For a seamless way to message your family and friends, you need the free chat apps available across multiple platforms. Ideally, on both mobile and desktop.
So, what free cross-platform chat apps should you download? And what are the best instant messaging apps available today? Keep reading to find out.
1. WhatsApp
Despite the Facebook buyout and concerns over advertising, WhatsApp remains the world's most popular messaging app by some distance. It has more than 2.7 billion monthly active users and the growth is showing no signs of slowing down.
But what about cross-platform chatting? Well, WhatsApp has apps in both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. There's also a web app (which you need a QR code to log into), and standalone desktop apps for both Windows and Mac. Unfortunately, there is no Linux version of WhatsApp.
Other notable WhatsApp features include voice and video chat, groups with up to 1024 people, and end-to-end encryption on messages.
Download: WhatsApp for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
2. Telegram
Windows users will be curious to know about the best messaging apps for PC. Out of all the options, we think Telegram provides the best Windows client.
The app is extremely lightweight, fast, and packed with all the same features that you get on the mobile versions. And, unlike WhatsApp, you don't need a QR code in order to log in—your phone number is sufficient. Uniquely, Telegram even offers a portable Windows app; you don't need to install it on your PC and can use it on any Windows machine you're working on.
Telegram has a macOS client and apps for Android and iOS. It is also the first free chat app on this list to support Linux.
Some of the most useful Telegram features are its support for self-destructing messages, groups with up to 200,000 members, bot integration, and the ability to schedule messages for the future.
Download: Telegram for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
3. Facebook Messenger
Like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger benefits from having a large user base. After all, any instant messaging app is useless if the people you want to chat with most frequently don't also have the app installed.
Facebook Messenger has standalone apps for Android and iOS. They also have an app for Windows, which looks and acts similarly to the mobile versions. However, Facebook has not developed a standalone desktop Messenger app for Linux or macOS, so you'll have to use the web app if you're running them.
Download: Facebook Messenger for Android | iOS | Windows (Free)
4. Line
Line is one of the most popular communication apps in Asia. It is the market leader in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan. If you have friends and relatives in those locales, Line is a must-have free chat app.
Thankfully, Line also boasts impressive cross-platform support. There are Line apps available for PC, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can also install the Line Chrome extension if you want to send instant messages directly from your web browser.
In addition to its chat functionality, Line doubles as a video messaging app and real-time location-sharing service. You can even use it to follow other accounts, such as those of brands, celebrities, pop stars, sports teams, and more.
Download: Line for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
5. WeChat
WeChat is the third most popular messaging app in the world behind WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. If you want a free chat app to talk to people in China, this is a good solution. It is the top instant messaging app in that country.
It is also another free chat app with solid cross-platform support—you can find standalone WeChat versions on Android, iOS, and desktop. However, although WeChat offers messaging apps for Windows and macOS, there is no Linux version. If you are running a Linux distro, you will need to use the service's web app to chat with your friends.
Some of the other top features on WeChat include video messaging, custom stickers, a "Moments" stream (akin to Instagram Stories), and real-time location sharing.
Download: WeChat for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
6. Viber
The next app on our list of free chat apps is Viber. It's often thought of as a direct competitor to WhatsApp. But while they do share some similar features (such as end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, private group chats), there are some key differences.
There are several useful Viber features. For example, there is one feature called Viber Out. It's a VOIP facility that allows you to call mobiles and landlines around the world. You can also follow public accounts and chats, create hidden chats, and even play games within the Viber app.
Regardless of the differences, Viber remains a popular instant chat service. It has cross-platform support, with apps available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Like WhatsApp, there's also a web app that requires a QR code to log in.
Download: Viber for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
7. Signal
Signal is one of the most versatile free chat apps; it has versions available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
With a focus on privacy, Signal has earned a loyal band of followers over the years. Edward Snowden, Jack Dorsey, and Bruce Schenier have applauded its privacy, open-source nature, its usability, and its stability.
Features include unlimited group sizes, end-to-end encryption, and a "note to self" tool.
Download: Signal for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
8. Skype
Even though this app is known for its high-quality voice and video calling capabilities, Skype's robust instant messaging platform guarantees a smooth and efficient communication experience as well.
Skype offers a seamless cross-platform experience, allowing you to connect regardless of the device you are using. Apart from this, it also offers affordable international calling and SMS features. You can even get your own Skype phone number!
Like the other apps we have previously discussed, you can create and participate in group conversations with multiple contacts simultaneously in Skype too.
Download: Skype for Android | iOS | Desktop (Free)
9. Tox
Tox is a distributed, peer-to-peer, instant messaging app. That means no single entity is in control of its data or its availability.
The Tox protocol hosts all the encryption and chat facilities, but users can make their own front-end apps. That means that all the desktop and mobile operating systems have Tox versions available.
Download: Tox for Android | Desktop (Free)
Are These the Best Free Chat Apps?
When you're deciding on the best free chat app for your needs, there are two primary points you need to consider. First, can you use it on the hardware you own? Second, are the people you want to talk to also using the service?