ICQ Alternatives

ICQ is described as 'is one of the oldest instant messengers. First developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis, sold to AOL, sold again and currenly owned by the Russian "mail.ru" group (known for one of the largest social networks)' and is a popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to ICQ for a variety of platforms, including Android, Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone apps. The best ICQ alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like ICQ are Telegram, Element, Skype and Pidgin.

ICQ alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of ICQ.

ICQ alternatives page was last updated

ICQ

Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad

ICQ is one of the oldest instant messengers. First developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis, sold to AOL, sold again and...

Learn more about ICQ

Signal
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
206 Signal alternatives
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
- - Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to ICQ.
- - Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to ICQ.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
Private messaging
Encrypted Connection
GPLv3
Stickers
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Desktop Application
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Comments about Signal as a Alternative to ICQ
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Signal is linked to your phone number, unlike ICQ where you obtain an independent number that identifies your account. If I didn't mind sharing personal information like that, I'd just use SMS instead.
Negative comment•
0
Telegram
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
265 Telegram alternatives
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
- - Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to ICQ.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationTelegram supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Bots
Channels
Secret chats
Integrated File Sharing
Cloud based
Persistent History
Folders
Opinions about Telegram as a Alternative to ICQ
Most users think Telegram is a great ICQ alternative.
Element
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Flathub
F-Droid
Cloudron
270 Element alternatives
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
- - Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to ICQ.
Suggest and vote on features
Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Skype
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
313 Skype alternatives
Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Skype Features
1. Screen SharingYou can use Skype to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
2. VoiP CallsSkype allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Dark ModeSkype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
6. Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
Microsoft Office integration
Voice messages
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice Chat
Team Messaging
Messages
Opinions about Skype as a Alternative to ICQ
Some users think Skype is a great ICQ alternative, some don't.
Pidgin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
IRC Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
118 Pidgin alternatives
Pidgin is an easy to use, multi-protocol chat client client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and more chat networks all at once. It has built-in support for NSS, offering client-to-server message encryption for protocols that support it.
Suggest and vote on features
Pidgin Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsPidgin can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Multiple Account supportPidgin support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
3. VoiP CallsPidgin allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
4. PortablePidgin can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Support for Multiple protocols
Supports XMPP
IRC
Multiple languages
Multiple chat protocols
Messages
Xmpp
Opinions about Pidgin as a Alternative to ICQ
Almost everyone thinks Pidgin is a great ICQ alternative.
Tox
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
186 Tox alternatives
With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.
Suggest and vote on features
Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
6. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
8. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Client side encryption
Video Conferencing
Point-to-point encryption
WhatsApp
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear
248 WhatsApp alternatives
WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
Suggest and vote on features
WhatsApp Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWhatsApp has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Dark ModeWhatsApp supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Ad-freeWhatsApp doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Two-factor AuthenticationWhatsApp supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
5. Screen SharingYou can use WhatsApp to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
8. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
Mobile friendly
Custom Backgrounds
Stickers
Notifications
Based on phone number
Multiple languages
Push Notifications
Voice messages
Data transfer
Push to talk
Zulip
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Self-Hosted
220 Zulip alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Zulip Features
1. Support for MarkDownZulip supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Syntax HighlightingZulip supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Threaded Conversations
Support for Hotkeys
Community-based
Integrated File Sharing
Chat Bot
Code Syntax Highlighting
GitHub integration
Secure Chat
Third party integrations
Chat organizer
Viber
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
Apple Watch
171 Viber alternatives
With Viber, everyone in the world can connect. Freely. More than 460 million Viber users text, make HD-quality phone and video calls, and send photo and video messages worldwide over WiFi or 3G - for free.
Suggest and vote on features
Viber Features
1. Desktop SharingViber enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
2. VoiP CallsViber allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Phone calls
Animated stickers
Call Transfer
Secret chats
Multiple languages
Hidden chat
Voice Chat
Encrypted VoIP calls
Push to talk
Conversations
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Android
Android Tablet
F-Droid
143 Conversations alternatives
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].
Suggest and vote on features
Conversations Features
1. DecentralizedConversations is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionConversations has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. OpenPGPConversations supports OpenPGP, a standard of PGP encryption that is open-source for public use.
4. GPG EncryptionConversations supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
5. LightweightConversations consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Dark ModeConversations supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Ad-freeConversations doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Self Destructing MessagesConversations supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
9. Privacy focusedConversations is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Image Sharing
Encrypted Connection
Supports XMPP
OMEMO
OTR
Federated
Chat Bot
Intuitive Interface
Xmpp
Secure Chat
Facebook Messenger
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Android Wear
194 Facebook Messenger alternatives
Facebook Messenger is a faster way to message. Reach friends right on their phones, get and send messages fast, message everyone at once and more.
Suggest and vote on features
Facebook Messenger Features
1. VoiP CallsFacebook Messenger allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
2. Face FilterFacebook Messenger uses augmented reality to overlay visual effects/elements on a live video or image.
3. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in Facebook Messenger.
Stickers
Messages
Text messaging
In-app Money Transfer
Private messaging
Adium
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Mac
69 Adium alternatives
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...
Suggest and vote on features
Adium Features
1. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Adium.
Support for Multiple protocols
Xmpp
Supports XMPP
Multiple languages
Tabbed interface
Messages
OTR
Customizable
Discontinued
The last update is from March 2021.