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    Top Franz Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2. WhatsApp icon  Whatsapp integration
    3.  Unified messaging
    4.  Multiple Account support
    5.  Web application wrapper
    6.  Lightweight wrapper
    7.  Multi-messenger
    8.  Slack client
    9. Gmail icon  Gmail integration
    10.  iPhone/iPod sync
    11. Slack icon  Slack integration
    Franz iconAIM Icon

    Franz VS AIM

    Is Franz a good alternative to AIM?
     
12 of 60 AIM alternatives