Top Alternatives to Windows Live Messenger

Skype is a versatile communication platform offering free voice and video calls to other Skype users, as well as affordable calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide. It provides instant messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing features, making it a comprehensive tool for personal and professional connectivity across various devices.

Pidgin is a free and open-source multi-protocol instant messaging client designed to connect users across various chat networks with a single application. It's highly extensible through plugins and supports a wide range of protocols including XMPP, ICQ, and IRC.

Google Hangouts was a versatile communication platform offering instant messaging, voice and video calls, and SMS capabilities directly from web browsers and mobile devices. Integrated deeply with Gmail and other Google services, it provided a convenient way to connect and collaborate across various platforms.

Telegram is a fast and secure cloud-based instant messaging platform offering robust privacy features, large group support, file sharing, and cross-platform synchronization, making it a versatile communication tool.

WhatsApp Messenger is a widely used free messaging and calling app, available globally. It enables communication through text, voice messages, and video calls, facilitating connections between individuals and groups across various devices and platforms.

Mumble is a free and open-source voice communication application designed with low latency and high audio quality in mind, primarily for gamers. It offers features like positional audio, an in-game overlay, and strong privacy through encryption.

Tox is a free, open-source, and secure peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling protocol designed for strong privacy and censorship resistance. It provides end-to-end encrypted communications without reliance on central servers.

Viber is a comprehensive messaging and VoIP application enabling free and secure calls and messages to users worldwide. It offers robust features for both individual and group communication across various devices.

Signal is a secure, open-source messaging application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect user communications. It offers text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing, all with a strong focus on privacy and security. Available on multiple platforms, Signal is a leading choice for individuals prioritizing confidential conversations.

Jitsi is a free and open-source suite of secure, flexible communication tools. It offers multi-platform support for voice (VoIP), video conferencing, and instant messaging, emphasizing privacy and ease of use with no account required to start a meeting.

Digsby was a multi-protocol instant messaging client that unified connections to various chat networks and social media platforms. It allowed users to manage their conversations and updates from services like Aim, Msn, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace all within a single, integrated application.

Imo is a free instant messaging and video calling application designed for global reach, prioritizing reliability, particularly in regions with unstable network conditions. It offers features like voice and video calls, chat, group messaging, and various multimedia sharing options.

Facebook Messenger is the official messaging application from Facebook, enabling users to connect with friends and family through text, voice, and video calls, as well as group conversations and media sharing.

IM+ is a versatile instant messaging application designed to unify communication across multiple platforms. It supports a wide array of popular services, including Google Talk, Twitter DMs, Yahoo!, AIM/iChat, ICQ, Jabber, and even Slack. IM+ simplifies staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a centralized hub for all your chat needs.

LINE is a versatile communication platform offering free voice and video calls, messaging, and a wide array of interactive features to connect with friends and family globally. It goes beyond basic chat with unique stickers, timeline posts, and integration with various services, providing a comprehensive social and communication experience in one app.

RetroShare is a secure, decentralized, and open-source communication platform built on a friend-to-friend network, offering encrypted file sharing, serverless email, instant messaging, and forums.

Kopete is a versatile, free and open-source instant messaging client designed initially for the KDE Plasma desktop. It distinguishes itself by supporting a multitude of protocols, allowing users to connect to various chat networks from a single application.

Origin is Electronic Arts' official digital distribution platform, providing a central hub for purchasing, downloading, and managing a vast library of EA titles and select third-party games on PC. It offers features like cloud saves, automatic updates, achievement tracking, and social connectivity with friends.

ICQ is a veteran instant messaging platform offering a wide range of communication features, including text chat, voice and video calls, screen sharing, and group chats. It aims to provide a reliable and feature-rich messaging experience with a focus on privacy and security.

Ventrilo, commonly known as Vent, was a popular VoIP software designed primarily for group voice communication, widely used by online gamers and communities before its discontinuation. It offered clear voice quality, low latency, and integrated text chat functionalities.

KakaoTalk is a popular mobile messaging service offering free text, voice, and video calls. Primarily used in South Korea, it provides a comprehensive communication platform with features like group chats, stickers, and a strong emphasis on user privacy and security.

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) was a pioneering instant messaging and videotelephony application, originally exclusive to BlackBerry devices, which expanded to support iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile. It facilitated secure text messaging, voice calls, and video calls.

Psi+ is a robust, cross-platform XMPP/Jabber client tailored for users who prioritize control, privacy, and extensibility. As a development branch of the classic Psi client, it offers advanced features for secure and customizable instant messaging.

GameTracker is a comprehensive platform designed for gamers and server administrators, providing real-time tracking of gameplay, server statistics, and community features. Monitor your performance, connect with fellow gamers, and manage your game server presence effortlessly.

Garena Plus is a robust gaming and social platform designed for gamers worldwide. It offers a suite of features including chat, voice communication, and game-specific functionalities, creating a unified environment for playing popular online games and connecting with the gaming community. Ideal for both casual and competitive players.

Coccinella is a free and open-source, cross-platform XMPP/Jabber client. It offers secure instant messaging, group chat, voice chat, and a unique interactive whiteboard feature. Designed with privacy and security in mind, Coccinella provides encrypted communications and supports various communication protocols for a flexible messaging experience on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Phoner and PhonerLite are a pair of free softphone applications designed for Windows operating systems. They enable users to make Voice over IP (VoIP) calls and securely communicate using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), with support for end-to-end encryption.