Best Windows Live Messenger Alternatives (24)

Looking for a Windows Live Messenger alternative? We've compiled the best options based on user reviews, features, and pricing to help you find the right fit.

What is Windows Live Messenger? Windows Live Messenger was an instant messaging client developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to communicate in real-time via text, voice, and video chat. At its peak, Windows Live Messenger had over 330 million active users per month.

Top Alternatives to Windows Live Messenger

WhatsApp

WhatsApp

Free

WhatsApp is a popular cross-platform instant messaging and voice over IP service owned by Meta. It allows users to send …

Score: 23
Skype

Skype

Freemium

Skype is a popular communication software that allows free voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing over the …

Score: 23

Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app developed by Facebook. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and make …

Score: 21
Signal

Signal

Free

Signal is a free, open source, encrypted messaging and voice calling app. It offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication. With …

Pidgin

Pidgin

Open Source

Pidgin is an open source chat application used for instant messaging that supports multiple protocols and accounts including AIM, MSN, …

EA App

EA App

Subscription

EA App is a mobile application by Electronic Arts that allows users to browse, purchase, and play EA games on …

Jitsi Desktop

Jitsi Desktop

Open Source

Jitsi Desktop is an open-source video conferencing application for Windows, Mac and Linux that allows users to conduct encrypted video …

Tox

Tox

Open Source

Tox is an open-source, peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling application focused on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption …

Mumble

Mumble

Open Source

Mumble is an open source voice chat software primarily designed for online gaming. It emphasizes low latency and clear voice …

Telegram

Telegram

Free

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging and voice over IP service. It offers end-to-end encrypted video calling, file sharing, and …

RetroShare

RetroShare

Open Source

RetroShare is a free and open-source peer-to-peer communication and file sharing app. It allows users to securely chat, message, talk, …

Viber is a free messaging and calling app for smartphones. It uses your phone number to connect you with people …

More Similar Software

Windows Live Messenger Overview

Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) was an instant messaging client developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1999 under the name MSN Messenger Service before being renamed Windows Live Messenger in 2005.Windows Live Messenger allowed users to communicate in real-time with contacts via text, voice, and video chat. Some of the key features included:Real-time messaging via text chatAbility to see when contacts were online/offlineGroup conversations with multiple contactsFile transfers, photo sharing, and morePC-to-PC voice and video callingAt its …

Pricing: Subscription

Quick Comparison

SoftwarePricingScore
Windows Live MessengerSubscription
WhatsAppFree23
SkypeFreemium23
Facebook MessengerFree21
SignalFree
PidginOpen Source
EA AppSubscription
Jitsi DesktopOpen Source
ToxOpen Source
MumbleOpen Source
TelegramFree

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