The Best WTW Alternative: Find Your Perfect Multi-Messenger
Are you a long-time user of WTW, the comfortable and minimalistic multi-messenger known for its XMPP, Tlen, and Gadu-Gadu protocol support? While WTW offers quick development, avatar support, and stability, its lack of built-in emoticons, sounds, and advertisements (though expandable with plugins) might leave some users looking for more. If you're searching for a powerful WTW alternative to enhance your communication experience, you've come to the right place. We'll explore top-tier alternatives that offer diverse features, broader platform support, and different approaches to instant messaging.
Top WTW Alternatives
Whether you prioritize extensive protocol support, advanced video conferencing, or open-source flexibility, there's a WTW alternative out there that perfectly fits your needs. Let's dive into some of the best options available today.
Skype
Skype is a widely recognized instant messaging app offering online text message and video chat services. As a freemium service available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and more, Skype serves as a robust WTW alternative for users needing comprehensive communication tools. Its key features include video calling, voice calls, screen sharing, and Microsoft Office integration, making it a powerful choice for both personal and professional use.
Pidgin
Pidgin is an easy-to-use, multi-protocol chat client and an excellent open-source WTW alternative. Available for Free on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, Pidgin allows you to connect to various chat networks simultaneously, including AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and XMPP. Its extensibility through plugins, IRC support, and comprehensive XMPP capabilities make it a flexible and powerful choice for those who value broad connectivity and customization, similar to WTW's plugin system.
Hangouts
Hangouts is a free messaging app by Google that allows users to send and receive messages, photos, and start free video and voice calls. Available on Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and Chrome OS, Hangouts provides a strong WTW alternative, especially for users integrated into the Google ecosystem. It offers features like video calling, screen sharing, Gmail integration, group chat, and multi-device support, making it a versatile communication tool.
Whereby
Whereby (formerly Appear.in) offers video conversations with up to 8 people directly in your browser, requiring no downloads or login. This freemium web-based platform, also available on Android and iPhone, is a fantastic WTW alternative for those prioritizing simplicity and quick video meetings. Its features include screen sharing, customizable URLs, and a focus on ease of use, making it ideal for spontaneous video chats.
Miranda IM
Miranda IM is a smaller, faster, and easier instant messenger with support for multiple protocols. This free, open-source WTW alternative is designed for Windows users and focuses on being resource-efficient. It supports various protocols, including IRC and XMPP, and is portable, making it a good choice for users who appreciate the minimalistic and stable nature of WTW but desire broader protocol support without heavy resource consumption.
Miranda NG
Miranda New Generation (NG) is the successor to Miranda IM, offering a multi-protocol instant messaging client for Windows. As a free and open-source WTW alternative, Miranda NG is exceptionally light on system resources and very fast. It boasts features like customizability, extensibility via plugins (echoing WTW's plugin system), and support for multiple languages and protocols, making it a modern and powerful option for users seeking a highly efficient messenger.
Psi
Psi is an instant messaging application for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X that connects to the free, open XMPP network. As a free and open-source WTW alternative, Psi focuses strongly on XMPP support and provides localized versions in many languages. If your primary need is robust and secure XMPP communication, Psi is an excellent choice, offering a streamlined chat experience without unnecessary frills.
IM+
IM+ is a widely used mobile IM app that allows users to connect to various services like MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, Facebook, and Twitter. Available as a freemium service across Web, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, and more, IM+ is a compelling WTW alternative for users who need a single app to manage all their mobile messaging accounts. It supports multiple accounts and protocols, making it a convenient multi-messenger on the go.
Kadu
Kadu is an open-source Jabber/XMPP and Gadu-Gadu instant messenger client available for Linux, *BSD, Mac, and Windows. As a free and open-source WTW alternative, Kadu directly supports two of WTW's core protocols (XMPP and Gadu-Gadu). It offers a straightforward messaging experience focused on these popular Polish protocols, making it a strong contender for users who appreciate WTW's specific protocol support but desire a different interface or platform.
qutIM
qutIM is a free, open-source multiprotocol instant messenger supporting ICQ, Jabber/GTalk, Mail.Ru, and IRC. Available for Windows, Linux, MacOS X, OS/2, and Symbian, qutIM serves as a versatile WTW alternative for users who need broad protocol support across multiple operating systems. Its commitment to being open-source and cross-platform makes it a flexible choice for diverse communication needs, similar to WTW's multi-protocol nature.
Choosing the ideal WTW alternative depends entirely on your specific communication needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize extensive video conferencing features like Skype, the open-source flexibility of Pidgin or Miranda NG, or specialized XMPP support from Psi, there's a perfect match for you. Explore these options and find the multi-messenger that best enhances your daily communication.