Windows Live Messenger AlternativesInstant Messengers and other similar apps like Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is described as 'With Live Messenger you can chat online instantly in real time with friends, family and colleagues. Its faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Windows Live Messenger for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone apps. The best Windows Live Messenger alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows Live Messenger are Telegram, Pidgin, Tox and WhatsApp.

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Windows Live Messenger alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1354 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.

    215 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 Windows Live Messenger.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows Live Messenger.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceWindows Live Messenger is Free and Proprietary
    • Signal is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2075 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.

    284 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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    11
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    way more secure than messenger. has end to end encryption. also, higher file size limit. v similar features to messenger, but better

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Windows Live Messenger Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great Windows Live Messenger alternative.

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Windows Live Messenger.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryWindows Live Messenger is Free and Proprietary
    • Telegram is Lightweight, Privacy focused and Security-focusedWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  4. 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
     
  5. Tox icon

    Tox

     558 likes
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    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.

    212 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.
     
  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.

    249 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
     
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    1
    Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    AJ Brown
    Positive
    0

    It is better to use on your smartphone than WLM, easier.

    Windows Live Messenger Icon
    WhatsApp icon
    • WhatsApp is Free and ProprietaryWindows Live Messenger is also Free and Proprietary
  7. Mumble icon

    Mumble

     480 likes
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    Mumble was the first and is the most successful and wide spread free and open source software for VoIP. It was the first VoIP software to provide low-latency audio suitable for gaming, and at the same time was a pioneer in high audio quality.

    50 Mumble alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPhone
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    Mumble 1.2.3 Release Candidate – some users in different channels
     

    • Mumble is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Windows Live Messenger.

    • Mumble is Free and Open SourceWindows Live Messenger is Free and Proprietary
    • Mumble is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  9. 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
     
  10. RetroShare icon

    RetroShare

     163 likes
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    RetroShare is a open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely chat, share photos, videos, and more, using OpenPGP to authenticate peers and .

    136 RetroShare alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • OpenSSL
    • OpenPGP
    Network tab with contact list and broadcast subtab open. The subtab shows text and image sent by one contact to all connected contacts.
     
  11. Rakuten Viber icon

    Rakuten Viber

     335 likes
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    Offers secure messaging with end-to-end encryption, unlimited free calls, group chats for up to 250 members, rich media sharing, emoji reactions, AR lenses, self-destruct messages, affordable international calls, community channels, and robust privacy across devices.

    160 Rakuten Viber alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 1
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 2
    Rakuten Viber screenshot 3
     
  12. 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.

    195 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
     
  13. LINE icon

    LINE

     107 likes
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    LINE is transforming the way people communicate, closing the distance between family, friends, and loved ones for free.

    140 LINE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Google Chrome
    LINE screenshot 1
    LINE screenshot 2
    LINE screenshot 3
     
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    1
    Comments about LINE as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Most popular in Japan, Line brings as much messaging opportunities to your phone, and it even has a PC version. You can send photos, stickers, videos, and more. It also includes a Facebook-like timeline to see what your friends are up to.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Windows Live Messenger Icon
    LINE icon
    • LINE is Freemium and ProprietaryWindows Live Messenger is Free and Proprietary
  14. Psi XMPP Client icon

    Psi XMPP Client

     92 likes
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    Feature-rich XMPP client for advanced users offering strong customization options, secure encrypted messaging (TLS, OpenPGP, OTR, OMEMO), file transfers, audio/video calls, support for animated emoticons, modern themes, group messaging, and multi-platform compatibility.

    44 Psi XMPP Client alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Haiku
    Psi XMPP Client screenshot 1
     
12 of 32 Windows Live Messenger alternatives