6 tools compared
Best IM+ Alternatives in 2026
IM+ (Chat everywhere! IM+ is the most widely used mobile IM app! Connect all-in-one to MSN, Yahoo!, Goo..) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 6 real alternatives pulled straight from our IM+ profile.
1. Adium
Adium is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that fits users looking to combine multiple chat services into a single interface. It stands out with multi-protocol support for AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more, alongside extensive customization options like themes, sounds, and status icons. The app is open-source, allowing users to modify the software, and features support for a wide variety of plugins to add new features and services.
Full Adium profile →2. Pidgin
Pidgin is an easy-to-use chat client well-suited for users who need to connect to multiple chat networks simultaneously. Its key strength lies in multi-protocol support, allowing you to manage accounts across AIM, MSN, Google Talk, Jabber/XMPP, ICQ, and IRC from a single interface. Additionally, the software is open-source, cross-platform for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and lightweight enough to run efficiently without consuming excessive system resources.
Full Pidgin profile →3. Telegram
Telegram is a Communication app built for users who need a free, ad-free messaging platform with a focus on speed and security. It stands out through features like end-to-end encryption for Secret Chats using the MTProto protocol, cloud storage for messages and files, and large group chats supporting up to 200,000 members. Users also get access to file sharing up to 2GB, custom bots for automation, multi-platform support across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and extensive appearance customization.
Full Telegram profile →4. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is suited for users looking to connect with a large network, as it is used by billions of people worldwide and integrates seamlessly with Facebook without needing to exchange phone numbers. Key capabilities include free messaging for unlimited text and voice messages, voice and video calls over an internet connection, multimedia support for photos, videos, GIFs, stickers, and location sharing, plus group chats, games, bots, and app integrations. It is available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, and includes business features such as customer support, appointment scheduling, and advertising opportunities, alongside an option for secret conversations using end-to-end encryption.
Full Facebook Messenger profile →5. Trillian
Trillian is built for companies looking for a decentralized and federated instant messaging platform that supports private and group messaging, co-worker status tracking, and file sharing. Standout capabilities include Multiplatform Support across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, as well as Unified Messaging to manage multiple accounts from a single interface. Users also benefit from end-to-end encryption for security, a Customizable Interface, Historical Message Search, and Synchronized Conversations across devices.
Full Trillian profile →6. Empathy
Empathy is a communication application well-suited for users who want to consolidate multiple chat protocols into a single interface. It features unified messaging that reduces the need for multiple messaging applications and offers protocol support for XMPP, Google Talk, Facebook, and MSN. The application also provides a user-friendly interface with a clean and easy-to-navigate design that simplifies the experience for users who are not technically inclined. Additionally, its seamless integration with other GNOME applications makes it a core part of the GNOME desktop environment, and being open-source allows for community-driven improvements, transparency, and customizability.
Full Empathy profile →