The Best Fring Alternatives for Voice, Video & Chat
Fring was once a popular VoIP app offering free two-way video calls, voice calls, and live chat, connecting users across various platforms like Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Twitter. It also offered cost-effective calls to landlines and mobile phones via its fringOut service. However, with Fring no longer being the go-to solution for many, users are actively seeking reliable Fring alternative options. This article explores some of the top communication platforms that can effectively replace Fring's functionality and offer even more.
Top Fring Alternatives
Whether you're looking for robust video conferencing, secure messaging, or just a simple voice call solution, there's a Fring alternative out there for you. Here's a curated list of excellent options that provide similar, and often enhanced, communication features.
Skype
Skype is a long-standing instant messaging app known for its online text message and video chat services. Available across a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and more, it offers comprehensive video calling, voice calls, screen sharing, and group messaging, making it a strong Fring alternative for all your communication needs.
Hangouts
Hangouts, a free messaging app by Google, allows users to send and receive messages, photos, and conduct free video and voice calls, both one-to-one and in groups. Its seamless integration with Gmail, multi-device support, and features like screen sharing and SMS messaging make it a versatile and easily accessible Fring alternative, particularly for those within the Google ecosystem. It supports Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and Chrome OS.
Wire
Wire is a secure collaboration platform that offers messenger, voice, video, and conference calls, alongside file-sharing, all protected by end-to-end encryption. As a Freemium and Open Source option, Wire prioritizes security and privacy, making it an excellent Fring alternative for users who value secure communication. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, and offers features like encrypted chat and integrated file sharing.
Jitsi
Jitsi, formerly SIP Communicator, is a free and open-source audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption. It supports protocols like SIP and XMPP/Jabber, and offers features like video conferencing, desktop sharing, and group chat. Jitsi's focus on privacy-friendliness and browser-based access (with no download or installation required) makes it a compelling open-source Fring alternative for secure and flexible communication on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone.
Viber
Viber is a popular mobile application for making free phone calls and sending text messages to other Viber users. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, it provides features like group chat, video calling, and voice calls. Its widespread adoption and focus on mobile communication make it a practical Fring alternative, especially for personal use.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger offers a fast way to message friends directly on their phones. This free app supports Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone, and provides group chat, private messaging, video calling, and voice calls. Given its massive user base, Facebook Messenger is a highly convenient Fring alternative for staying connected with a wide range of contacts.
Linphone
Linphone is a free and open-source internet phone (VoIP) that enables communication over the internet with voice, video, and text instant messages. It functions as a SIP client, offering features like encrypted VoIP calls and live push notifications. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Linphone is a solid open-source Fring alternative for those seeking a dedicated VoIP solution with strong privacy features.
Trillian
Trillian is a versatile instant messaging app that synchronizes chats across phones, tablets, and desktops. This Freemium option supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, and integrates with various protocols including Facebook, IRC, and XMPP. Its ability to consolidate multiple chat services makes it a great Fring alternative for users managing diverse communication channels.
Miranda IM
Miranda IM is a free and open-source instant messenger for Windows, known for being small, fast, and resource-efficient. It supports multiple protocols like IRC and XMPP, making it a highly customizable and portable Fring alternative for users who prefer a lightweight and extensible chat client with multi-messenger capabilities.
FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple's proprietary video calling software, seamlessly integrated into iOS and Mac OS devices. It offers high-quality video calling and group chat, making it an excellent Fring alternative for users within the Apple ecosystem. It's free and available exclusively on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Choosing the best Fring alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's security, platform compatibility, specific features like group video calls, or open-source availability. Explore these options to find the perfect communication tool that fits your lifestyle and preferences.