What Are the Best Chat Apps for Windows?

Communicate with friends and strangers alike, individually or in groups, using software that allows you to keep in touch keep in touch with old friends or make new ones. Then, you may wonder: does Windows have a chat app? Well, the answer is positive. Here we are going to introduce you 10 best chat apps for Windows.

10 Best Chat Apps for Windows You Can Use in 2021

Discord

Discord is an all-in-one voice and text chat apps for gamers that is free, secure, and compatible with both your desktop and phone. This Windows chat app is always completely free to use with no gotchas. This means you can make as many servers as you want with no slot limitations. With this Windows chat app, you can easily share images, videos, and links from your desktop or phone. Discord embeds most types of media directly in the chat, for example, the GIFs. But it should be noted that GIFs only play when you mouse over them, so your CPU is spared. And more great features are listed below:

1. Encrypted server-to-client communication keeps your IP address safe. Stop getting ganked because you're logged into Skype. Our resilient Erlang backend running on the cloud has built-in DDoS protection with automatic server failover.

2. Designed for use while gaming, Discord has minimal impact on your CPU. Your game's performance won't be affected in the slightest.

3. It takes just 10 seconds and doesn't require any drivers or weird setting configuration. Discord can even run in the browser which is great for PUGs you invite to your voice channel or those stubborn friends of yours.

4. Discord is built with the latest tech using a modern jitter buffer, automatic gain control, noise suppression, echo cancellation, system attenuation on Windows, and more.

WhatsApp

With WhatsApp, you'll get fast, simple, secure messaging and calling for free. It is available on phones all over the world. The WhatsApp messaging app isn't just for iPhone and Android phones. WhatsApp for PC lets you use the popular messenger app on your Windows PC and chat with WhatsApp-connected family and friends wherever they are. But it's desktop app is only available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10/9. As the app runs natively on your desktop, you'll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more. How to use this chat app on your Windows? It is quite simple. 

First, you can download the app from your desktop browser. Then, open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone (look for the WhatsApp Web menu under Settings). Just like WhatsApp Web, the new desktop app lets you message with friends and family while your phone stays in your pocket.

To summarize, this Windows chat app has so many advantages:

It's free: WhatsApp Web is free to use and doesn't include ads.

Secured end-to-end communications: WhatsApp messages are secured with end-to-end encryption using Open Whisper Systems' Signal Protocol, which is also used in Signal's Private Messenger, Facebook Messenger, and Google Allo.

WhatsApp, by default, encrypts messages end to end; for some other encrypted messenger apps, like Allo, you need to actively choose to chat using end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp for PC is tied to your mobile phone number: The Windows version of WhatsApp uses your phone to authorize your account. During setup, you will be prompted to use the QR scanner in WhatsApp on your phone to scan the QR code on your computer. Once set up, you can use either your phone or computer for chats, with everything synced between the devices. WhatsApp also uses your mobile phone number to identify you and your contacts. (Curiously, while the official app name is WhatsApp Web, you don't use a WhatsApp web client or web browser to chat but the WhatsApp application for PCs.)

Individual and group chats: Chat with anyone in your contact list one-on-one. You can have group chats with as many as 256 family members and friends and choose members as admins of the group.

You can share videos and photos, take a snap and send a photo using the WhatsApp camera, share documents, record voice messages, add stickers, and send contact information from your WhatsApp contacts list.

However, this chat app for Windows also has some drawbacks.

Doesn't contain every feature found in the mobile version: Unlike the mobile version of the WhatsApp messenger, you can't make person-to-person voice or video calls with the WhatsApp desktop app.

Facebook data concerns: In light of news about how Facebook has and has not protected its users' data, WhatsApp users may be justified in being concerned about how WhatsApp is protecting their account information. (The decision of WhatsApp's founder to leave the company reportedly over Facebook security concerns doesn't help lessen privacy worries.)

In a recent update to its terms of service, WhatsApp said that "Facebook does not use your WhatsApp account information to improve your Facebook product experiences or provide you more relevant Facebook ad experiences on Facebook."

WhatsApp for Windows is an easy way to keep in touch with family and friends who also use the app when you are away from your phone. The PC version lacks a few of the features found in the mobile app, and if privacy is your primary concern, you may want to consider another messaging app not tied to Facebook.

Viber for Windows

Viber for Windows lets you send free messages and make free calls to other Viber users, on any device and network, in any country. Viber syncs your contacts, messages and call history with your mobile device, so you can start the conversation on the Viber mobile application and continue from the comfort of your PC.

• Best-quality HD voice calls
• Video calls
• Free text and photo messages
• Group conversations
• No registration, passwords, or invitations required
• Contacts and messages sync between your mobile and Windows
• Transfer ongoing calls between devices

To use this Windows chat app, you just need to download Viber, enter your phone number, and start connecting with your friends. But before using an app, you'd better know its pros and cons. We have listed them below.

Pros:

Calls, text, pix: Viber enables HD voice calls, video calls, free text and picture sharing to other Viber users and group conversations. It adds contacts automatically, which saves effort, though some users might prefer more options (see below).

Cross-platform: Viber has versions for Windows (including Windows 8 desktop or mobile), as well as Windows Phone, Android, Mac, iOS, BlackBerry, Bada, and Nokia operating systems. It supports both 3G/4G and Wi-Fi networks.

Improved Windows app: We had no trouble installing and setting up Viber for Windows in our 32-bit Windows Home Premium system. We entered our phone number and an SMS validation code to sync our phone and PC. The whole thing took a few seconds and worked the first time.

Cons:

Contact options: The Windows app automatically adds all your Contacts, which is convenient but a bit inflexible.

Data plan: Viber for Windows doesn't work without a smartphone. Viber also uses your phone's data plan to make some calls.

Viber has some interesting features and is easy to use, and recent releases have made improvements. With more than 200 million users, Viber's base has grown, too. But in the end, most users go with what their crowd uses, so how useful Viber is to you may depend on what your friends, family, and acquaintances use.

LINE

Stay in touch with your friends, whenever, and wherever you are. Use LINE on your smartphone while on the move and from the PC while in the office or at home. To access LINE from your PC email registration is required. (LINE [Settings] > [Email Registration]). Say YES to long phone Calls. Enjoy free, high quality calls anytime. from both your smartphone and PC.

LINE is a social app that lets you call or text your friends and family who also use the service for free through its streamlined interface. This Windows program is an extension of the smartphone app of the same name, and it can't be used unless you register your e-mail on your mobile device first.

Straightforward controls: From your home screen in the app's main interface, you can see a list of your contacts. Right-clicking on this list opens a drop-down menu with options for calling, texting, video calling, viewing profiles, and more. Through this streamlined interface, a conversation is only a few clicks away.

Customizable contacts: Settings allow you to decide which friends you see the most of and who gets updates about you. Select individually which friends will see your Timeline and updates, and hide any Timelines of your friends that you don't want to automatically show up in your feed.

Cons:

Basic operations: This app works well, but to enjoy the full functionality of this program, you'll need to use the mobile phone app. Fun add-on features like the Sticker Store are not accessible from the Windows app.

This app gives you the tools to make good-quality calls to any other LINE users. It's a great option if you know other people who use the app or if you think a lot of your friends and family would like to try it. While you can't use the Windows app without registering your account on your mobile device, both apps are free, and calls are of decent quality.

Skype (Classic)

Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world. Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring. You can also share your screen with other users. If you and your friends, family or business contacts are using webcams, you can make free video calls. And even though the calls are free, they are really excellent quality and secured with end-to-end encryption. You can as well call landlines and mobile phones at really cheap per minute rates.

Pidgin

Pidgin (formerly known as Gaim) is a free and open-source multi-protocol instant messaging client for BSD and Windows. It is compatible with AIM (Oscar and TOC protocols), ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo, IRC, and Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and Zephyr networks. Pidgin users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time. It also goes beyond that and provides many unique features. A few popular features are Buddy Pounces, which give the ability to notify you, send a message, play a sound, or run a program when a specific buddy goes away, signs online, or returns from idle, and plug-in, consisting of text replacement, a buddy ticker, extended message notification, and iconify on away.

ICQ

ICQ is a Windows chat app that allows you to chat with Facebook friends. You can add your Facebook friends to your contact list and chat with them while they are online in Facebook directly from your ICQ. This venerable chat client upgrades with a retooled look and enough Preference control to satisfy even the most obsessive fans of customization. ICQ 6.5 includes video, audio, and text chat modes in a strong push to make the app the most versatile chat client around.

Audio chatting was smooth and painless, although that depends on user connection, of course. There's also a new Quick IM feature that allows you to send a text chat from within your contact list. The text window is only one line high, but perfectly sized if you're just shooting off a quick note.

Many of the notable plug-ins have been folded into the new version as standard features. Standard fare in ICQ now includes SMS messaging and the Flash-movie tZers as well as alerts and skins. Consequentially, the quick-loading app has a larger footprint. Ad banners are nonexistent except in the built-in games, and all text chat histories are automatically saved. Some features, like Push2Talk, seem to have been phased out of the new version, and customizing tZers is no longer an option. Also, the Help option is non-functional in this release.

Despite a few minor setbacks, there are too many improvements to keep ICQ down. Other notable additions include split-screen compatibility, IM forwarding, and integrated Google searching. In enhancing its already rich feature set, ICQ has definitely increased its standing among its many competitors.

Zoom Rooms for Windows 10

This Windows chat app brings beautiful, simple, scalable video conferencing with wireless content sharing and integrated audio to any meeting space - conference rooms, training rooms, huddle rooms, and executive offices.

Zoom Rooms software is based on a video conferencing system that uses off-the-shelf, business-grade hardware for cameras, speakers, and monitors - making it the most flexible video solution. Easily connect to participants on mobile devices, desktops, and other rooms.

To use this chat app, you can follow an easy 3-step setup: 1) Install this Zoom Rooms App on your Windows tablet, 2) Connect to Zoom Rooms running on your Mac or PC, and 3) Click on "Meet Now" to start.

Key Features of this Windows chat app:

Best video and screen sharing quality

Quick setup to install Zoom Rooms with Outlook Exchange or Google Calendar

• One-touch to start a meeting
• Wireless screen sharing from any device
• Supports up to 3 HD screens to fit any conference room
• View the active speaker, content, or gallery view with 25 video feeds
• One-click room-to-room calling
• Up to 500 interactive participants or 10,000 view-only attendees (optional add-on)
• Record your meetings to share or review later
• Connect with anyone on Zoom Rooms, iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, H.323/SIP room systems, telephones, and other devices

Google Hangouts

Always stay connected with the new desktop app for Hangouts. Use Hangouts to keep in touch. Message friends, start free video or voice calls and hop on a conversation with one person or a group. Hangouts Chrome app: Use Hangouts and get notifications as you move from tab to tab in Chrome, or even without a Chrome window open. Position Hangouts anywhere on your screen, even if you have more than one monitor. Keep conversations in a single window or pop out the important ones. View and continue your conversations across devices. Get notifications just once. After you see an alert, it'll be removed on other devices. Notes: Unlike the Chat for Google app, Hangouts doesn't support "invisible status". Mobile carrier and ISP charges may apply.

Slack

Slack brings team communication and collaboration into one place so you can get more work done, whether you belong to a large enterprise or a small business. Check off your to-do list and move your projects forward by bringing the right people, conversations, tools, and information you need together. Slack is available on any device, so you can find and access your team and your work, whether you're at your desk or on the go.

You can use Slack to:

• Communicate with your team and organize your conversations by topics, projects, or anything else that matters to your work
• Message or call any person or group within your team
• Share and edit documents and collaborate with the right people all in Slack
• Integrate into your workflow, the tools and services you already use including Google Drive, Salesforce, Dropbox, Asana, Twitter, Zendesk, and more
• Easily search a central knowledge base that automatically indexes and archives your team's past conversations and files
• Customize your notifications so you stay focused on what matters

Scientifically proven (or at least rumored) to make your working life simpler, more pleasant, and more productive. We hope you'll give Slack a try.

Slack is a popular messaging app similar to IRC (Internet Relay Chat) that's oriented toward small-team collaboration. It's free to use and available for Windows, MacOS, and mobile. Subscribe to Slack Plus for features like guest access, unlimited message archiving, guaranteed uptime, and increased cloud storage (20GB, versus 5GB in the free version).

Pros:

Slack doesn't skimp on the free version: You can get Slack for Windows, Mac, mobile, and within a Web browser. And in any of those versions, you can make two-way voice and video calls, apply optional two-factor authentication, store up to 10,000 messages, and use up to 5GB of cloud storage per user without forking over any money to Slack. This helping of features could easily support a small business.

Saves messages when you're offline: Slack's cloud keeps copies of all messages its users send, so when you log in, you can quickly catch up on any discussion that you might have missed.

Integrated support bot: Slackbot is a conversational AI like Siri that can answer basic questions about how to use the service, as well as provide links to Slack's website for detailed answers and tutorial videos. This approach is more efficient and informative than paging through a manual or a FAQ.

Cons:

Occasional start-up quirks: Every once in a while, Slack may present you with a nearly empty window when you open it, save for the menus at the top. If you click the Window menu, select "Sign into another team," and give it the email address associated with your Slack account, the service will send you an email containing a link that will let you log in to the discussion groups that this account has access to. Clicking the link should reset the Slack interface and let you resume using it as normal, but this process can be a hassle, especially when time is of the essence. Thankfully, it doesn't happen often.

Slack can scale smoothly from a handful of users to a sizeable business, and the free version will give you most or all of the features you want. However, its main competitor, HipChat (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android), is evolving just as quickly and is worth taking a look at, too.

Summary

What is the best chat app for Windows? Well, it depends on your needs. That's why you'd better try a Windows chat app first before making your decisions.