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.
- Instant Messenger
- Free • Proprietary
- 220 Signal alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
- Flathub
- Ubuntu
- Debian
- 296 Telegram alternatives
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.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
- International
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
Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
- 122 Pidgin alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
Top Pidgin Features
- 213 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- F-Droid
- 254 WhatsApp alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Auto
- Android Wear
- Apple Car Play
- iPad
Top WhatsApp Features
Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
AJ BrownIt is better to use on your smartphone than WLM, easier.
- 50 Mumble alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- iPhone
- BSD
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- PortableApps.com
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
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
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Japan
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- HUAWEI AppGallery
- iPad
- Android Wear
- Samsung Galaxy Store
- Linux
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 .
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- BSD
- OpenSSL
- OpenPGP
- 204 Messenger alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Windows
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Android Auto
- Android Wear
Messenger 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
- 146 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
Comments about LINE as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
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.
way more secure than messenger. has end to end encryption. also, higher file size limit. v similar features to messenger, but better