The Best IM+ Alternatives for Seamless Communication

IM+ has long been a go-to for many looking to centralize their messaging across various platforms. However, as technology evolves and user needs shift, many are searching for a robust IM+ alternative that offers enhanced features, better privacy, or broader platform support. Whether you're on Windows, Android, Linux, Mac, or iPhone, the good news is there are over 25 excellent applications similar to IM+ that can connect you to your friends, family, and colleagues, no matter which chat service they use.

Top IM+ Alternatives

Looking to chat everywhere? We've compiled a list of the top alternatives to IM+, ranging from privacy-focused messengers to feature-rich communication hubs. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your messaging needs.

Telegram is a superfast, simple, and free messaging app focusing on speed and security, making it a compelling IM+ alternative. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and mobile platforms like Android and iPhone, it allows users to send messages, photos, and videos, create groups for up to 20000 people, or channels for unlimited subscribers. Notable features include cloud sync, end-to-end encryption for secret chats, large file transfer, and extensive customization options like themes and backgrounds, providing a versatile communication experience.

Signal

Signal, an excellent open-source IM+ alternative, prioritizes your privacy above all else. Available for Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, it offers end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring the server never accesses or stores your data. Key features include self-destructing messages, encrypted calls, video calling, and integrated file sharing, making it ideal for those who value security and privacy in their messaging.

Riot.im

Riot.im (now Element) is an open-source, interoperable app built on the Matrix.org open standard, offering a robust IM+ alternative with decentralized communication. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, it supports chat rooms, messaging, file sharing, voice, and video conferencing. Its bridges to other systems like Slack and IRC, along with end-to-end encryption and team collaboration features, make it a powerful tool for secure and flexible communication.

Tox

Tox stands out as a peer-to-peer, open-source IM+ alternative designed for ultimate privacy and anonymity, without any central servers. Available for Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android, it provides encrypted chat, video calling, and file sharing. Tox is entirely free, both in price and in liberty, offering features like end-to-end encryption, decentralization, and secure chat without government monitoring concerns, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.

Pidgin

Pidgin is a highly extensible, multi-protocol chat client that serves as a versatile IM+ alternative for those who manage multiple chat networks. As a Free, Open Source application available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, Pidgin connects to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and more. It offers built-in support for NSS encryption and can be extended with plugins like "Off-the-Record Messaging" for end-to-end encryption, making it a flexible and secure choice for unified messaging.

Jitsi

Jitsi (formerly SIP Communicator) is a completely open-source and free IM+ alternative that provides audio/video and chat communication with full encryption. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, it supports various protocols like SIP, XMPP/Jabber, ICQ/AIM, and offers features like video conferencing, desktop sharing, and multiple account support. Its ability to run on your own server and its focus on privacy make it a powerful tool for secure and flexible communication.

Jami

Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a free, open-source Skype replacement and a robust IM+ alternative, offering unmatched privacy. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Jami gives users full control over their communications through decentralized, peer-to-peer connections. It supports file sharing, video calling, voice chat, and end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security without reliance on central servers.

Franz

Franz is a convenient multi-messenger app that combines various chat and messaging services into one application, serving as an excellent IM+ alternative for managing multiple accounts. Available for Freemium, Mac, Windows, and Linux, Franz supports popular services like Slack, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. Its unified messaging and multiple account support make it a lightweight wrapper for all your communication needs.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger offers a fast and integrated way to message friends, groups, and contacts, making it a popular IM+ alternative for those already in the Facebook ecosystem. Available for Free on Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone, it features group chat, video calling, voice calls, and in-app money transfer. While not a multi-protocol client like IM+, it's a solid choice for communicating within its vast network and its private messaging capabilities.

Conversations

Conversations is a privacy-focused, open-source XMPP (Jabber) client for Android, making it a strong IM+ alternative for users prioritizing secure mobile messaging. Available for Free and Open Source on Android, it offers easy encryption with OTR, OMEMO, or GPG. Features include decentralized communication, end-to-end encryption, group chat, and secure file sharing, making it an excellent choice for private and federated messaging on Android devices.

Whether you prioritize privacy, cross-platform compatibility, or the ability to consolidate multiple services, there's an IM+ alternative out there for you. Explore these options, compare their features, and choose the one that best aligns with your communication habits and security preferences.