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Empathy vs ICQ

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Empathy icon
Empathy
ICQ icon
ICQ

Empathy vs ICQ: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Empathy ICQ
Sugggest Score — —
Category Social & Communications Social & Communications
Pricing Free —

Product Overview

Empathy
Empathy

Description: Empathy is an open source instant messaging client that supports text, voice and video chat. It uses the Telepathy framework and integrates with the GNOME desktop environment. Empathy supports popular protocols like XMPP, IRC, Facebook Messenger, and more.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

ICQ
ICQ

Description: ICQ is an instant messaging client and software that was first released in 1996. It became popular in the late 1990s as one of the first multi-platform instant messaging clients. Key features of ICQ include one-on-one and group text chats, voice and video calls, offline messaging, and file transfers.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Empathy
Empathy Features
  • Text, voice and video chat
  • Supports popular protocols like XMPP, IRC, Facebook Messenger
  • Integrates with GNOME desktop environment
  • Uses Telepathy framework
ICQ
ICQ Features
  • Instant messaging
  • Voice and video calls
  • Group chats
  • File transfers
  • Offline messaging

Pros & Cons Analysis

Empathy
Empathy
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Supports multiple protocols
  • Voice and video chat
  • Integrates well with GNOME
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Some stability issues
  • No mobile app
  • Lacks some features of proprietary IM clients
ICQ
ICQ
Pros
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Easy to use interface
  • Large user base
  • Free basic version available
Cons
  • Limited features in free version
  • Privacy concerns
  • Ads in free version

Pricing Comparison

Empathy
Empathy
  • Free
ICQ
ICQ
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Empathy
Empathy
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
ICQ
ICQ
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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