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AOL Instant Messenger alternatives

Free 28 alternatives

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AIM was an instant messenger developed by AOL, and this messenger was known to use TOC and OSCAR protocol for its registered users to communicate with each other. Soon after its introduction, it gained worldwide popularity due to a revolution in the world of communication. This IM was considered the first to use a chatbot, and only then the purpose of instant messaging was fulfilled.

This bot receives an incoming message, just if you are not available at that moment, and reply with a default reply set to its back-end. The only reason for its fallback is due to its security vulnerabilities that many hackers have tried to send malicious content using this platform easily. As a replacement, several other platforms replaced this IM, like Facebook and Twitter.

Ranked alternatives

1
AIMFree
AIM (Stands for AOL Instant Messenger) is a superb messaging platform for the desktop users that provides the system of the instant messaging protocol. AIM brings a significant way to make communication with other people in real-time. AIM provides loads of exciting features, and it is not about messaging and communication.
Its services are beyond the messaging that it lets you enjoy group conversations, media sharing, and instant notifications. When it comes to text messaging, then AIM provides the users with a free text messaging system where there is no limitation and charges over sending messages to others.
It supports the group chat feature that connects you with more people at the same time. This system of AIM lets the users make talks with friends in the form of groups to enjoy more or for making collaboration with team members.
There is also a proper system of media sharing that enables the users to share their files and media in the shape of photos, videos, tweets, memes, and a lot of other stuff.
AIM alternatives
2
Digsby
Digsby is an instant messaging, email, and social networking application that is used for managing all type of private and open communications. The three main areas of services of Digsby is instant messaging systems, email notification system, and social networking systems.
The instant messaging system of Digsby allows the users to communicate and chat with the other Digsby users and even with the users of AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and other messaging programs as well.
There is a proper email notification system in the Digsby that is for basically getting the email alerts if new emails right in the inbox of Digsby and putting the action in shape of delete or report spam directly from the inbox of Digsby.
Digsby also works as a social networking platform as well, where the users can monitor their activities over social media platforms as well. They can quickly know about the events and get the live newsfeed from their friends as well.
In short, Digsby is a platform that, in addition to instant messaging, provides the users with the system of social networking and email management as well. While on the other hand, the feature of audio and video call is missing in the Digsby.
Digsby alternatives
3
KakaoTalk MessengerFree
KakaoTalk Messenger is a multifunctional chatting, voice talk, face talk, and multimedia messaging platform. The free chatting system of KakaoTalk Messenger provides the users with the two options that includes either messaging to a single friend or doing group discussions with two or more friends simultaineously.
The users of KakaoTalk Messenger are even allowed to enjoy video chatting as well by making HD video calls around the clock to anyone across the globe. Kakao Talk Messenger supports a voice filter integrated into it that ensures a clear voice chatting with friends.
KakaoTalk Messenger brings the system for sending multimedia messages through photos, contact info, voice messages, voice notes, and sharing of locations with others. That means this messenger can also be used for the sharing of data and files.
KakaoTalk Messenger app also contains the features of scheduling and voting system that is hard to find in other messengers. This system is basically to keep your friends involved in upcoming events by organizing a poll and getting votes on that event.
KakaoTalk Messenger alternatives
4
Google TalkFree
Google Talk (now known as Google Hangouts) is the new platform for instant messaging with the famous search engine to get closer to its direct competitors (Yahoo, Microsoft, and America Online). Google is undergoing a transformation that will be completed in the coming weeks with the new version of its search engine. You can always access searches with improved algorithms and incorporate an application for news, stock quotes, or weather forecasts. It now offers a new Expansion in voice and text communications as it incorporates a new similar to Skype protocol (voice over the network) service allowing free calls via PC.
Google Talk also incorporates a service for chats similar to MSN Messenger text. It is now in the testing phase, and to use it; you need to be registered with a Gmail account. All contact in your Gmail account will be added directly to this application to chat with them without inserting them individually. It is compatible with Apple iChat, Pidgin, Adium, Trillian Pro, and Psi because all these applications share the Jabber technology. However, it is not compatible with the network messaging Microsoft (Hotmail) and Yahoo.
Google Talk alternatives
5
eBuddy MessengerFree
eBuddy Messenger is a social platform that was formerly known as Meebo. Although the name has changed, its features remain completely the same. This application allows users to communicate with each other through various platforms, such as MSN (Windows Live Messenger or WLM), Facebook, Yahoo!, MySpace, Gtalk, ICQ, and AIM (AOL), and all from within the same interface.
It means that instead of having six or seven separate applications for communication, you only need one. It comes with all the usual features that you can find in the social network messaging tool, including Avatar, smiley, group creation, and so on. eBuddy Messenger is a great app for those who want to communicate with friends using Gtalk or MSN but have not yet installed all the applications.
eBuddy Messenger alternatives
6
SkypeFree
Skype is a communication and instant messaging platform that lets users make free calls and freely send text messages to each other. Skype also provides the international call system at mobile and landline numbers at a very cheap rate.
In addition to making calls and sending messages, the free service of Skype can be used to share files and data. Skype ensures the HD video calls in HQ voice subject to the mac and camera of the users.
Being multiplatform, Skype can be accessed from anywhere, either it is a desktop PC or any smartphone operating system. Skype allows its users to make group video calls from mobile phones and tablets.
It is a massively enjoyable, secure, and exquisite way to stay connected with your friends and family members. The most updated system of Skype is chatting in one language and getting translated into other languages.
Skype alternatives
7
CometChat
CometChat is a desktop messenger that allows the users to enjoy the features of the text, audio and video chat from the desktop of Windows or Mac OS X operating systems. CometChat is the platform of dozens of features and functions that are available in shape of option for one-on-one chats and even group discussion, broadcast messaging system, announcements, single-player games, desktop notifications system, and more.
You can launch Facebook fan page directly from the CometChat, get the notification of tweets directly in the CometChat, translate the conversation into various others international languages, audio call system, video conferencing, screen sharing, send files and data and a lot of other feature and functions that are simply beyond the messaging and calling.
The best about CometChat is that in addition to providing the users with the system of text, audio, and video calling, CometChat offers the users to get their social media accounts organized at a central platform as well. The users on their own can opt for either one-on-one discussion or group discussion and can go for video conferencing as well. Users are even allowed to send files to the other CometChat users within few minutes without even caring about the size of the file.
CometChat alternatives
8
Frim
Frim is a free to use social communication application that helps you to connect with new people around the world on local chat rooms. With this application’s help, you can make new friends, meet new locals for a coffee while you travel, or just chat with the same interested people online to express your feelings.
It has more than 5 million users and allows you to meet new people and make new friends fast easily. Like Facebook and lots of the leading social media applications, it also enables you to send friend requests, and once accepted, you can easily send and receive unlimited messages without any limitation. Frim offers an enhanced communication system and allows you to send and receive text messages, images, videos, location, voice messages, etc.
To make it a comprehensive social app, it introduces an anonymous chat feature that allows you to interact with strangers anonymously; you just need to pick any nickname and start chatting. Frim also includes core features such as sending and receiving funny stickers and cool gifts, flick through and pick profiles you like, use filters to find someone, express yourself with different badges and post a day to day thoughts, etc.
Frim alternatives
9
CotapFree
Cotap is a cross-platform and multifunctional text, voice and video calling program that lets the users make free audio and video calls with other Cotap users and send messages for free as well. The main area of service by the Cotap are sending messages, voice messages, and sending large media, and docs files.
Cotap is not about sending and receiving messages only, but it is more than just a messaging platform. It can be used for business purposes as well, where the team members can make collaboration with each other by sharing files and data of the company with each other.
It contains an all-in-one integration system that is used for synchronizing all-important platforms at one centralized platform of the Cotap and making collaboration in all segments. The consumer and customer focusing system of Cotap is entirely different from the other messaging and calling platforms. Here is no method of searching for other people via their phone number.
In last but not least, there is the security system of the Cotap that provides the users complete control over all of their communications and how they want to deal with their communication and data that they are sharing with other Cotap users.
Cotap alternatives
10
Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz is an instant messenger and calls service provider from where you can enjoy making free calls and sending free messages without any limits. Nimbuzz brings the finest way to stay connected with your friends and family members. Only a few video calling and chatting programs are offering the feature of calling to the international mobile and landline numbers, and it is among a few of them.
Nimbuzz app allows its global users to make free calls or send text messages for free without even caring for the number of messages sent or the time duration of the calls, as in the case of Nimbuzz to Nimbuzz all is every free.
However, you can make calls to the international landline and mobile numbers by purchasing the credit of the Nimbuzz first that is available at very cheap rates. After that, you can make calls to any mobile number as well.
The main features of Nimbuzz are video calling, HD voice calling, group chat systems, stickers to decorate the chatting, chat rooms for social communication, video chat system, and much more. The features of Nimbuzz are beyond just messaging and chatting.
Nimbuzz alternatives
11
LINEFree
LINE is a free messaging and calling app for exchanging instant messages with friends and enjoy making group chats as well. LINE is available for almost all operating systems and devices. The best thing about the LINE app is that it operates normally over all operating systems. The app supports high synchronization so that you can access it from anywhere and at any time.
LINE Messanger provides the users with free messaging, and voice/video calling system . The users can make real-time audio and video calls to their friends without paying anything. In terms of messaging and text chatting, LINE is also fully-featured, and contains thousands of stickers and smileys to make the chatting colorful and full of fun.
These stickers and emoticons liven up the chats and brings the best way to express one’s feelings with other LINE users. While on the other hand, chatting and calling from LINE to LINE Mmessenger is entirely free.
The app also offers the calling system at landline and mobile numbers as well, and the calls on these numbers can be made at very cheap rates. LINE is a magnificently used communication and social platform for making a secure connection with the ones you love.
LINE alternatives
12
ICQFree
ICQ is an exclusive messaging and calling platform for the PC environment. ICQ brings an elegant way to make free chatting as well as video calling with friends and staying in touch with them all the time if they are also using the same app.
The app also provides the system of making low-cost phone calls on landline and mobile numbers, either at the local level or international level. If you are using it and your friend is also using it, then both of you can enjoy the free and unlimited feature of sending messages and making voice and video calls.
ICQ also provides users with the system of file sharing so that you can enjoy sharing photos, videos, and other files effortlessly. Other than these, ICQ users can quickly share photos, video messages, audio files, documents, contacts, and a lot of other information within go.
ICQ app also works as a social media network where the two or more friends can create groups to enjoy the group chatting and calling collectively. The availability of colorful themes, stickers, and emojis allows the users to customize the ICQ in their own way and to enjoy the chatting and conversation in a dynamic and high-profile environment.
ICQ alternatives
13
ooVooFree
ooVoo is an instant messaging and video chatting platform that is available for almost all operating systems and devices. For enjoying the free features of the ooVoo, the willing users are first required to get themselves registered.
After the registeration, they can enjoy the free features of instant messaging, voice calling, video calling, and chatting and even the video conferencing as well.
OOVOO app provides its registered users with the system of making high-quality audio and video calls to up to twelve users at once. There is also a system of desktop and screen sharing to put and expand your work scenarios.
If you talk about making calls to mobile and landline numbers, then all of its users can make free and low-cost calls over this significent platform. The app supports both features of one to one chat as well as group chatting.
ooVoo is available for almost every device and operating system, and all these are highly synchronizable as well, which means the users can access their account from any device and platform. If your friend is not currently online, then the users can share the offline message through this platform.
ooVoo alternatives
14
X-Lite
X-Lite is a desktop platform that features instant messaging, voice and video calls in a simple and easy to use interface. X-Lite app provides the users with those communication and chatting features that make it easy for the users to enjoy instant messaging and HD voice and video calling. The best about X-Lite is that it can be used for individual and organizational communication purpose.
X-Lite is a way to get rid of the traditional phone system and enjoy the free SMS and voice and video calling system. Either you want to use it for one to one communication or want to use it for group discussion, both features are being offered by the X-Lite.
The main advantages of using X-Lite are that it can be used for business purposes as well to remain in contact with coworkers, video conferencing, see who is online for conversation, manage the contact list, create group according to nature, friends and family members. The main highlighted features of X-Lite are standard voice/video calling, instant messaging system, open standard calling system, voicemail support, and lot of others.
X-Lite alternatives
15
iMessageFree
iMessage is an unlimited text messaging system for the Mac OS X operating systems that provide the iOS users to send unlimited messages to other iMessage users on Mac or other iDevices for free. There is no limitation over sending text messages. For sending the messages, the users are required to only have the Wi-Fi or data plan for the device in order to enjoy free messaging and unlimited texting.
In addition to simply sending the text messages, the users of iMessage can enjoy the sharing of photos, videos, contact information, and even location as well. The can enjoy the conversation across all devices of Apple.
But there is one limitation in the case of iMessage and that is non-availability of video and voice calling by the iMessage. However, the users of iMessage can still enjoy the videos and voice messages via MMS to other mobile phones as well. iMessage even supports the voice to text chatting feature as well just like the feature of Siri.
iMessage supports both sending messages to a single person or to the group of persons as well along with photos, videos, and links that they want to share with their friends. Everything is free that requires only an internet connection or Wi-Fi availability.
iMessage alternatives
16
Jitsi
Jitsi is an open-source and multiplatform video calling and chatting app that is basically used for video calls, video conferencing, and desktop sharing. Jitsi is one of the best platforms to enjoy sending messaging, making audio and video calls, and even for the video conferencing.
Jitsi app allows the users to conduct the interviews of the candidates or hold video conferences from other parts of the world. Being a multiplatform program, it is available for all operating systems and devices. The app provides secure and private means for video and audio calls to the ones you want.
In addition to chatting and video conferencing, Jitsi provides the system of desktop sharing and file transferring. Its users can easily share all types of files with others even without even caring about the size and format.
In terms of messaging and chatting, Jitsi is one of the best sources that provides the users with an encrypted chatting environment where they can communicate and make conversation with other people.
Jitsi app is free to use app that does not requires any account creation procedure. The app also features desktop sharing, integrated chat system in HD environment, file sharing, and much more.
Jitsi alternatives
17
PidginFree
Pidgin is the universal chat client software, enabling the two or more groups to establish communication between them. With this software, you can simultaneously chat with multiple networks if you are log in to one account. For example, you can communicate with all your friends using different networks like MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo, Gadu-Gadu, IRS, MXit, etc. It is available for Linux OS, UNIX OS, and Windows. In addition to chatting, it provides features of file transfers, typing notifications, and buddy icons.
You can translate your message into over eighty international languages as well. It also provides access to others platforms like Bonjour, QQ, Zephyr, SILC, Lotus Sametime, Google Talk, or MSN. This tool allows sending all kinds of files, supports emoticons and notifications, including function display prompt states and even when one of your contacts is writing you a message.
Pidgin alternatives
18
HangoutsFree
Hangouts (formerly known as Google Talk) is an IM and VoIP software developed by Google. It was released on May 15, 2013, and the stable version was released on October 22, 2014. It is compatible with MS Windows OS (Chrome extension), Mac OS (Chrome extension), Linux (Chrome extension), Chrome OS, Android, and iOS.
It is the default application for messaging in the latest Android phones. Using this tool, you can make free videoconferences with your 10 friends. You can begin a conversation with anyone while using your PC, iPad, or Android smartphone. This is a useful platform that truly proves useful if you need to share photos with your friends and family members.
Hangouts alternatives
19
PalringoFree
Palringo is a cross-platform instant messaging client with which you can communicate with your contacts from MSN, Gmail, Yahoo MSN, AOL, Jabber, or ICQ. The greatest advantages of using this tool are resource consumption lower than average and a well-organized interface through which you can work easily with different accounts. To use this tool, you need to register on the author’s website (free).
Once you have your user account, then you can add the client to the above services you want to include in your account. It lets you manage each service separately; for example, you can change your status for MSN but not for Gmail. Initially, your contacts are listed by state, but you can create groups that include contacts of different services.
Palringo alternatives
20
FranzFree
Franz is a customer-oriented platform to use all your instant messaging applications from a single interface. So far, the list of supported applications includes Slack, WhatsApp, WeChat, HipChat, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Google Hangouts, GroupMe, Skype, and Grape. In Telegram, you enter your phone number; on Facebook, you will have to enter your username and password, and at WhatsApp, you may use a QR code.
Its interface is very convenient for managing multiple accounts since each appears on a tab. And thanks to the notifications, you can see if you have pending messages for reading in any of the applications. It is an exciting program for any user to pass some time before the PC. With it, you can reply to any message you receive.
Franz alternatives
21
Facebook MessengerFree
Facebook Messenger that is commonly known as the Messenger is a desktop commination and messaging program being offered by the Facebook Messenger for messaging, voice chatting and calling. Fb Messenger is integrated with the chatting feature of Facebook and also work as independently as well.
The users of Facebook Messenger can chat with their friends and those added in the contact list. They can even make voice and video calls as well in the same way as they do on the apps of Facebook Messenger or the website of Facebook. Messenger also introduce Rooms feature that allows users to make video calls with more than 50 users around the world.
The ultra-fast and straightforward messaging and chatting platform of Facebook Messenger allows the users to chat and make calls to any operating system without any distraction. The Facebook Messenger is backing it, but in terms of features and functions, Facebook Messenger has no affiliation with Facebook.
The main highlighted features of Facebook Messenger are made HD calls to anyone, snap photos and shoot videos, use stickers to make the conversation colourful, record voice messages and send to the others, group chatting system, and a lot of others. Facebook Messenger is entirely different from Facebook, which is only a social networking platform. Facebook Messenger has its unique features of communication and conversation.
Facebook Messenger alternatives
22
HipChatFree
HipChat is an instant messaging and video chatting platform for the desktop environment that provides the users with the system of private and group chat, file sharing, and data integrations. The app contains a chatting and messaging system that enables the users to send unlimited text messages, make audio, and video calls without any limitations.
It also carries a data-sharing system that lets the users send their large files with other HipChat users within a few minutes. The app supports a proper persistent screen sharing and video calling system in the HipChat that provides users with a secure and private environment for chatting and communication.
HipChat is a cross-platform, communication, and messaging system that is available for almost every device and operating system. You can also enjoy all the services of HipChat through the HipChat Web, right over your desktops as well.
The advantage of using the web app of HipChat is that it can be accessed from any part of the world and any device and operating system. You can intuitively download the HipChat app from the stores to enjoy the free features of messaging, communicating, calling, and file sharing.
HipChat alternatives
23
Miranda IM
Miranda IM is a multi-protocol instant messaging setup for the Windows operating systems that provide the users with the system for basic and important client framework. In addition to providing users with their own integrated features and functions, Miranda IM app also provides the users with the extra plugin architecture system.
In addition to work as an independent instant messenger, Miranda IM even lets the users receive the messages from the other messengers and share the same to them also.
Miranda IM is one of the best messaging clients whose highlighted features includes highly customized environment, extreme level of adjustability, contacts management approach, full messages archive database, and more.
It is a highly secure and private environment for chatting so that you can share data as well as files in the most secure and elegant way. Despite the fact it is providing all these features, there is still no system of advertising in the Miranda IM.
Miranda IM alternatives
24
GroupMeFree
GroupMe is a communication and group messaging platform empowered by Microsoft. Group Me app provides the users with a messaging platform from where they can send instant messages to other GroupMe users without any limitations.
The app also supports the functionality of group chatting and messaging to enjoy everything in the way you want. The two primary messaging services of GroupMe are chatting either privately with the other GroupMe users or even by joining chatrooms.
GroupMe has combined the elements of one-on-one chat and social networking where the users can enjoy both features collectively. It is not for the individual purpose only as it even allows the organizations to use it for group communication and collaboration among coworkers to organize the project.
The best thing about GroupMe is that it works with almost any device and operating system. GroupMe is that if the users want to send messages to anyone from the mobile, than instead of opening the GroupMe, the users can use the SMS box, and the message will be sent through it. Some of its other features includes instant sharing of photos, videos, gallery views, like messages, share location, custom emojis, direct messages, and notification alert system, etc.
GroupMe alternatives
25
WeChatFree
WeChat is a free instant messaging and video communication platform that provides the users with a free platform for sending unlimited messages and calls. We Chat is a secure and private means of communication and discussion where the users can enjoy endless conversations in a secure and private environment.
The app features HD voice calls, HD video calls, instant messaging systems, chat with the nearby persons, and a lot of others. WeChat provides the users with the system of sharing large files and media data.
You can share your desired photos and videos within minutes.WeChat app carries one of the most instant, secure and elegant group chatting feature where the users of WeChat can enjoy instant messaging with their desired group of people.
There are dozens of smileys and emoticons in the app to make discussions more lively, expressive, and colorful. WeChat app also provides users with the system of importing contacts instantly. WeChat app also gives the touch of social media networks where you can like, share, and comment on the photos and videos shared by your friends.
WeChat alternatives
26
WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a multiplatform, instant messaging, and audio chatting app to have a quality time while watching content. It supports video chatting, as well. Most of the people like to use WhatsApp for creating and joining groups. The best about WhatsApp is that it can be used as an instant messenger and social networking platform at the same time.
WhatsApp allows its users to create and join groups of others as well to have endless conversations. They can then share videos, images, links, gifs, documents, text messages, audio messages, clips, and all other necessary information in groups.
In terms of instant messaging, WhatsApp is an elegantly designed social app for making free calls and sending messages for free. If you are a regular user of text messaging and most of the contacts in your phone directory are using WhatsApp, then instead of paying for the cellular packages, you can use WhatsApp to send free messages to any other WhatsApp user.
It also supports all the media files, doc files, and other types of file sharing. The best about WhatsApp is that it never disrupts the communication of its users by showing ads during the conversation.
WhatsApp alternatives
27
TrillianFree
Trillian is a freeware multiprotocol instant messaging software that can integrate multiple instant messaging services like Windows Live Messenger, AIM, ICQ, etc., and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. It is a sophisticated and powerful tool to communicate with your contacts. It does not matter if your contacts are online or offline because, with this IM, you can send messages anytime you want.
This program also supports the registration of entry and exit logs, allowing smileys, and has its own icons to differentiate each connected contact. If you have multiple accounts on different servers, this should be the application you were looking for. However, with IM’s integration into social networking and emails, these IM clients’ need has been reduced but not eliminated.
Trillian alternatives
28
Telegram MessengerFree
Telegram Messenger is a highly encrypted messaging platform that allows users to send messages and make communications across the globe in a highly private and secret environment. Unlike most of the instant messenger, Telegram Messenger never locates the identity of its users and does not keep an eye on the behavior of its users.
Other features for communication in Telegram Messenger are almost the same, just like other messaging applications. Telegram Messenger users can enjoy sending messages, large files, and media with other Telegram Messenger users for free.
Telegram Messenger app brings the system of group creation where like-minded people can create the public or private group to share the informational and amazing stuff with their family members and friends.
At the same time, two hundred people can become part of these groups. Telegram Messenger app features the connection with other Telegram Messenger users, coordination in the shape of forming groups, synchronization with all devices, sending of documents of any type, sending encrypted messages, self-destruct messaging system, and a lot of others.
Telegram Messenger alternatives