iChat AlternativesInstant Messengers and other similar apps like iChat
iChat is described as '(formerly iChat AV) is an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MobileMe, ICQ and XMPP client by Apple Inc. for their Mac OS X operating system. Using a Jabber-like protocol and Bonjour for user discovery, it also allows for LAN communication' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 10 alternatives to iChat for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Web-based, Android and iPhone apps. The best iChat alternative is Jitsi Desktop, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like iChat are Adium, Trillian, Psi XMPP Client and LINE.
- Instant Messenger
- Paid • Proprietary
Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
DiscontinuedJitsi Desktop is not actively developed anymore: last version, released in October 2017, can be still downloaded from GitHub. Its successor is
Jitsi Meet
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...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
DiscontinuedThe last update is from March 2021.
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.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- iPad
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Trillian Features
Psi is an XMPP client designed for experienced users. It is highly portable and runs on GNU/Linux, MS Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD and Haiku.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Haiku
- 145 LINE alternatives
LINE is a Japanese proprietary application for instant messaging on smartphones and PCs. Line users exchange text messages, graphics, video and audio media, make free VoIP calls, and hold free audio or video conferences.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Japan
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- Google Chrome
LINE Features
- 98 Tango alternatives
Tango allows you to easily connect with friends & family or make new friends. Make video & voice calls, send text messages, play games, send music messages powered by Spotify and more all for free.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
Tango Features
- 100 Kik alternatives
Kik is way more than just messaging. It’s the easiest way to connect with your friends, stay in the loop, and explore – all through chat. No phone numbers, just pick a username.
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Android
- iPhone
- Kindle Fire
Kik Features
- 97 FaceFlow alternatives
FaceFlow is a free web-based application for video calling and group video calling. It also offers additional features such as chat rooms.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Canada
Platforms
- Online
- Blackberry 10
FaceFlow Features
- 74 Camfrog alternatives
Free live webcam video chat room software for multiple desktop platforms including mobile platforms like iOS and Android.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Kindle Fire
Camfrog Features
- 58 Paltalk alternatives
Paltalk is an instant messaging service that enables users to communicate via internet chat, voice and video chat. It offers chat rooms and the ability for users to create their own public virtual chat room.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Kindle Fire
Paltalk Features
Cloud Phone is a virtual pbx that enables small businesses to quickly, easily, and affordably set up a business phone solution without having to purchase hardware
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
Voxox CloudPhone Features
Spreed is the worldwide unified web conferencing service offering integrated web and telephone conferencing. It is based on Flash Player. Free service includes 3 attendees and max 1.5h meetings. Single events or monthly service can be purchased.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
Spreed Features