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 In addition, if you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it.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.
Pidgin
An increasingly popular free chat client that lets you chat simultaneously with users of other messenger services, such as AIM, Google Talk, IRC, MSN, ICQ, Yahoo!, and others. In addition to basic text chat, Pidgin also supports file transfers, typing notifications, personaised emoticons, and additional plug-ins. The software functions on Windows and Linux.
Trillian
A superb instant messenger program that provides you with the ability to chat on Windows Live, Yahoo!, AIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Skype, and more, all from one program. In addition, it packs a range of social networking features, including those for Facebook and Twitter. So you can chat whilst on the move, iPhone, Android and Blackberry apps are also available.
Digsby
Does switching between instant messenger programs drive you crazy? You should fear not, thanks to Digsby, a free "up and coming" instant messenger that's compatible with MSN, AOL, Yahoo!, ICQ, Google Talk and even Jabber. The program also links in nicely with a number of popular social sites, including "Facebook" and "Twitter".
Camfrog FreeA popular free video chat program for Windows, Mac and mobile devices, with over 60 million downloads. If you enjoy chatting to other people online, Camfrog Free's bustling online meeting place is something you really ought to check out. You can chat via webcam but if you're feeling a little shy, good old fashioned text chat is also available, along with voice chat.
ICQThe 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.
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. Functions on Windows, Apple Mac, Android and iOS (for iPhone/iPad).
Google TalkA user-friendly instant messenger client from the search giant, Google. As you'd expect, it works like a dream and packs an impressive range of features, so you can chat via text and video, send and receive files, plus communicate with users of Gmail. It's MSN for "grown ups"!
PalringoA free instant messaging program that allows you to keep in touch regardless of your location, via a mobile device or standard computer. It allows you to chat with users of Windows Live, AOL, Yahoo!, ICQ, Google Talk and others. Functions on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Miranda IMThis popular instant messenger program for Windows allows you to easily communicate with contacts using Yahoo!, MSN, ICQ, AIM, Netsend, and others. In addition, Miranda has a small system resource footprint, meaning you can run it in the background without compromising your computer speed. It sure saves you running multiple messengers at once!
oovooA popular free video chat program that enables you to "video call" up to six people at the same time. What's more, with superb audio support, you can hear as well as see your contacts, even if they are thousands of miles away! The service includes high resolution video for ultra-clarity, various video effects, and even a Web browser video call feature (for friends who don't have oovoo installed). Bloggers are also able to embed a video into their sites.
BitWiseThis 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".
Yahoo! MessengerYahoo!'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.
SkypeA 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.
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.
AOL Instant MessengerThis was one of 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.
mIRCHere'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.
MooveExperience 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.