Yahoo! Messenger 11.5.0.228

By Yahoo! Inc  (Freeware)

User Rating

 

Download 64 bit (18.48MB)

• Description

Yahoo! Messenger was discontinued from the 17th July 2018. Yahoo does not have a replacement for this service, however, they are developing a group messaging app called Yahoo Squirrel that is currently in Beta.

Read more about Yahoo Messenger here.

Looking for an alternative? Try one of these popular messengers below.

Skype - WIN - MAC

Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions. Skype uses P2P technology to connect users on a multitude of platforms including desktop, mobile and tablet. The call quality (depending on your internet signal) and additional features like conversation history, conference calling and secure file transfer are excellent. There have been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage and security vulnerabilities.

Viber - WIN - MAC

Viber is a popular free Voice-over IP messaging service and Skype alternative, that can be used on your smartphone, Mac, or PC. The Viber client takes the convenience of the mobile app and brings it to your PC or Mac so you can stay connected even when you don’t have your mobile phone. It also makes it easier to get on with work and multitask while communicating with your contacts.

Slack - WIN - MAC

Slack is an online, social messaging platform that is designed for teams of all sizes, so they can collaborate on projects more effectively. Users can create a team in Slack, and then log in to hold group or private chats, share data and links with each member of that team and discuss the project together. All of the communications that are held on Slack are grouped into different Channels, and everything that is created is searchable.

WhatsApp - WIN - MAC

WhatsApp is a renowned messaging service that has been around for some time now. Although you can use it on the web, WhatsApp has launched a desktop app for both Windows and Mac OS X platforms.

AV Voice Changer Software 7.0.62

By AVSoft Corp.  (Shareware)

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Download Free Version (16.17MB)

• Description

AV Voice Changer Software is a simple app that takes the audio from your microphone, allows you to make changes to it, and then send it to another program in real-time.

The app lets you can create various conversation environments for voice chat in instant messenger programs, or to make fun voice calls with PC-to-Phone apps. You can also play around with audio tracks create remixes of your favourite songs, etc.

AV Voice Changer Software has a number of good options to choose from. So if you need a voice changer, equalizer, or recorder, AV Voice Changer has something that covers it. The app is fairly fast and stable, and you should experience no lag or crashes.

It also has some advanced features such as audio capture. In addition to recording audio from your microphone, the app also allows you to use sounds generated by other apps as the audio input source, this can be very useful if you want to edit and augment preexisting music tracks, for example.

The downside to AV Voice Changer Software is that the interface look dated, and the learning curve is quite steep. This fact is cemented by the confusing layout, which is counter intuitive. That being said, if you get past the layout and don't mind spending some time getting to grips with the app, then its OK. However, there are other apps available that are easier to use.

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond 9.5.16

By AVSoft Corp.  (Shareware)

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Download Latest Version (52.46MB)

• Description

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond edition is another step up from the Gold level version on the software, with a couple more tools thrown into the mix. This app is very similar to the Gold version and the functions are pretty much the same; it takes the audio from your microphone, allows you to make changes to it and then send it to another program in real-time.

The app lets you can create various conversation environments for voice chat in instant messenger programs, or to make fun voice calls with PC-to-Phone apps. You can also play around with audio tracks to create remixes of your favourite songs, etc. This Diamond version also has added some more tools, such as the Parody Maker tool that lets you define a pre-saved voice as a parody voice. In conjunction with this, there is also a Parody Mixer tool that allows you mix up to four parody voices. There is also a Voice Analyzer and Hotkey functionality that have been added to the Diamond version as well.

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond has a number of good options to choose from. So if you need a voice changer, equalizer, or recorder, AV Voice Changer has something that covers it. The app is fairly fast and stable, and you should experience no lag or crashes.

It also has some advanced features such as audio capture. In addition to recording audio from your microphone, the app also allows you to use sounds generated by other apps as the audio input source, this can be very useful if you want to edit and augment preexisting music tracks, for example. The Diamond version also lets you batch morph & convert pre-recorded files with the File Morpher tool. This version also has 40 audio effects, and robot voices to play around with, along with Nik voices in female/male.

The downside to AV Voice Changer Software Diamond is that, although this is a top of the range application, the interface still looks dated, and the learning curve is fairly steep. The layout is also not in line with a simple user experience. That being said, if you get past the layout and don't mind too much spending some time getting to grips with the layout and how to use the app then its OK. However, as the premium version of the suite, we feel the UI could look better and feel more intuitive.

Yahoo! Messenger 11.5.0.228

By Yahoo! Inc  (Freeware)

User Rating

 

Download 64 bit (18.48MB)

• Description

Yahoo! Messenger was discontinued from the 17th July 2018. Yahoo does not have a replacement for this service, however, they are developing a group messaging app called Yahoo Squirrel that is currently in Beta.

Read more about Yahoo Messenger here.

Looking for an alternative? Try one of these popular messengers below.

Skype - WIN - MAC

Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions. Skype uses P2P technology to connect users on a multitude of platforms including desktop, mobile and tablet. The call quality (depending on your internet signal) and additional features like conversation history, conference calling and secure file transfer are excellent. There have been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage and security vulnerabilities.

Viber - WIN - MAC

Viber is a popular free Voice-over IP messaging service and Skype alternative, that can be used on your smartphone, Mac, or PC. The Viber client takes the convenience of the mobile app and brings it to your PC or Mac so you can stay connected even when you don’t have your mobile phone. It also makes it easier to get on with work and multitask while communicating with your contacts.

Slack - WIN - MAC

Slack is an online, social messaging platform that is designed for teams of all sizes, so they can collaborate on projects more effectively. Users can create a team in Slack, and then log in to hold group or private chats, share data and links with each member of that team and discuss the project together. All of the communications that are held on Slack are grouped into different Channels, and everything that is created is searchable.

WhatsApp - WIN - MAC

WhatsApp is a renowned messaging service that has been around for some time now. Although you can use it on the web, WhatsApp has launched a desktop app for both Windows and Mac OS X platforms.

Trillian 6.1.0.16

By Cerulean Studios  (Freeware)

User Rating

 

Download Latest Version (15.48MB)

• Description

Trillian is a fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. It provides capabilities not possible with original network clients, while supporting standard features such as audio chat, file transfers, group chats, chat rooms, buddy icons, multiple simultaneous connections to the same network, server-side contact importing, typing notification, direct connection (AIM), proxy support, encrypted messaging (AIM/ICQ), SMS support, and privacy settings.

Without stealing your home page and with no other included software, pop-ups, or spyware, Trillian provides unique functionality such as:

• contact message history,
• a powerful skinning language,
• tabbed messaging,
• global status changes (set all networks away at once),
• Instant Lookup (automatic Wikipedia integration),
• contact alerts,
• an advanced automation system to trigger events based on anything happening in the client,
• docking,
• hundreds of emoticons,
• emotisounds,
• shell extensions for file transfers, and
• systray notifications.

Windows Live Messenger 16.4.3528

By Microsoft Corporation  (Freeware)

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Download Latest Version (1.18MB)

• Description

Windows Live Messenger makes it easier than ever to stay connected to the people you care about.

• Favorites and groups: Put the people you chat with most at the top of your contacts, so you easily see when they're online. Want to chat with several people in one window? Simply set up a group.

• Share photos: Look at photos together, right in the conversation window and Messenger tells you when people you know post new photos on Windows Live.

• Customize: Show off your personal style with custom scenes, animated display pictures, and signature sounds.

• Mobile and web: Using a public computer without Messenger? No problem! You can chat on the web from Windows Live Hotmail or use Messenger on your smartphone.

Get Messenger and stay in touch.

Thunderbird 60.0

By Mozilla Organization  (Open Source)

User Rating

 

Download Latest Version (30.38MB)

• Description

Mozilla Thunderbird makes e-mailing safer, faster, and easier with features such as intelligent spam filters, a built-in RSS reader, and quick search. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail.

Thunderbird includes tabbed e-mail, new search tools and indexing, smart folders, support for Firefox, a simplified setup wizard and robust junk protections that include phishing and spam filters.

Key Features Include:

• Tabbed email.

• An Archive feature similar to the one found in GMail.

• Lightning fast search.

• Smart folders.

Thunderbird has junk mail tools that have been updated to stay ahead of spam and features anti-phishing protection.

Looking for the Mac version of Thunderbird? Download Here

Skype 8.29.0.50

By Skype Technologies  (Freeware)

User Rating

 

Download Latest Version (59.31MB)

• Description

Adding And Managing Contacts In Skype

Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions. Skype was publically released in 2003 and now accounts for roughly a third of all international calling minutes. Skype uses P2P technology to connect users on a multitude of platforms including desktop, mobile and tablet. The call quality (depending on your internet signal) and additional features like conversation history, conference calling and secure file transfer are excellent. There have been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage and security vulnerabilities.

Skype Calling

Once you’ve downloaded and installed Skype, you will need to create a user profile and unique Skype name. You can then search for other users in the Skype directory or call them directly using their Skype name. Voice chat comes with conference calling, secure file transfer and a highly secure end to end encryption. Video chat is available on higher bandwidth connections and makes keeping up with distant family/friends much more interactive. Video conferencing and the Screenshare features make Skype popular with the corporate market. Skype’s text chat client features group chat, chat history, message editing and emoticons. Skype also enables calls to landlines and mobiles using a premium paid service.

Easy to Use

Skype’s UI is very intuitive and easy to use. All the classic messaging service features like profiles, online status, contacts and recent history are displayed in the left navigation. Here you will also find the Skype directory, group options, a search box and premium calling buttons. The right side (main window) opens the content you select. For individual contacts you will see a text message box, chat history and calling options.

Call Quality

On fast internet connections Skype call quality is excellent for both voice and video calls. The hybrid peer-to-peer client server system means the sound quality is better than most VoIP services. That being said, if you do have a slower internet connection, voice calls may be interrupted or delayed. Video calls will be intermittent and pixelated. Text chat will only be affected by very poor connections. The call quality button will give you detailed information on the expected call quality for each of your contacts (as the quality depends on both parties internet connection).

Summary

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy to use VoIP client, you’ll find it hard to beat Skype. Microsoft’s purchase of Skype in 2011 has further stabilized the platform and accelerated development as Microsoft used Skype to replace its aging messaging service Windows Live Messenger. Click on the green download button to give it a try.

Microsoft no longer allows hosting of their installers. So we are redirecting to their download page.

Looking for the Mac version of Skype? Download Here

If you are looking for an alternative to Skype then check out our guide to the top free alternatives.

Pidgin 2.13.0

By Gaim  (Open Source)

User Rating

 

Download Latest Version (8.27MB)

• Description
• Technical
• Change Log

Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on MSN, talking to a friend on Google Talk, and sitting in a Yahoo chat room all at the same time.

Pidgin runs on Windows, Linux, and other UNIX operating systems.

Pidgin is compatible with the following chat networks out of the box: AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Jabber/XMPP, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, MySpaceIM, and Zephyr. It can support many more with plugins.

Pidgin supports many features of these chat networks, such as file transfers, away messages, buddy icons, custom smilies, and typing notifications. Numerous plugins also extend Pidgin's functionality above and beyond the standard features.

Pidgin integrates with the system tray on Windows.

 

AIM 8.0.7.1

By America Online Inc  (Freeware)

User Rating

 

Download Latest Version (17.95MB)

• Description

The AIM® service is all about helping you keep in touch with your buddies. Whether you're sending IMs, sharing photos or doing a voice chat we want to make it better.

Features include:

• Sleek new design: New buttons, new layout, new color, new brand! Tell us what you think of our shiny gold look and the new layout.
• Profiles, profiles, profiles: Connect with your buddies like never before. Customize your profile, get updates from other social networks, and more. Now, you'll never miss an update on AIM.
• Status messages in the IM.
• :) Emoticons: You asked, we answered.
• AIM Blast: IM your friends, coworkers, or customers all at once, and all from the convenience of your Buddy List.
• More goodies: Sign in as invisible, Ctrl + F to search your Buddy List, Search the web from the IM window.