Instantbird Alternatives

Instantbird is described as 'instant messaging client based on Mozilla XULRunner and the open source library libpurple created by the software developers of Pidgin . Over 250 add-ons allow user customization of, and addition of, features' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Instantbird for a variety of platforms, including Android, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Linux apps. The best Instantbird alternative is Telegram, which is free. Other great apps like Instantbird are Pidgin, Zulip, Facebook Messenger and Adium.

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

Instantbird alternatives page was last updated

Instantbird

Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger

Instantbird is an instant messaging client based on Mozilla XULRunner and the open source library libpurple created by the...

More about Instantbird

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
268 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, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Instantbird.
- - Telegram is the most popular free alternative to Instantbird.
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
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.
- - Pidgin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Instantbird.
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
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
221 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.
- - Zulip is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Instantbird.
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
GitHub integration
Secure Chat
Third party integrations
Chat organizer
Live topics
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
196 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...
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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.
Trillian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Team Collaboration Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
iPad
Software as a Service (SaaS)
145 Trillian alternatives
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.
- - Trillian is the most popular SaaS alternative to Instantbird.
Suggest and vote on features
Trillian Features
Support for Multiple protocols
Xmpp
Messages
IMAP Support
POP3 Support
Facebook integration
IRC
Gajim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Xfce
65 Gajim alternatives
The goal of Gajim is to provide a full featured and easy to use XMPP client. Gajim works nicely with GNOME, but does not require it to run. It is released under the GNU General Public License.
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Gajim Features
1. DecentralizedGajim is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGajim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. PGP EncryptionGajim supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
OMEMO
Supports XMPP
Audio Calling
Xmpp
OTR
Tabbed interface
Multiple languages
Telegram X
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Android
Android Tablet
Telegram
207 Telegram X alternatives
An alternative Telegram client based on TDLib, with higher speed, slicker animations and experimental features.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram X Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Ad-freeTelegram X doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Telegram X.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram X is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram X has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
6. Self Destructing MessagesTelegram X supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
7. VoiP CallsTelegram X allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Integrated File Sharing
Stickers
Cloud based
Bots
Channels
Chat Bot
ICQ
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
106 ICQ alternatives
ICQ 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).
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ICQ Features
Web-Based
Messages
Kopete
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Mac
Linux
BSD
48 Kopete alternatives
Kopete is an instant messenger supporting AIM, ICQ, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, Novell GroupWise Messenger, and more. It is designed to be a flexible and extensible multi-protocol system suitable for personal and enterprise use.
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Kopete Features
Xmpp
IM+
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Online
Windows Mobile
Android
iPhone
Java Mobile
Symbian S60
HP webOS
Blackberry
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Kindle Fire
107 IM+ alternatives
Chat everywhere! IM+ is the most widely used mobile IM app! Connect all-in-one to MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter on ALL popular mobile platforms.

The widest selection of unique features that you won't find in any other IM client!.
Suggest and vote on features
IM+ Features
1. Multiple Account supportIM+ support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Support for Multiple protocols
Caprine
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Social Network
Mac
Windows
Linux
18 Caprine alternatives
Caprine is an unofficial and privacy focused Facebook Messenger app with many useful features.
Suggest and vote on features
Caprine Features
Facebook Messenger integration