The most popular messenger in the world from former employees Yahoo !, with more than 450 million user base, and the main enemy of mobile operators, because of which all sensible owners of phones and smartphones will soon completely forget about SMS. Since 2009, he has been successfully helping his users to send text messages, as well as videos, pictures and audio. At the same time, the developers of WhatsApp, unlike competitors, focused specifically on messages, abandoning support for audio and video calls, which gave them the opportunity to bring their functionality to almost ideal. However, after the recent purchase of WhatsApp by Zuckerberg, it became known that voice calls may appear in the application.
IPhone owners can remember as much as they want about iMessage, which allows you to send messages and any files no less painless for the budget, but everyone has enough friends using Android and other platforms.
Free core features
Synchronization
with phone book
Stickers
PROS
MINUSES
The application can be used for free only for the first year, and then you have to pay $ 0.99. Although those who bought the app a long time ago at $ 0.99 before anyone else, they've now got a lifetime subscription.
IPad not supported.
You cannot make calls via WhatsApp over the Internet - all calls are made exclusively through your cellular operator.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook recently bought WhatsApp for $ 19 billion, but Zuckerberg continues to slowly develop his messenger. By getting rid of an annoying competitor who had easily pocketed an Eastern and South American audience in just a few years, he bought time to further refine his application. But, in our opinion, Facebook Messenger is already pretty good, and its only drawback is focusing exclusively on Facebook users. Until Zuckerberg resolves this issue, the road to the big world of messengers is closed for the application.
FREE KEY FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT LIKELY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT KINDS OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Synchronized well with Facebook - when you receive a message, you go to Messenger, but you can go back and forth to the Facebook feed. But if all this were combined in one application, it would be much more convenient.
The stickers here are extremely varied. Actually, just one exchange of these funny emoji can be done endlessly.
The minimalist functionality is just a messenger, nothing more.
MINUSES
The main disadvantage of the messenger is that it is only available to Facebook users. In fact, this is a plus, but it automatically removes it from the list of universal messengers available to absolutely everyone.
Line
Japanese messenger with standard set functions for sending messages and files, which is both a gaming platform and a mini-social network. In addition to, in fact, the basic functionality of a regular messenger, Line allows users to share their statuses and comment on others - in general, do the same thing as in other social networks. A long time ago, the main difference of this application was funny stickers with funny cartoons, which became one of the founders of emoji fashion, but now you will not surprise anyone.
FREE KEY FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT LIKELY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT KINDS OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
The main difference of this application is funny stickers that resemble emoticons from Facebook and, in fact, are significantly inferior to them.
A large list of games that you can play with your chat buddy. But who really plays them is not clear.
Line maintains official accounts of celebrities, although there are not very many of them yet - we managed to find only Katy Perry and Paul McCartney.
MINUSES
Even if you sync with your phone book, you will see a pathetic list of three friends in the application.
Most of the stickers and other additional pleasures are paid separately - 66 rubles per piece.
Viber
The second most popular messenger after WhatsApp, differing from it only in the presence of audio calls, a smaller user base and less sophisticated design. In the end, if you like to communicate through instant messengers and are guided in their choice primarily by friends, then Viber should definitely appear on your phone: the part of your friends who ignored WhatsApp uses it.
FREE KEY FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT LIKELY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT KINDS OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
With Viber, you can call even those users who do not have it installed. This service is called Viber Out and costs money - you can see the prices in Viber itself. Taking into account the Internet fees, it will not cost you much cheaper than regular calls.
MINUSES
Due to its Israeli origins, Viber is suspected by the Egyptian and Lebanese authorities of supporting Zionist spies. Therefore, before traveling to Lebanon, it is better to install another messenger for insurance.
Telegram
The youngest, but at the same time one of the most promising representatives of the messenger family, created in 2013 by Pavel Durov's Digital Fortress. On the very first day of the launch, the entire Internet accused the creators of one hundred percent plagiarism of WhatsApp (they even have similar backgrounds for dialogues!) And many other mistakes, and at the same time once again reminded Durov of the similarity of VKontakte and Facebook. Meanwhile, this messenger has a number of undeniable advantages like high speed download everything, good protection of information and other pleasant things. According to Durov, Telegram, as we see it now, is just an intermediate product that, after proper testing, can become completely different, and the visual similarity with its older brother is just a starting point. At the same time, the absence of a Russian interface, which all schoolchildren still complain about, quite clearly hints at grandiose plans to capture the world market.
FREE KEY FEATURES
NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SYNCHRONIZATION
WITH PHONE BOOK
GREAT LIKELY TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS
POSSIBILITY TO SEND DIFFERENT KINDS OF FILES
STICKERS
PROS
Instead of stickers familiar to competitors, a search for pictures all over the Internet is implemented here, that is, instead of a paid picture with a dancing walrus from a limited set of applications, you can attach a photo of absolutely any walrus from the Internet, or even a hippo, to the message.
Integration with VKontakte is completely absent, and this is a plus, at least because even if VKontakte is closed or Durov himself finally leaves there, the messenger will remain afloat.
To the delight of Android fans, Durov takes this platform as the main one for this application.
MINUSES
Unfortunately for iOS fans, Durov sees Android as the main platform for this app.
Snapchat
The messenger of the future with self-destructing information and just the perfect communication application that erases all your messages after a maximum of ten seconds after reading. The most interesting thing is that each text must be accompanied by a photo or video taken in real time. With these unusual and uncomfortable rules, Snapchat most of all resembles real human interaction, and not the pre-prepared monologues that we are used to when chatting on social networks and other instant messengers. After all, everything you say in an ordinary conversation is not recorded in HDD and after a while disappears forever. To experience these unprecedented sensations, you just need to register, take a picture, apply an unassuming text over it, set a kill timer from one to ten seconds and send the resulting message to one of your friends.
FREE KEY FEATURES
Service of short SMS messages fades into the past. Much more profitable to exchange messages by means mobile applications... All that is needed for communication is an Internet connection via Wi-Fi, and today this is no longer a problem. I WANT offers the five best mobile programs for communication.
Grade
Besides sharing text messages provides the ability to share photos, videos and music.
A similar cross-platform application, which, like WhatsApp, uses its number as a subscriber identifier mobile phone... In addition, the program allows you to make voice calls. Unlike the competitor, this utility is absolutely free, even a year after you start using it.
ChompSMS / Textra
These programs are only suitable for the Android platform. ChompSMS allows you to send a short message to any number bypassing your network mobile operator, but not for free, but in accordance with the prices on the official website. Using this service may or may not be beneficial, depending on your tariff plan.
Textra is the brainchild of the same developer as ChompSMS. Convenient program for those who do not want to spend on communication mobile traffic and is the owner mobile plan with an unlimited number of short messages. Payment is made according to the tariff of your mobile operator.
Application advantages:
Pop-up alert windows with instant response;
Organization of group communication;
Signature setting;
A wide range of options for customizing notifications: color, signal, vibration.
The program is free.
Facebook Messenger
A program that allows you to share instant messaging with friends from Facebook, without going to the site of this social network, and also view the "ticker" (a feed on which the actions of friends are shown) and notifications. The application is available for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone... In addition to sending messages, voice communication also works, but only if you are in a Wi-Fi range. The program is free.
The peculiarity of the program is that it was developed by Pavel Durov, the creator of Vkontakte. This messenger has become the fastest and most convenient, but it still has to take the palm in all stores from WhatsApp. In principle, there are no special differences with the same WhatsApp. The same messages, transfer of photos, avatars, backgrounds. Nice detail: sent from via Telegram messages can be prevented from being forwarded to anyone else and you can make them self-destruct after some time.
You can register, as in other similar services, using your phone number. But as for the chat, it is really very fast. Messages are delivered almost instantly. The program is free.
The short message service SMS is a thing of the past. Much more profitable to exchange messages through. All that is needed for communication is an Internet connection via Wi-Fi, and today this is no longer a problem. I WANT offers five of the best mobile communication programs.
To save money on communication, use special programs created for mobile communication.
WhatsApp is the most popular on this moment text messaging service mobile devices... It is important that the application is suitable for both fans Apple smartphones, and for fans of "androidphones". WhatsApp can be used by both BlackBerry lovers and owners Windows smartphones Phone.
The program searches for all known users by phone numbers. Test communication with them will be free for you (first year, then - $ 0.99 per year). Of course, if you need to send a short message to someone who is not on WhatsApp, you will have to use SMS.
Viber
A similar cross-platform application, which, like WhatsApp, uses his number as a subscriber identifier. In addition, the program allows you to make voice calls. Unlike the competitor, this utility is absolutely free, even a year after you start using it. You can download it.
ChompSMS / Textra
Separately, we note that the collection did not include a proprietary utility for communicating in the popular social network - Facebook Messenger. The service is very popular among users of mobile devices, however, its desktop version at the time of the review is presented only as an application in Windows store 10, not a separate program for all varieties operating system... Moreover, even given client far from ideal. Therefore, we do not include Facebook Messenger in our rating yet.
Cross-platform programs for communication over the Internet
At the beginning of the collection, we will consider universal communication solutions. These programs are used not only for communication between two computers, but also for exchanging messages, transferring files and even watching a news feed, however, the desktop versions of some services do not allow establishing a voice and video session. All apps in this category are free (with the exception of some paid additional content like stickers), they have clients for Android and iOS devices. The utilities are open to third-party developers and allow you to connect electronic assistants - bots. To run them, you need to enter the name of the bot in the address book.
The address book and the history of group chats in such utilities are stored on the server by default. Some messengers like WhatsApp even store photos in the cloud. The advantage of this solution is that the data is automatically "pulled" to a new device after authorization. A logical disadvantage is security, in this case the active end-to-end encryption function (zero data access) will come in handy.
Messenger (from English Messenger translates as "messenger", "messenger") is a program for instant messaging. Modern "chat rooms" have much more functionality with the ability to make calls, exchange multimedia, video conferencing and other useful options.
Some utilities provide their services for free, in some for additional features a separate fee applies. Some messengers are allowed to exchange hundreds of colorful emoticons, add more than 200 participants to groups, while others, limited to modest functionality, guarantee encryption of all transmitted information. Our selection will help you get acquainted with the capabilities of the best free messengers and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
Programs |
Russian language |
License |
Advertising |
Rating |
Chat room |
Phone calls |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 9 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 10 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 10 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 8 | Yes | Yes | |
| No | Free of charge | Yes | 7 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 6 | Yes | Yes | |
| No | Free of charge | Yes | 8 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 7 | No | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | No | 6 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 5 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | Yes | 5 | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Free of charge | No | 8 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | No | 7 | Yes | No | |
| Yes | Free of charge | No | 8 | Yes | No |
It is the most popular messenger with which users from all over the world can call mobile phones, landline numbers, send messages and files, and video chat for free. With the help of the software, you can call from the browser, use a variety of emoticons for vivid communication, show your screen, arrange video conferences with several contacts and synchronize with all devices.
An equally popular messenger with a coverage of 800 million users. With it you can send free messages, call any country, exchange multimedia data and establish communication with landline and mobile numbers. Connection quality, user-friendly interface, video calling in HD format, compatibility with almost all popular platforms have brought Viber to a leading position. V latest versions the developers have added entertaining add-ons: public accounts, games, an emoticon and sticker store. You can send to another contact not only photos, but also videos, camera snapshots, GIFs, links to the content of popular resources and Wikipedia articles. Various settings allow you to change the background, settings for notifications and your actions, show hidden chats and blocked contacts. Work in the utility begins with registering an account via a mobile number, after which you can already start communicating on a PC.
Messenger on a cross-platform system with a guarantee of the maximum data encryption. Works on portable and desktop computers, and mobile systems synchronizing with each other. User can customize automatic deletion messages through certain period and storing multimedia in the cloud. You can send items up to 1.5 GB, create personal integrated modules, use emoticons when chatting, change backgrounds and choose connection types.
A popular utility for voice communication, correspondence in group and individual chats, exchange of multimedia content and calls. The messenger works even on outdated mobile devices, allows you to combine up to 256 contacts into one group, publish and change your status, create mailing lists and mark messages as favorites. All communication in the program is carefully encrypted, and the user can change the wallpaper of the chat wall, archive messages and apply individual notification sounds.
Being an improved revision of Queep 2010, the messenger we are considering allows you to combine contacts of various social networks and services into a single database for quick communication. Work external modules allows you to conduct video and audio communication with users of different protocols and social networks in different countries. To protect against spam, you can configure message filtering, and the ability to listen to the radio and view content on popular services from the Queep 2012 window will not leave indifferent a demanding user.
A quality messenger for text and voice communication, calls, online games and the exchange of multimedia files. It integrates with social networks, notifies about new messengers, and sends SMS to mobile Mile.ru. The program works with the ICQ instant manager and notifies about its news, protects against spam mailings. In the application, the user can play games with a friend, call home and mobile, and send a message instantly.
Is an free analogue Skype with the same broad functionality. Allows you to conduct video communication, correspond, exchange files and short messages, record a conversation, call on PCs, landlines and mobiles. Up to 12 users can be added to the chat, and a video message can be recorded with a duration of 60 seconds. Configured import of contacts, history of correspondence and work on various platforms.
It is a walkie-talkie application that guarantees eavesdropping protection and perfect sound quality. Has a large audience coverage and communication in an open communication channel or its own radio channel. The channels have their own theme and regional affiliation. The ability to send an off-line voice message to the user, view history, configure options via a web browser and work with voice mail has been implemented.
A utility for quick correspondence, listening to the radio, communicating in VK and working with by mail Gmail... With the help of plug-ins, you can significantly expand the functionality of Miranda, namely: appearance interface, adding translations from different languages, viewing statistics, setting up secure communication and enabling notifications. Password and database protection is carried out using cryptographic algorithms.
A simple and functional utility that has a built-in messaging function and social media elements. It has about 400 million users and covers most of the well-known desktop and mobile operating systems. The application allows you to determine the location of contacts, send content, voice and video messages. Thanks to the interface like that of social networks, in the LINE menu, you can view the news feed of your favorite idols or contacts, correspond with several users at the same time, apply stickers during correspondence and send files of various formats.
Lightweight and compact messenger that integrates with different social media and other programs for communication. In addition to the standard functions for sending multimedia and messages, with ICE you can call landline / mobile numbers, block the interlocutor, change skins, support microblogging, open the message history and simultaneously communicate in other social networks.
