Free Chat Software and Freeware
In this category, FreebieList.com takes a look at the Internet's best free chat software, such as instant messengers and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) clients. We would be interested to hear of any more free chat programs that we haven't listed below, so if you are aware of any similar software, please submit it. In addition, if you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it. You may also be interested in visiting our Free Chat Services section, for Web-based chat freebies.
ICQ - The legendry ICQ is a popular freeware instant messaging client that's ideal for keeping in touch with friends, family and business contacts. Packed full of features, ICQ includes: live text chat, an SMS utility, video and voice chat, VoIP support, a customisable interface, emoticons (smileys), and lots more besides. Once registered, you'll receive a personal ICQ ID number that people can identify you with.
> Introduced in 1996, ICQ ("I Seek You") was the Internet's first instant messaging program and has amassed over 180 million users since its launch.
> ICQ is also available for Mac and wireless devices. The software is multi-lingual and provides a selection of 18 different languages to choose from.
> The latest version of ICQ allows "grouped conversations" (i.e. a tabbed interface within one window). It also offers a vastly improved history area for saving conversations and provides enhanced search options.
Weblin - An innovative (and free) 3D chat program with over 2 million downloads worldwide. Weblin allows you to create a 3D avatar of yourself and then connect with other users whilst browsing the Web. You can chat with anyone with Weblin installed and visit different sites to see who's online, organise meetings or simply chat for fun.
BitWise - This freeware instant messenger software will encrypt your chat conversations, making them far more private and secure. BitWise, unlike some other instant messengers, supports offline messaging and functions on Microsoft Windows, Linux and also MacOS X. It even supports file sharing, voice chat, file encryption and features various availability modes, such as "invisible".
Trillian - If you've ever had numerous messaging programs installed on your computer at once it can be extremely irritating when switching from one to another. Trillian solves this slight problem by providing a clever integrated program that can communicate directly with AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN and ICQ. The latest version has many features, which can be seen at the developer's site.
Yahoo! Messenger - Yahoo!'s instant messaging application is one of the most widely used programs of its kind and allows you to chat in real-time with users of the same program. Yahoo! Messenger has many features, most notably voice chat mode and the ability to see when you're contacts are online. You can also host private or public conferences, sending files, play games, and do much more besides.
Skype - A fantastic freeware program that allows you to make free telephone calls over the Internet with other Skype users, regardless of their location in the world. This program operates using peer to peer (P2P) networking and in a similar fashion to many instant messengers, allows you to see if your contacts are online or otherwise unavailable. Skype is free of spyware and adware, so you can be sure you're installing a safe and secure program.
> When one Skype user contacts another, a video chat mode can be initiated. In order to take advantage of this feature, both parties require a Web cam and ideally a broadband Internet connection.
> Users of Skype can also contact landlines and mobiles for a competitive rate, with no monthly fees or contracts.
AOL Instant Messenger - This was the Internet's first major instant messaging service. Now everyone online can access it, not just AOL subscribers. Using AIM, you can send and receive files, messages and even chat in real-time. Features in the current version include the ability to play games online, receive text messages, share photos and host live conversations via voice chat.
Windows Live Messenger - Arguably the most popular instant messaging client, Windows Live Messenger (formally MSN Messenger) is a fully featured application most commonly used to chat over the Internet. The program supports voice chat, SMS texts, file sending and VoIP (Voice Over IP - for making PC to PC or PC to landline calls). The program also allows you to talk to people using Yahoo! Messenger.
Online Call - A fantastic program that can be used to communicate via the Internet and talk to friends and family. It works in a similar way to many instant messaging programs and notifies you when a "buddy" comes online. There are many options available if you use Online Call, some of which include: video conferencing, voice e-mail, private text chat, group/conference chat, etc.
mIRC - Here's a super popular client that utilises IRC (Internet Relay Chat) and allows users of the service to communicate in real-time with people from all over the globe. Using mIRC, you can exchange text messages in an instant whilst being connected over a chat network. There are hundreds of useful features, more of which are explained in great detail at the official mIRC Web site.
Moove - Experience chat in a 3D world environment when you download this unique chat client called "Moove". In a nutshell, Moove follows the rule of traditional IRC (Internet Relay Chat), but also offers graphical images of people mimicking the statements made in text. For example, if you specify to shake hands with your chat buddy, the virtual character will do the same on the screen.
Paltalk - A live voice and video chat community featuring a free program called PaltalkScene, which allows you to chat with others using webcams and microphones. The service includes thousands of chat rooms on virtually any topic imaginable, so you're bound to find a room to participate in. Paltalk also has an instant messaging component that allows you to hook up to AIM, Yahoo!, MSN and ICQ users. A version for Apple Mac is promised in the near future.