Apps to Chat

Tkabber is a free and open-source instant messaging client specifically designed for the XMPP protocol. Built with the Tk toolkit, it offers a lightweight yet extensible platform for text-based chat, group conversations, and various interactive functionalities supported by XMPP.

Hack Chat is a refreshingly simple and open-source chat application designed for immediate, no-nonsense communication. Forget complex sign-ups and cluttered interfaces; Hack Chat gets you talking instantly in various channels.

Shout is a modern, self-hosted web-based IRC client designed for ease of use and accessibility. It allows users to connect to IRC networks and channels directly through their web browser, offering continuous connectivity even when the browser is closed.

LimeChat is a feature-rich and user-friendly Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client specifically designed for macOS. It provides a clean interface for connecting to multiple IRC networks and channels.

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.

Kiwi IRC is a modern, open-source web-based Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client designed for simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to connect to various IRC networks directly through their web browser without needing to install desktop software.

Konversation is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client designed for the KDE Desktop Environment. It provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to IRC networks, participating in channels, and communicating with other users around the globe.

ZNC is a highly configurable IRC bouncer designed to maintain a persistent connection to IRC networks, allowing users to detach and reattach with their IRC client without losing context. It ensures you stay connected and informed even when your client is offline.

Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is a powerful and free open-source forum software designed to provide a robust platform for online communities. It offers a comprehensive set of features for building and managing dynamic message boards.

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.

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.

qutIM is a free and open-source, multi-protocol instant messenger designed for connecting to various networks including ICQ, Jabber, Mail.Ru, IRC, and VKontakte. It offers a unified interface for managing multiple accounts and conversations.

Instantbird is a powerful, cross-platform instant messaging client built on Mozilla's XULRunner, leveraging the robust libpurple library from Pidgin. It supports a wide array of instant messaging protocols, offering a unified chat experience.

Miranda NG is a highly extensible, multi-protocol instant messaging client for Windows. A successor to the popular Miranda IM, it offers a modular architecture supporting numerous chat networks, allowing users to consolidate their conversations into a single interface. It's designed for resource efficiency and deep customization.

Restyaboard is a robust, open-source Kanban board alternative to Trello. It is designed for project management and team collaboration, offering a visual way to manage tasks, track progress, and communicate effectively.

Ekiga, formerly known as GnomeMeeting, is a free and open-source VoIP and video conferencing application. It allows users to make audio and video calls to other compatible SIP/H.323 clients and even landlines/mobile phones via integrated third-party services, offering a versatile communication solution.

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.

Irssi is a highly customizable command-line IRC client popular among power users and system administrators for its extensibility and efficiency.

Mattermost is an open-source, self-hosted platform for secure team collaboration, offering a Slack-alternative with emphasis on data control, privacy, and customizability. It provides a range of communication and project management tools for distributed and technical teams.

Psi is a robust, open-source instant messaging client built on the XMPP protocol. It's known for its focus on speed, efficiency, and adherence to XMPP standards, offering a clean interface and strong privacy features for secure and reliable communication.

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.

Linphone is a free and open-source Voice over IP (VoIP) application and SIP client available on multiple platforms. It enables encrypted voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing, offering a privacy-focused communication solution.

XChat for Linux is a venerable IRC chat client designed for connecting to IRC networks and participating in chat rooms (channels). It offers support for multiple simultaneous connections, public and private conversations, and a high degree of customization through plugins.

HexChat is a free and open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client. Built upon the foundations of XChat, it offers a robust platform for connecting to various IRC networks and participating in real-time text-based conversations, making it a favored choice for users seeking a reliable and customizable chat experience.

Empathy is a versatile multi-protocol messaging client designed for text, voice, and video communication across numerous IM networks. It offers features like file transfers, location sharing, and integration with various services, providing a unified communication experience.

Miranda IM is a lightweight, open-source, multi-protocol instant messaging client designed specifically for Microsoft Windows. Known for its extensibility and resource efficiency, it allows users to connect to various chat networks simultaneously through a flexible plugin-based architecture.

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.

KVIrc is a versatile and highly customizable graphical IRC client available for Linux, Unix, macOS, and Windows. It is designed to cater to both seasoned IRC users seeking advanced control and newcomers looking for a user-friendly interface to connect to various IRC networks.

Adium is a free and open-source instant messaging client for macOS, designed to connect to multiple chat networks simultaneously. Supporting protocols like Jabber (XMPP), Google Talk, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger, Adium provides a unified interface for all your conversations.

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.