We would like to point out that the selection does not include a proprietary utility for communicating on a 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 operating system. Moreover, even this client far from ideal. Therefore, we do not include Facebook Messenger in our ratings for now.
Cross-platform programs for communicating via the Internet
At the beginning of the collection, we will consider universal communication solutions. These programs are used not only for communication between two computers, but also for exchanging messages, transferring files, and even viewing news feeds; however, the desktop versions of some services do not allow establishing a voice and video communication session. All applications in this category are free (with the exception of some paid additional content like stickers), and they have clients for Android and iOS devices. The utilities are open to third-party developers and allow you to connect electronic assistants - bots. To launch them, you need to enter the bot's name in your address book.
The address book and 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” to the new device after authorization. The logical disadvantage is security, in this case the active end-to-end encryption function (zero data access) comes in handy.
Many online team games require gamers to constantly maintain voice communication with their allies. Doing this using built-in tools is not always convenient, and voice chat in games has rather limited capabilities. Therefore, most people use specialized programs for voice communication. In this article we will look at several of the most popular representatives of such software.
The first program on our list will be TeamSpeak. It has long won the love of gamers due to its ease of use, low Internet speed requirements and flexible configuration for each user. To start communicating, just connect to the most convenient server and create a private room there, where you can invite friends.
This software has a wide variety of settings for playback and recording devices, several modes for turning on the microphone, for example, activation by voice or by pressing a certain key on the keyboard. All you have to do is go to the official website of the developer, download TeamSpeak for free, install and start using it. Even an inexperienced user can quickly master this program.
Mumble
If you want to create your own server in an open source program source code, then Mumble will become one of best options. Its interface is minimalist, there is not a huge number of tools and functions, but all the essentials that may be needed during team communication are present.
When you need to gather players for your next match, simply launch Mumble, create a server and share the connection information with your allies. They can quickly connect and start playing the game. From interesting features In this program, I would also like to note the sound positioning setting, which will allow you to hear the members of your team regarding their position in the game.
VentriloPro
VentriloPro does not position itself as a program designed exclusively for gaming communication, but it has everything you need for this. Servers are created for free by users manually using built-in utilities, after which the creator appoints administration, creates rooms and monitors the actions of other users. VentriloPro has convenient settings that allow you to use multiple game profiles on the same computer, which also applies to saved hotkey profiles.
The built-in overlay is a useful tool for gamers. The program will automatically display a small translucent window on top of the game, where all helpful information about communication. For example, you will be able to see who is speaking this moment, who disconnected or sent a text message in the channel.
MyTeamVoice
Next we'll look at the MyTeamVoice program. Its functionality is focused specifically on conducting group conversations with an emphasis on online games. Before you start using this software, you will need to create an account on official page, after which access will be available to create or connect to other servers.
Each participant has his own rank, which is determined by the time spent on the server. The ranking system is needed in order to sort users by level of access to different rooms, which is completely customizable by the administration. The control panel deserves special attention. There are many available to the administration. useful functions, allowing you to optimally configure the server and the rooms in it.
TeamTalk
TeamTalk has a large number of free servers with many rooms. Here people gather mainly not for games, but simply to communicate, listen to music, watch videos and exchange files. However, nothing prevents you from creating a separate room with limited access, where you can invite your friends and start a match in some online team game.
There is an opportunity to create your own personal server. This is done using a built-in utility outside the program itself. Configuration and launch is carried out via command line, after which access to administering and editing the server opens. The admin panel has been implemented in the form of a single window where all required parameters, and it is very simple and convenient to use.
Discord
The developers of the Discord program position it as software intended exclusively for gaming communication. Therefore, there are a large number of useful tools and functions related to gamers. For example, if your friend is online, then you can see what he is currently playing. In addition, the creators themselves made several simple and convenient overlays, tailored for specific games.
Servers are created absolutely free by any user. He has the right to create an unlimited number of rooms, make the server open or provide access only via links. Discord has a bot system that will allow you, for example, to continuously broadcast music on one of the channels.
RaidCall
RaidCall at one time was a fairly popular program not only among gamers, but also among fans of collective voice communication on various topics. The principle of servers and rooms here is no different from all previous representatives discussed above. RaidCall allows you to share files and conduct personal conversations using video calling.
Although the program consumes a minimal amount of resources, users with slow Internet may sometimes experience some difficulties during communication. RaidCall is distributed free of charge and is available for download on the official website.
Today we looked at some of the most popular and convenient programs, allowing voice communication in games. They are all very similar to each other, especially in the system of servers and channels, but each has its own characteristics and features that allow you to conduct team matches in your favorite online game with maximum comfort.
Most popular messenger in the world from former employees of Yahoo!, with a user base of more than 450 million, and the main enemy of mobile operators, because of which all reasonable owners of phones and smartphones will soon completely forget about SMS. Since 2009, it has successfully helped its users send text messages, as well as video, pictures and audio. At the same time, WhatsApp developers, unlike their competitors, focused specifically on messages, abandoning support for audio and video calls, which gave them the opportunity to bring their functionality to almost perfection. However, after the recent purchase of WhatsApp by Zuckerberg, it became known that voice calls may appear in the application.
iPhone owners can talk about iMessage as much as they want, which allows you to send messages and any files no less painlessly on your budget, but everyone has plenty of friends who use Android and other platforms.
Free basic features
Synchronization
With phone book
Stickers
PROS
MINUSES
The application can be used for free only for the first year, after which you will have to pay $0.99. Although those who bought the app a long time ago at the price of $0.99 have now received a lifetime subscription.
iPad is not supported.
You cannot make calls over the Internet via WhatsApp - 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. Having gotten rid of an annoying competitor, which in just a few years had easily captured the Eastern and South American audience, he gained time to further improve his application. But, in our opinion, Facebook Messenger is already pretty good, and its only drawback is that it is aimed exclusively at Facebook users. Until Zuckerberg resolves this issue, the road to Big world messenger application is closed.
FREE CORE FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT PROBABILITY OF FINDING YOUR FRIENDS
OPPORTUNITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Synced well with Facebook - when you receive a message, you'll be taken to Messenger, but can also be taken back to your Facebook feed. But if all this were combined in one application, it would be much more convenient.
The stickers here are extremely varied. Actually, just exchanging these funny emojis can be done endlessly.
Minimalist functionality - it's just a messenger, nothing extra.
MINUSES
The main disadvantage of the messenger is that it is only available to Facebook users. This is actually a plus, but it 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 also 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 thing as in other social networks. A long time ago, the main difference of this application were funny stickers with funny cartoons, which became one of the founders of the emoji fashion, but now this will not surprise anyone.
FREE CORE FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT PROBABILITY OF FINDING YOUR FRIENDS
OPPORTUNITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
The main difference of this application is its funny stickers, reminiscent of emoticons from Facebook and, in fact, significantly inferior to them.
A large list of games that you can play with your chat partner. But who actually plays them is not clear.
Line supports official celebrity accounts, although there are not very many of them so far - we were only able to find Katy Perry and Paul McCartney.
MINUSES
Even if you synchronize with your phone book, you will see a pathetic 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 instant messenger after WhatsApp, it differs only in the presence of audio calls, a smaller user base and a less sophisticated design. In the end, if you like to communicate via instant messengers and focus your choice primarily on your friends, then Viber should definitely appear on your phone: it is used by that part of your friends who have ignored WhatsApp.
FREE CORE FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT PROBABILITY OF FINDING YOUR FRIENDS
OPPORTUNITY 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. Considering the Internet fee, this will not cost you much less than regular calls.
MINUSES
Due to its Israeli origins, Viber is suspected by 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% plagiarism of WhatsApp (they even have similar dialogue backgrounds!) and many other errors, 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 speed loading everything, good information security and other pleasant little things. According to Durov, Telegram, as we see it now, is just an intermediate product, which 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 continue to complain about, clearly hints at grandiose plans to capture the world market.
FREE CORE FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT PROBABILITY OF FINDING YOUR FRIENDS
OPPORTUNITY TO SEND DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Instead of the usual stickers for competitors, there is a search for images throughout the Internet, that is, instead of a paid image with a dancing walrus from a limited set of the application, you can attach to a message a photo of absolutely any walrus from the Internet, or even a hippopotamus.
Integration with VKontakte is completely absent, and this is a plus, at least because even if VKontakte is closed or Durov himself finally leaves 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 sees Android as the main platform for this application.
Snapchat
The messenger of the future with self-destructing information and simply an ideal communication application that erases all your messages 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 closely resembles real interaction between people, and not the pre-prepared monologues that we are accustomed to when corresponding on social networks and other instant messengers. After all, everything you say in a normal conversation is not recorded on HDD and after a while it disappears forever. To experience these unprecedented sensations, you just need to register, take a photo, put some simple text on top, set the destruction timer from one to ten seconds and send the resulting message to one of your friends.
FREE CORE FEATURES
Download programs for communicating via the Internet for free.
Free Internet communication programs for Windows XP, 7, 8, 10.
Download programs for correspondence and voice conversations on the Internet, in games and local networks.
Fast cross-platform messenger with support voice communication. WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular services for messaging, sharing photos and videos.
“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 simple system visualization, notifying about the delivery and reading of messages. Fans of social networks will appreciate the ability to set a status and 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: 7.1.1 from March 26, 2020Do you like to have fun with your friends via video chats and want to surprise them? Then install ManyCam. With its help, you can appear on the screen of your friends in the costume of an experienced pirate or, for example, it will snow right in your room.
And this is only one percent of the entire list of available effects. For example, you can add a caption to the video or change the background.
version: 3.5.1 from March 24, 2020The TeamSpeak voice communication application works on the principle of a multi-channel walkie-talkie - to connect, just press a key on the keyboard. Ideal for multiplayer online games and business audio conferencing.
TeamSpeak is an extremely user-friendly application that can provide high-quality voice communication over the Internet. All you need is a headset or speakers and a microphone.
version: 5.23.0.2134 from March 19, 2020An advanced communication program with high-quality video calling and file sharing various formats. It is distinguished by a number of social functions that made LINE a kind of hybrid of a messenger and a social network.
The desktop version of LINE offers almost all the functionality mobile application. You can transfer contacts, make voice and video calls, correspond, exchange photos and documents, and spice up your communication with funny stickers.
version: 1.9.21 from March 19, 2020Telegram- a fast messenger for private correspondence, transferring media files and voice calls, maintains the confidentiality of your data online, preventing information leaks.
Telegram uses latest methods encryption and proprietary server equipment with closed source code, which makes the contents of transmitted messages inaccessible even to intelligence agencies and governments different countries. Today it is the most secure messenger in the world.
version: 12.6.0.41 from March 19, 2020Viber - a program for video calling, sharing instant messages and photos when launched, synchronizes contacts on your computer with your mobile device, i.e. the user always has the most current full version all your correspondence.
The history of Viber began in 2010, when a team of five Israeli developers decided to create a serious alternative to . A lightweight application with excellent connection quality and a pleasant interface immediately captivated millions of users. By 2015, the Viber audience exceeded the Skype audience - 400 million versus 300.
version: 10.0.39800 from March 17, 2020An application 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 among their friends for free. Two years later, the software became so popular that AOL Corporation bought it, paying schoolchildren $287 million.
version: 8.58.0.93 from March 17, 2020Skype - a program for free video calls, voice communications, file and message exchange, also allows you to call regular phones, send SMS and today is the most popular instant messenger in the world.
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 ideal for this - just download the Skype program and make sure you have a web camera 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.
Messenger (from English Messenger translates as “messenger”, “messenger”) is a program for instant messaging. Modern chat rooms have much greater functionality with the ability to make calls, exchange multimedia, video conferencing and other useful options.
Some utilities provide their services for free, while others charge additional features a separate fee applies. Some messengers allow you to exchange hundreds of colorful emoticons, add more than 200 participants to groups, while others, limiting themselves to modest functionality, guarantee encryption of all transmitted information. Our selection will help you get acquainted with the capabilities of the best free instant 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 | |
| No | Free | Yes | 7 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 6 | Yes | Yes | |
| No | Free | Yes | 8 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 7 | No | No | |
| Yes | Free | No | 6 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 5 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free | Yes | 5 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free | No | 8 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free | No | 7 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free | No | 8 | Yes | No |
It is the most popular messenger with which users from different parts of the world can call mobile and landline numbers, send messages and files, and also communicate via video calling for free. Using the software, you can make calls from a browser, use a variety of emoticons for vivid communication, share your screen, arrange video conferences with several contacts, and synchronize with all devices.
An equally popular messenger with a user base of 800 million. You can use it to send free messages, call to any country, exchange multimedia data and establish contact with landlines and mobile numbers. The quality of communication, user-friendly interface, video communication in HD format, compatibility with almost all popular platforms have brought Viber to a leading position. IN latest versions the developers have added entertainment additions: public accounts, games, a store of emoticons and stickers. You can send not only photos to another contact, but also videos, instant camera shots, GIF files, links to content from popular resources and Wikipedia articles. 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 using a mobile number, after which you can start communicating on your PC.
Messenger on a cross-platform system with a guarantee of maximum data encryption. Works on portable and desktop computers, and mobile systems, synchronizing with each other. User can customize automatic removal messages after a certain period and saving multimedia in the cloud. You can send objects up to 1.5 GB, create personal integrated modules, use emoticons when messaging, change backgrounds and choose connection types.
A popular utility for voice communication, correspondence in group and individual chats, exchange of multimedia content and calls. The messenger works even on outdated ones mobile devices, allows you to combine up to 256 contacts into one group, publish and change your status, create mailing lists and highlight messages as favorites. All communication in the program is carefully encrypted, and the user can change the chat wall wallpaper, archive messages and apply custom notification sounds.
Being an improved version of Kvip 2010, the messenger we are considering allows you to combine contacts of various social networks and services into a single database for quick communication. Job 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 not leave the demanding user indifferent.
A high-quality messenger for text and voice communication, calls, online games and sharing multimedia files. Integrates with social networks, notifies about new messages, and sends SMS to Mail.ru mobile phones. The program works with ICQ's instant manager and notifies about its news and protects against spam mailings. In the application, the user can play games with a friend, call home and mobile phones, and also instantly send a message.
Is free analogue Skype with the same wide functionality. Allows you to conduct video communication, correspond, exchange files and short messages, record a conversation, call on a PC, landline and mobile. Up to 12 users can be added to the chat, and a video message can be recorded for 60 seconds. Configured import of contacts, correspondence history and work on various platforms.
It is a walkie-talkie application that guarantees protection against wiretapping and ideal sound quality. Has a large audience reach and communication in open channel communication or your radio channel. The channels have their own themes and regional affiliations. Implemented the ability to send to the user off-line voice message, viewing history, setting options through a web browser and working with voicemail.
A utility for quick correspondence, listening to the radio, communicating on VK and working with by Gmail. With the help of connected plugins, you can significantly expand the functionality of Miranda, namely: change appearance interface, adding translations from various languages, viewing statistics, setting up secure communication and enabling notifications. Passwords and database protection are carried out using cryptographic algorithms.
A simple and functional utility that has a built-in messenger function and elements of social networks. It has about 400 million users and applies to most 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 like social networks, in the LINE menu you can view news feed favorite idols or contacts, simultaneously correspond with several users, use stickers during correspondence and send files of various formats.
A lightweight and compact messenger that integrates with different social networks and other communication programs. Besides standard features sending multimedia and messages, with ICQ you can call landline/mobile numbers, block your interlocutor, change skins, support a microblog, open message history and simultaneously communicate on other social networks.
Loading...
