Instant Messaging Apps and Services

YakYak is an unofficial desktop client for Google Hangouts, providing a dedicated application experience outside of a web browser with features focused on convenience and improved usability.

Google Allo was a smart messaging app designed for mobile devices, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance conversations with features like canned responses, a built-in photo editor, and enhanced security options.

Ricochet is a peer-to-peer instant messaging application designed for maximum privacy and anonymity. It leverages the Tor network to connect users directly, eliminating the need for central servers and reducing metadata leakage.

Wickr is a secure and private instant messaging platform designed for individuals and teams who prioritize confidentiality. It offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and a focus on anonymity to ensure that conversations and shared data remain protected.

Sicher is a freeware instant messaging application designed for enhanced privacy and security on mobile platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, secure file and media sharing, and features like self-destructing messages, focusing on keeping your conversations private.

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.

WeeChat is a highly customizable, free and open-source command-line based chat client. Designed for efficiency and portability, it supports multiple protocols including IRC and XMPP, making it a versatile tool for connecting to various networks.

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.

iMessage is a secure instant messaging service developed by Apple, seamlessly integrated across its ecosystem of devices. It allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, audio messages, and more, with end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy.

Spark is a free, open-source instant messaging client optimized for businesses and organizations. It integrates seamlessly with Openfire servers and supports a wide range of features including group chat, file transfers, and screen sharing, making it a versatile communication tool.

Kik Messenger is a popular instant messaging application designed for smartphones. It enables users to send text messages, photos, videos, and participate in group chats. Known for its user-friendly interface and focus on the social aspect of messaging, Kik offers a space for communication and connection.

WeChat is a comprehensive mobile app offering instant messaging, social networking, payment services, and access to a wide range of mini-programs. It facilitates communication through text, voice, and video, supports group interactions, and integrates various lifestyle services.

Smuxi is a feature-rich, cross-platform IRC client designed with productivity and usability in mind. Inspired by the command-line power of Irssi, it provides a graphical interface for seamless communication across multiple networks including IRC, XMPP, and Twitter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Threema is a secure and private messaging application that prioritizes user anonymity and data protection. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and files, requiring no phone number registration to enhance privacy.

YakYak is an unofficial desktop client for Google Hangouts, providing a dedicated application experience outside of a web browser with features focused on convenience and improved usability.

Google Allo was a smart messaging app designed for mobile devices, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance conversations with features like canned responses, a built-in photo editor, and enhanced security options.

Ricochet is a peer-to-peer instant messaging application designed for maximum privacy and anonymity. It leverages the Tor network to connect users directly, eliminating the need for central servers and reducing metadata leakage.

Wickr is a secure and private instant messaging platform designed for individuals and teams who prioritize confidentiality. It offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and a focus on anonymity to ensure that conversations and shared data remain protected.

Sicher is a freeware instant messaging application designed for enhanced privacy and security on mobile platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, secure file and media sharing, and features like self-destructing messages, focusing on keeping your conversations private.

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.

WeeChat is a highly customizable, free and open-source command-line based chat client. Designed for efficiency and portability, it supports multiple protocols including IRC and XMPP, making it a versatile tool for connecting to various networks.

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.

iMessage is a secure instant messaging service developed by Apple, seamlessly integrated across its ecosystem of devices. It allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, audio messages, and more, with end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy.

Spark is a free, open-source instant messaging client optimized for businesses and organizations. It integrates seamlessly with Openfire servers and supports a wide range of features including group chat, file transfers, and screen sharing, making it a versatile communication tool.