The most popular instant messenger in the world from ex-Yahoo! employees, with over 450 million user base, and the main enemy of cellular operators, because of which all reasonable phone and smartphone owners will soon completely forget about SMS. Since 2009, it has been successfully helping its users send text messages, as well as videos, pictures, and audio. At the same time, WhatsApp developers, unlike competitors, focused specifically on messages, refusing to support audio and video calls, which gave them the opportunity to bring their functionality almost to the ideal. However, after the recent purchase of WhatsApp by Zuckerberg, it became known that voice calls may appear in the application.
iPhone owners can think about iMessage as much as they want, which allows you to send messages and any files no less painlessly for the budget, but everyone has enough friends using Android and other platforms.
Free basic features
Synchronization
with phone book
Stickers
PROS
MINUSES
The app is free for the first year only, after which you will have to pay $0.99. Although those who bought the app a long time ago for $0.99 were the first to buy the app, they now have a lifetime subscription.
iPad not supported.
WhatsApp cannot make calls over the Internet - all calls are made exclusively through your mobile operator.
facebook messenger
Facebook recently bought WhatsApp for $19 billion, but Zuckerberg continues to slowly develop his messenger. By getting rid of an annoying competitor that easily pocketed Eastern and South American audiences in just a few years, he bought time to further improve his application. But, in our opinion, Facebook Messenger is already pretty good, and its only drawback is that it focuses exclusively on Facebook users. Until Zuckerberg resolves this issue, the road to the big world of instant messengers is closed to the application.
FREE MAIN FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONEBOOK
HIGH PROBABILITY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Well synchronized with Facebook - when you receive a message, you go to Messenger, but you can also move back to the Facebook feed. But if all this was combined in one application, it would be much more convenient.
The stickers here are extremely diverse. Actually, just sharing these funny emoji can be done endlessly.
Minimalist functionality is just a messenger, nothing more.
MINUSES
The main disadvantage of the messenger is that it is available only to Facebook users. In fact, this is a plus, but this automatically removes it from the list of universal messengers available to absolutely everyone.
line
A Japanese messenger with a standard set of functions for sending messages and files, which is both a gaming platform and a mini-social network. In addition to, in fact, the basic functionality of a regular messenger, Line allows users to share their statuses and comment on others - in general, do the same as in other social networks. A long time ago, the main difference of this application was funny stickers with funny cartoons, which became one of the founders of the emoji fashion, but now you will not surprise anyone with this.
FREE MAIN FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONEBOOK
HIGH PROBABILITY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
The main difference of this application is funny stickers, reminiscent of emoticons from Facebook and, in fact, much inferior to them.
A large list of games that you can play together with a chat partner. But who really plays them is not clear.
Line maintains official celebrity accounts, although there are not very many of them so far - we managed to find only Katy Perry and Paul McCartney.
MINUSES
Even after syncing with your phone book, you will see a miserable list of three friends in the application.
Most of the stickers and other additional pleasures are paid separately - 66 rubles apiece.
Viber
The second most popular messenger after WhatsApp, differing from it only in the presence of audio calls, a smaller user base and less sophisticated design. In the end, if you like to communicate through instant messengers and are guided in their choice primarily by friends, then Viber should definitely appear on your phone: it is used by that part of your friends who ignored WhatsApp.
FREE MAIN FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONEBOOK
HIGH PROBABILITY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
With Viber, you can call even those users who do not have it installed. This service is called Viber Out and costs money - prices can be found in Viber itself. Given the Internet charges, this will not cost you much less than regular calls.
MINUSES
Due to its Israeli origins, Viber is suspected by the Egyptian and Lebanese authorities of supporting Zionist spies. Therefore, before traveling to Lebanon, it is better to install another messenger for insurance.
Telegram
The youngest, but at the same time one of the most promising representatives of the messenger family, created in 2013 by Pavel Durov's company Digital Fortress. On the very first day of launch, the entire Internet accused the creators of 100% WhatsApp plagiarism (they even have similar dialog backgrounds!) And many other mistakes, and at the same time once again reminded Durov of the similarities between VKontakte and Facebook. Meanwhile, this messenger has a number of undeniable advantages, such as high download speed of everything, good information protection and other pleasant things. According to Durov, Telegram, as we see it now, is just an intermediate product that, after proper testing, can become completely different, and the visual similarity with its older brother is just a starting point. At the same time, the lack of a Russian interface, which all schoolchildren still complain about, quite clearly hints at grandiose plans to capture the world market.
FREE MAIN FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONEBOOK
HIGH PROBABILITY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Instead of the usual stickers for competitors, there is a search for pictures all over the Internet, that is, instead of a paid picture with a dancing walrus from a limited set of applications, you can attach a photo of absolutely any walrus from the Internet, or even a hippopotamus, to the message.
There is completely no integration with VKontakte, and this is a plus at least because even if VKontakte is closed or Durov himself leaves from there, the messenger will remain afloat.
To the delight of Android fans, Durov perceives this platform as the main one for this application.
MINUSES
Unfortunately for iOS fans, Durov is taking Android as the main platform for this app.
snapchat
Messenger of the future with self-destructing information and just the perfect communication app that erases all your messages after a maximum of ten seconds after reading. The most interesting thing is that each text must be accompanied by a photo or video taken in real time. With these unusual and uncomfortable rules, Snapchat most of all resembles the real interaction of people, and not the pre-prepared monologues that we are used to when texting on social networks and other instant messengers. After all, everything you say in a normal conversation is not recorded on the hard drive and after a while disappears forever. To experience these unprecedented sensations, you just need to register, take a picture, apply unpretentious text over it, set the destruction timer from one to ten seconds and send the resulting message to one of your friends.
FREE MAIN FEATURES
Separately, we note that the selection did not include a branded utility for communicating in the popular social network - Facebook Messenger. The service is very popular among mobile device users, but its desktop version at the time of review is presented only as an application in the Windows 10 store, and not a separate program for all varieties of the operating system. Moreover, even this client is far from ideal. Therefore, for now, we do not include Facebook Messenger in our ranking.
Cross-platform programs for communication over the Internet
At the beginning of the selection, we will consider universal solutions for communication. These programs are used not only to communicate between two computers, but also to exchange messages, transfer files and even view the news feed, although the desktop versions of some services do not allow you to establish a voice and video session. All apps in this category are free (with the exception of some paid add-on content like stickers) and have clients for Android and iOS devices. The utilities are open to third-party developers and allow you to connect electronic assistants - bots. To run them, you need to enter the name of the bot in the address book.
The address book and the history of group chats in such utilities are stored on the server by default. Some instant messengers like WhatsApp even store photos in the "cloud". The advantage of this solution is that the data is automatically “pulled up” to a new device after authorization. The logical minus is security, in this case the active end-to-end encryption function (zero data access) will come in handy.
Download programs for communication via the Internet for free.
Free Internet chat programs for Windows XP, 7, 8, 10.
Download programs for correspondence and voice conversation on the Internet, in games and local networks.
Viber - a program for video calling, instant messaging and photo exchange, when launched, it synchronizes contacts on a computer with a mobile device, i.e. the user always has the most current most complete version of all his correspondence.
The history of Viber began in 2010, when a team of five Israeli developers decided to create a serious alternative. A lightweight application with excellent call quality and a pleasant interface immediately captivated millions of users. By 2015, the Viber audience exceeded the Skype audience - 400 million against 300.
version: 8.41.0.54 dated March 13, 2019Skype - a program for free video calls, voice communications, file and messaging, also allows you to call regular phones, send SMS and is the most popular instant messenger in the world today.
If you need to communicate with relatives, friends or colleagues who are far away, what could be better than a video call. The latest version of Skype is perfect for this - just download Skype and make sure you have a webcam on your PC. You will also need a headset, although if your computer or laptop has a microphone and speakers or speakers, you can do without it.
version: 1.5.15 from 22 February 2019Telegram- a fast messenger for private correspondence, transfer of media files and voice calls, keeps your data confidential on the network, preventing information leaks.
Telegram uses the latest encryption methods and its own closed source server hardware, which makes the content of transmitted messages inaccessible even to special services and governments of different countries. Today it is the most secure messenger in the world.
version: 0.3.2043 from 21 February 2019Fast cross-platform messenger with voice support. WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular messaging, photo and video sharing services.
“Beautiful, fast and convenient” - these three epithets can be used to characterize the messenger. With it, you can communicate in private and group chats, transfer photos and videos, send documents, spreadsheets and PDF files. The application uses a simple visualization system, notifying about the delivery and reading of messages. Social media fans will appreciate the ability to set a status and a profile photo. If you wish, you can add pleasant emotions to the dialogue thanks to a set of original emoticons. Particular emphasis is placed on the security of correspondence - all information is transmitted in encrypted form. The phone number is used as the user ID.
version: 5.13.1.1876 from 01 February 2019An advanced program for communication with high-quality video communication and file exchange of various formats. It differs by a number of social functions that have made LINE a kind of hybrid of a messenger and a social network.
The desktop version of LINE offers almost all the functionality of the mobile application. You can transfer contacts, make voice and video calls, chat, share photos and documents, dilute communication with funny stickers.
version: 10.0.12408 from 28 December 2018Application for online correspondence, file sharing, voice and video communication. Allows you to communicate, including with users of other instant messengers and social networks.
The legendary chat program was created back in 1996 by four high school students from Israel. The guys wrote a program to correspond with each other and distributed it for free among their friends. Two years later, the software became so popular that AOL bought it, paying the students $287 million.
version: 1.89 from 24 December 2018Flash mobs, quests, negotiations between TNT corporation drivers - Zello played a role in all this. On PC, Android, iOS and Windows Phone, this application has been downloaded by millions of users around the world.
It all started with the fact that a simple St. Petersburg guy Lyosha Gavrilov decided to revive in modern smartphones the function that was in his old Nokia phone of the 2001 model. Having collaborated with another programmer - Bill Moore - Lyosha began work on a project that would later become a powerful tool in the hands of the makers of history.
version: 3.2.3 from 30 October 2018The TeamSpeak voice application works on the principle of a multi-channel walkie-talkie - just press a key on the keyboard to connect. Ideal for online multiplayer gaming and business audio conferencing.
TeamSpeak is an extremely user-friendly application capable of providing quality voice communication over the Internet. It is enough to have a headset or speakers and a microphone.
In addition to text messaging, it provides the ability to share photos, videos and music.
A similar cross-platform application that, like WhatsApp, uses its mobile phone number as a subscriber identifier. In addition, the program allows you to make voice calls. Unlike a competitor, this utility is absolutely free even a year after the start of use.
ChompSMS/Textra
These programs are only suitable for the Android platform. ChompSMS allows you to send a short message to any number bypassing the network of your mobile operator, however, not for free, but in accordance with the rates on the official website. Using this service may or may not be profitable, depending on your tariff plan.
Textra is the brainchild of the same developer as ChompSMS. A convenient program for those who do not want to spend mobile traffic on communication and are the owner of a mobile plan with an unlimited number of short messages. Payment is made according to the tariff of your mobile operator.
Application benefits:
Pop-up alerts with instant response capability;
Organization of group communication;
Signature setting;
Extensive options for customizing notifications: color, signal, vibration.
The program is free.
facebook messenger
A program that allows you to exchange instant messages with your Facebook friends without going to the site of this social network, as well as view the "ticker" (a feed that shows the actions of friends) and notifications. The app is available for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone users. In addition to sending messages, voice communication also works, but only if you are in Wi-Fi coverage area. The program is free.
The peculiarity of the program is that it was developed by Pavel Durov, the creator of Vkontakte. This messenger has become the fastest and most convenient, but it has yet to take the palm in all stores from WhatsApp. In principle, there are no special differences between the same WhatsApp. The same messages, photo transfer, avatars, backgrounds. A nice detail: messages sent using Telegram can be prevented from being forwarded to anyone else and can be made to self-destruct after a while.
You can register, as in other similar services, using a phone number. But as for the chat, it is really very fast. Messages are delivered almost instantly. The program is free.
The short message service SMS is a thing of the past. It is much more profitable to exchange messages through. All you need to communicate is an Internet connection via Wi-Fi, and today this is no longer a problem. I WANT offers five of the best mobile programs for communication.
To save money on communication, use special programs designed for mobile communication.
WhatsApp is currently the most popular text messaging service on mobile devices. It is important that the application is suitable for both fans of Apple smartphones and fans of "android phones". WhatsApp will be able to use both BlackBerry lovers and owners of Windows Phone smartphones.
The program searches for all users known to it by phone numbers. Test communication with them will be free for you (the first year, then $ 0.99 per year). Of course, if you need to send a short message to someone who is not on WhatsApp, you will have to use SMS.
Viber
A similar cross-platform application that, like WhatsApp, uses its number as a subscriber identifier. In addition, the program allows you to make voice calls. Unlike a competitor, this utility is absolutely free even a year after the start of use. You can download.
ChompSMS/Textra
These programs are only suitable for the Android platform. ChompSMS allows you to send a short message to any number bypassing the network of your mobile operator, however, not for free, but in accordance with the rates on the official website. Using this service may or may not be profitable, depending on your tariff plan. You can download
Rate the program
(3 005 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
Messenger (from English Messenger is translated as "messenger", "messenger") is a program for instant messaging. Modern “sharing rooms” have much more functionality with the ability to make calls, share multimedia, video conferencing and other useful options. 
Some utilities provide their services for free, while others charge extra for additional features. Some messengers allow you to exchange hundreds of colorful emoticons, add more than 200 members to groups, while others, limited to modest functionality, guarantee encryption of all transmitted information. Our selection will help you get acquainted with the features of the best free messengers and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
Programs |
Russian language |
License |
Advertising |
Rating |
Chat |
Phone calls |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 9 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 10 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 10 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 8 | Yes | Yes | |
| Not | Free | Yes | 7 | Yes | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 6 | Yes | Yes | |
| Not | Free | Yes | 8 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 7 | Not | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Not | 6 | Yes | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 5 | Yes | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 5 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Not | 8 | Yes | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Not | 7 | Yes | Not | |
| Yes | Free | Not | 8 | Yes | Not |
It is the most popular instant messenger with which users from all over the world can call mobile, landline numbers, send messages and files, and communicate via video call for free. Using the software, you can make calls from a browser, use a variety of emoticons for bright communication, share your screen, arrange video conferences with several contacts and synchronize with all devices.
An equally popular messenger with a user coverage of 800 million. With it, you can send free messages, call any country, exchange multimedia data and establish contact with landline and mobile numbers. Communication quality, user-friendly interface, HD video communication, compatibility with almost all popular platforms have brought Viber to the forefront. In the latest versions, the developers have added entertainment additions: public accounts, games, emoticons and stickers store. In addition to photos, you can send videos, camera snaps, GIFs, links to content from popular resources, and Wikipedia articles to another contact. Various settings allow you to change the background, notification settings and your actions, show hidden chats and blocked contacts. Work in the utility begins with registering an account through a mobile number, after which you can already start communicating on a PC.
Messenger on a cross-platform system with a guarantee of the maximum data cipher. Works on portable and desktop computers, as well as mobile systems that are synchronized with each other. The user can set up automatic deletion of messages after a certain period and storage of multimedia in the "cloud". You can send objects up to 1.5 GB, create personal integrated modules, use emoticons when chatting, change backgrounds, and select connection types.
A popular utility for voice communication, correspondence in group and individual chats, the exchange of multimedia content and calls. The messenger works even on outdated mobile devices, allows you to combine up to 256 contacts into one group, publish and change your status, create mailing lists and highlight messages to favorites. All communication in the program is carefully encrypted, and the user can change the wallpaper of the chat wall, archive messages and apply individual notification sounds.
Being an improved refinement of Quip 2010, the messenger we are considering allows you to combine contacts from various social networks and services into a single database for quick communication. The work of external modules allows you to conduct video and audio communication with users of different protocols and social networks in different countries. To protect against spam, you can configure message filtering, and the ability to listen to the radio and view content on popular services from the Quip 2012 window will impress the demanding user.
High-quality messenger for text and voice communication, calls, online games and exchange of multimedia files. It integrates with social networks, notifies you of new messages, and sends SMS to mobile Mail.ru. The program works with ICQ's instant manager and notifies about her news, protects against spam mailings. In the application, the user can play games with a friend, call home and mobile, and send an instant message.
It is a free analogue of Skype with the same wide functionality. Allows you to video chat, chat, exchange files and short messages, record conversations, make calls to PCs, landlines and mobiles. Up to 12 users can be added to the chat, and a video message can be recorded for 60 seconds. Contacts import, correspondence history and work on various platforms are configured.
It is a walkie-talkie application that guarantees protection from wiretapping and perfect sound quality. It has a large audience coverage and communication in an open communication channel or its own radio channel. Channels have their own theme and regional affiliation. It is possible to send an off-line voice message to the user, view the history, configure options through a web browser and work with voice mail.
A utility for quick correspondence, listening to the radio, chatting in VK and working with Gmail. With the help of plug-ins, you can significantly expand Miranda's functionality, namely: changing the appearance of the interface, adding translation from various languages, viewing statistics, setting up secure communication and turning on notifications. Passwords and databases are protected using cryptographic algorithms.
A simple and functional utility that has a built-in messaging function and elements of social networks. It has about 400 million users and covers most of the well-known desktop and mobile operating systems. The application allows you to determine the geolocation of contacts, send content, voice and video messages. Thanks to the interface similar to social networks, in the LINE menu you can view the news feed of your favorite idols or contacts, chat with several users at the same time, apply stickers during correspondence and send files of various formats.
Lightweight and compact messenger that integrates with various social networks and other programs for communication. In addition to the standard functions for sending multimedia and messages, with ICQ you can call landline / mobile numbers, block the interlocutor, change skins, support microblogging, open the message history and simultaneously communicate in other social networks.
The messenger is relevant for creating voice conferences and communication between gamers during the game. This client creates a server in which a conference call is established between users and further communication is carried out. Discord provides all the options of the messenger for free, in addition, it protects against DDoS attacks and supports an in-game overlay. The utility administers voice communication channels, creates private and public chats, and also works in Push-to-Talk.
Multichannel walkie-talkie for voice communication with the creation of a personal channel with servers. The user in the settings sets a button or a coded voice message, which in the future will be the start of work in the messenger. TimSpeak provides high quality communication, suppresses noise and interference, joins up to 1000 users to a conversation and allows you to communicate in several communication channels at the same time. In the settings, you can set passwords for your channels, filter access and record the conversation. There is a version for 64-bit OS.
