Internet - Instant Messengers (23)

Miranda NG is a multi-protocol instant messaging client supporting most common protocols by default including Facebook, IRC, Jabber XMPP, MinecraftDynmap, Omegle, Sametime, SkypeWeb, Steam, Tox, Twitter, and more. Additional protocols are also available, as well as plugins and languages via "Main menu > Available Components list" (see online list).

Note: The program started as a code fork of Miranda IM. Though the latter is no longer maintained, a FAQ about the original differences is available, alongside a migration guide.

Alternatively, Miranda NG Portable is also available.

Telegram is an easy-to-use, secure messaging and VoIP service. The program can be installed on multiple locations and devices, and will synchronize with all connected tools. It supports video calls, broadcast messages, huge chat rooms and can transfer any file type, up to 1.5 gigs each.

Note the program requires a working phone number in order to log in (via SMS or automated phone call).

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and as a web app. A PortableApps version is also available.

Pidgin Portable is a Pidgin version made by PortableApps.com. Pidgin is an easy-to-use multi-protocol instant messaging client with a tabbed interface, customizable sounds, themes and more. Supports a long list of networks including Jabber/XMPP, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, MicroFocus GroupWise Messenger, SILC, and more. It also includes support for many features such as file transfers, away messages, buddy icons, emoticons and typing notifications.

Plugins are also available to add more features including more networks, security, interface tweaks, and more. Themes are available via an additional download.

Pidgin is cross-platform with clients available for Mac OS and Linux; it supports 80+ world languages.

Other portable versions (note that these are oudated and may not function):

• Official Procedure to make the official client portable (fairly long)
• Script kindly contributed by rokth

BeeBEEP is a customizable chat and file/folder sharing tool for individuals or groups inside your local area network such as an office, home, or internet cafe. Conversations are peer-to-peer (no server required), encrypted, and messages sent to offline users will be delivered when they come online. Features include screen and file sharing, spellcheck, individual and group chats, and you can easily send quick voice recordings and screenshots. The program can also be configured to function as a file servers, sharing multiple files and folders for download by other clients.

Cross-platform with clients available for Linux, Mac and more.

qTox is an easy, secure instant messaging and VoIP client for the distributed Tox network. The program includes standard features like chat between users, group chats, file transfer with image preview, as well as high-quality audio and video calls with group call capability.

The program is peer-to-peer, meaning no central server is necessary for the network to function.

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Windows, FreeBSD and Android. Alternatively, qTox Portable is also available.

TeamSpeak is a VoIP tool focused on efficient system and bandwidth usage. Although targeting online gamers, the program includes collaboration tools including file transfer, easy permissions, secure connections and a customizable interface. Other premium audio functions include surround sound capability and positioning. The program can also function offline, meaning you don't need the Internet to connect with other users on your local network.

Cross platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.

Brosix is a secure instant messaging and collaboration tool featuring voice, video, and text chat, whiteboard, and a private team network. Interface includes tabbed chat, chat history, spell check and anti-virus support.

Messages with other Brosix users are secured and can be sent when they are offline and delivered upon return. All communication with other Brosix users is encrypted and clients are available for Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, as well as via a Web Client to use the Brosix network with most browsers.

Note that the program requires creating a login using an email address and has been limited to only three users in the free tier.

TeamTalk is a feature-rich conferencing application aimed at providing everyone a VoIP solution regardless of connection speed. Includes video conferencing, desktop sharing, file sharing, audio streaming, recording and much more. Audio push-to-talk and audio detection are both available. Features include quality controls, packetloss resistance, de-noising of outgoing audio, 3D positioning of sound and much more.

Note: This program may or may not function with public servers, meaning it will require a running server to connect with other users.

Miranda IM is an extensible, customizable instant messenger client supporting Facebook, Gadu-Gadu, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo and more. The program can support more protocols via an extended plugin system to include Netsend, IAX, Tlen etc. and an add-on system can add other features such as skins, an RSS feed reader, weather alert, world clock, secure messaging etc.

Note: it is no longer maintained, but its fork Miranda NG can be used instead.

Alternatively, Miranda IM Portable is another portable version.

Isotoxin is a feature-rich secure messenger that lets you connect over your local network or the Internet. The program supports audio and video, desktop sharing (view only), file/folder sharing, inline images, group chats and user profiles. Available extras include spell check, avatars, themes, auto gain / noise filter for audio and much more.

The Tox protocol is peer-to-peer, meaning no central server is necessary for the network to function.

Includes basic support for the XMPP (Jabber) protocol.

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NOTE: Because anonymity tools like this usually see additional scrutiny and there have been no updates since 2018, security issues may exist within this tool/service. Proceed with caution.

Ricochet is a simple, text-only instant messenger built for security and anonymity. The program uses the Tor network hidden services feature to hide one's identity and connections are encrypted end-to-end. The program intentionally does not save chat history.

Note that unlike most IM tools you do not need to register a username, instead generating a unique address (e.g. "ricochet:rs7ce36jsj24ogfw"). Other Ricochet users can use this address to connect with you. These addresses can be generated and discarded as needed.

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac and Linux.

Vacuum-IM is a full-featured, tabbed instant messenger for Jabber/XMPP networks supporting profiles, multiple accounts, conferences, nested groups in roster, chat history, encryption, file transfer and status messages. It can use notifications, emoticons, customizable message styles, status icons and shortcuts, avatars and more.

The program is cross-platform, written in Qt. The core program is just a plugin loader, all functionality is made available via plugins.

SkypeContactsView is a useful tool for use with Skype to display a list of all contacts stored in the local database. Each contact includes name, display name, gender, ID, birthday, profile time, last online time, last used time, phone, emails, and more.

The program also allows you to export the contacts list into text, basic spreadsheet, xml/html file, or copy them to the clipboard to paste into Excel or other spreadsheet application.

LiveContactsView allows you to view the details of all contacts in your Windows Live Messenger. For each contact, the program displays email address, nickname, quick name, first/last name, and more. You can easily select one or more contacts and then export them into text/xml/html/csv file, or copy them into the clipboard and then paste them into Excel or to other spreadsheet application.

Qualia LAN Messenger is a secure instant messaging and file transfer application for communication over a local network. It does not require a server or an internet connection. Also includes text formatting, event notifications, broadcast messages, chat rooms, themes, message logging, and more.

The program can function as an alternative to standard instant messaging tools or for ease of communication or file sharing when the Internet isn't available.

Cross-platform supporting Mac and Linux.

Instantbird is a simple and easy to use instant messaging client with support all the major networks. The program has a tabbed interface and similar look and feel to Firefox/Thunderbird (uses the Mozilla codebase), and includes support for customization using themes and add-ons.

Available networks include AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, Twitter, Facebook, XMPP, IRC, ICQ, and more.

Instantbird Portable is a version in PortableApps.com format.

NOTE: this program hasn't been updated since 2013 and may contain security vulnerabilities.

TorChat is a basic, text-only instant messaging client focused on security and anonymity. It includes availability (away, lunch, etc), optional profile, and avatar. The program requires almost no setup: just share your randomly-generated username (e.g. "bkmworoidjwxz5l") to other TorChat users. These are easily created and discarded to help maintain anonymity.

The program uses the Tor network's hidden services feature to send messages between peers with authentication and encryption based on public key exchange.

Also available for Linux.

NOTE: TorChat has been out of development for some time and connection may require additional steps. Ricochet is an attempted replacement.

aMSN is an open alternative to the Windows Live Messenger, mimicking its the look and feel while connecting to the MSN network. Features include offline messaging, voice clips, webcam support, custom emoticons, multiple sign-ins, file transfers, group and conferencing support, normal, and animated emoticons with sounds, chat logs, event alarms, and more.

Many plugins and skins are available to add features or change the appearance. Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, and more.

aMSN Portable is packaged in PortableApps.com Format for portable use alone or with the PortableApps.com Platform. Alternatively, X-aMSN is also available.

PixaMSN is a tiny, open source MSN Messenger clone with basic feature set and small disk and memory footprint. The program starts off with an "invisible" status so the user appears offline. The program checks for MSN/Hotmail email at start-up and can be configured to notify for additional mail.

Fomine LAN Chat is tiny and easy-to-use instant messaging software to connect with other users on the same local network. Note that the program does not function over the internet unless used with VPN software. The program creates a chat room with other chat participants and allows for setting your status to online, away or disconnected.

LAN Messenger is a simple IM Client that can be used across your Local Area Network (LAN.)

Main site offline -- linking to archive.org mirror.

OpenTalk is an instant messaging / chat client with a skinnable interface. Supports voice chat, webcams, file transfers, and rooms of up to 100 people (which can be public or password-protected).

Note: Main site offline, linking to softpedia and archive.org.