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.

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

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Windows Live Messenger alternatives page was last updated Jun 17, 2022
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  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1280 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.

    220 Signal alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  Mobile friendly
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Secure Chat

    Signal VS Windows Live Messenger

     

    • 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 and Security-focusedWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2051 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.

    296 Telegram alternatives

    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
    Telegram Desktop

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Video Calling
    8.  Multi Device Support
    9.  Channels
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Bots
    12.  Secret chats

    Telegram VS Windows Live Messenger

     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    Guest
    Positive Jan 18, 2021
    0

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

    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 and Privacy focusedWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  4. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1522 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.

    122 Pidgin alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    Top Pidgin Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3. XMPP icon  Supports XMPP
    4.  Multiple Account support
    5.  IRC
    6.  Portable
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Multiple chat protocols
    12.  Messages

    Pidgin VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  5. Tox icon

    Tox

     551 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.

    213 Tox alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    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.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  No registration required
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  AES-256 Encryption
    9.  Screen Sharing
    10.  P2P Network
    11.  Secure Chat
    12.  Anonymous Secure Filesharing

    Tox VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  6. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     843 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.

    254 WhatsApp alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    • iPad
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Custom Backgrounds
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Two-factor Authentication
    7.  Screen Sharing
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Picture in Picture
    10.  Passkey Support
    11.  Support for @mentions
    12.  Expiring Stories

    WhatsApp VS Windows Live Messenger

     
    Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    AJ Brown
    Positive May 26, 2020
    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

     472 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

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Voice Chat
    2.  Group Voice Chat
    3.  In-Game Overlay
    4.  Self-Hostable decentralized P2P network
    5.  Positional audio
    6.  Low Latency
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Portable
    9.  Dedicated Server Hosting
    10.  Cross-Platform
    11.  3D voice
    12.  Channel manager

    Mumble VS Windows Live Messenger

     

    • 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 LightweightWindows Live Messenger is not according to our users
  9. Jitsi Desktop icon

    Jitsi Desktop

     489 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 .

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Contact list
    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 icon Jitsi Meet

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Video Conferencing
    2.  SIP
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Support for Multiple protocols
    5.  Live Meeting
    6.  WebRTC
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  Desktop Sharing
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Voice Chat
    11.  Web-Based
    12.  Unlimited users

    Jitsi Desktop VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  10. Rakuten Viber icon

    Rakuten Viber

     335 likes
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    Free and secure calls and messages to anyone, anywhere.

    168 Rakuten Viber alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • JP flagJapan

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Desktop Sharing
    2.  Phone calls
    3.  VoiP Calls
    4.  Animated stickers
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Support for @mentions
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Voice Chat
    10.  Call Transfer
    11.  Secret chats
    12.  Hidden chat

    Rakuten Viber VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  11. RetroShare icon

    RetroShare

     158 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 .

    License model

    • 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.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Serverless
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Peer-To-Peer
    5.  Anonymous Secure Filesharing
    6.  Secure File Sharing
    7.  Shared Folders
    8.  GPG Encryption
    9.  Secure Chat
    10.  Tor
    11. I2P icon  i2P integration
    12.  Voice Chat

    RetroShare VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  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.

    204 Messenger alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    Messenger screenshot 1
    Messenger screenshot 2
    Messenger screenshot 3

    Messenger Features

    1.  VoiP Calls
    2.  Face Filter
    3.  Expiring Stories
    4.  Stickers
    5.  Messages
    6.  Text messaging
    7.  In-app Money Transfer
    8.  Private messaging

    Messenger VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  13. Psi XMPP Client icon

    Psi XMPP Client

     92 likes
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    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

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Haiku
    Psi XMPP Client screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Support for Themes
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Multiple Account support
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Decentralized
    8. XMPP icon  Supports XMPP
    9.  Support for Multiple protocols
    10.  OTR

    Psi XMPP Client VS Windows Live Messenger

     
  14. LINE icon

    LINE

     106 likes
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    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.

    146 LINE alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • JP flagJapan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Google Chrome
    LINE screenshot 1
    LINE screenshot 2
    LINE screenshot 3

    LINE Features

    1. IFTTT icon  IFTTT Integration
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  People nearby
    4.  Stickers
    5.  Voice Chat
    6.  Public groups chat

    LINE VS Windows Live Messenger

     
    Comments about LINE as an Alternative to Windows Live Messenger
    Guest
    Positive Sep 25, 2016
    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.

    Windows Live Messenger Icon
    LINE icon
    • LINE is Freemium and ProprietaryWindows Live Messenger is Free and Proprietary
12 of 33 Windows Live Messenger alternatives