Windows Live Messenger Alternatives

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. The best alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows Live Messenger are Telegram, Jitsi Desktop, Skype and Tox.

Windows Live Messenger 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 Windows Live Messenger.

This page was last updated

Windows Live Messenger

127

Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

Mac
Windows
Online
iPhone

With Live Messenger you can chat online instantly in real time with friends, family and colleagues. Its faster than e-mail,...

Learn more about Windows Live Messenger

Signal
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
205 alternatives to Signal
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.
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. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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
GPLv3
Private messaging
Encrypted Connection
Stickers
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Desktop Application
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Telegram
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
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
262 alternatives to Telegram
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.
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
Telegram vs Windows Live Messenger opinions
Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great alternative to Windows Live Messenger.
Guest
way more secure than messenger. has end to end encryption. also, higher file size limit. v similar features to messenger, but better
Positive comment•
0
Jitsi Desktop
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Web Conferencing Tool
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
72 alternatives to Jitsi Desktop
Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .
Suggest and vote on features
Jitsi Desktop Features
1. Privacy focusedJitsi Desktop is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Desktop without registration.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsJitsi Desktop can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Multiple Account supportJitsi Desktop support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
5. Desktop SharingJitsi Desktop enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
Video Conferencing
SIP
Support for Multiple protocols
Live Meeting
SIP client
Web-Based
Unlimited users
Voice Chat
WebRTC
Audio Conferencing
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
Skype
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
311 alternatives to Skype
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
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice messages
Team Messaging
Voice Chat
Messages
Skype vs Windows Live Messenger opinions
Some users think Skype is a great alternative to Windows Live Messenger, some don't.
Guest
can't use my own emoticons, doesn't play well across other IM programs, space hog.
Negative comment•
0
Tox
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
182 alternatives to Tox
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. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
Pidgin
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
IRC Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
117 alternatives to Pidgin
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
WhatsApp
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear
245 alternatives to WhatsApp
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. Two-factor AuthenticationWhatsApp supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
6. Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
Mobile friendly
Custom Backgrounds
Stickers
Based on phone number
Voice messages
Data transfer
Push to talk
Sync with Google Drive
Data Mining
Notifications
WhatsApp vs Windows Live Messenger opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
ajbrown678
It is better to use on your smartphone than WLM, easier.
Positive comment•
0
Mumble
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
iPhone
BSD
iPad
Self-Hosted
PortableApps.com
46 alternatives to Mumble
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 at the same time.
Suggest and vote on features
Mumble Features
1. LightweightMumble consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. PortableMumble can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. Ad-freeMumble doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Voice Chat
Group Voice Chat
In-Game Overlay
Self-Hostable decentralized P2P network
Cross-Platform
3D voice
Dedicated Server Hosting
Positional audio
Low Latency
FOSS
RetroShare
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
OpenSSL
OpenPGP
99 alternatives to RetroShare
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 .
Suggest and vote on features
RetroShare Features
1. DecentralizedRetroShare is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedRetroShare is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionRetroShare has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. GPG EncryptionRetroShare supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
Serverless
Secure Chat
Secure File Sharing
Anonymous Secure Filesharing
Voice Chat
Viber
Do you think 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
169 alternatives to Viber
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