Are you a person who uses instant messaging applications every day? Well, today we’re going to make a small review of all: Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, Hangouts, Viber, Line and Telegram. This way, in case you didn’t use one of these applications, you will know if you want to try it out or not.
1. Facebook Messenger
Registration – You will need to create a Facebook account to use the Facebook Messenger. To create a Facebook account you will need an e-mail.
Cross platform support – If you want to chat with your Facebook friends via your mobile device, you will need to install the Facebook Messenger application. Keep in mind that the Facebook application is just the application that will allow you to like posts, submit new posts etc. In case you want to chat with someone via the Facebook application, you will be redirected and advised to install Facebook Messenger.
Price – The application is free and uses Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Emoticons – Facebook Messenger comes with a lot of emoticons that you can use to make your chats look funnier.
Sending files – You can send videos, images and gif files without any problems. You can also send short videos or images via the camera feature that the Facebook Messenger comes with and send “live” videos or pictures.
Location – You can share the location with your friends.
Audio Calls – You can make audio calls with your Facebook friends, no matter if they are using Facebook Messenger or the Facebook on their computers.
Performance – The Facebook Messenger application is pretty good, but there are users which say that the application uses too much battery for what it does.
2. Skype
Registration – To register on Skype you will just need an email account. It is good to know that you can use one account on multiple devices.
Cross platform support – Skype is available for multiple operating systems, including mobile ones. The data is synced between the devices. You will be able to use it on your computer and on your Android/iOS mobile device without any problems.
Price – Skype was, is and will remain free no matter what device you are using. Also, by using a paid service, you will be able to call landline and mobile numbers.
Emoticons – Skype comes with its own emoticons.
Sending files – You can send without any problems any type of file on Skype.
Location – You can send the location details.
Audio calls – Yes, you can make audio calls with one or more persons at a time.
Video calls – Yes, you can make video calls with one or more persons at a time.
Additional features – Since Skype is a product owned by Microsoft, it is integrated into their Windows 8 and Xbox consoles. At the same time it will be integrated into the upcoming Windows 10.
3. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp Messenger got quite popular and it is currently used by over 800 million people.
Registration – In order to register on WhatsApp, you will need a mobile phone number and the system will verify you by sending you a code either via SMS or Call.
Cross platform support – Unfortunately, WhatsApp Messenger is available only for smartphones that run on Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian or Windows Phone. There are some tricks to get it installed on tablets or computers.
Price – As all online applications, WhatsApp is using the Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection to send and receive data. However, the application is not free and after the trial period you will need to pay 0.99 dollars per year, which, in our opinion, is good enough for how much this application is offering.
Emoticons – WhatsApp comes with a lot of emoticons and allows you to set a wallpaper to be background of your WhatsApp chats.
File transfer support – Using WhatsApp you will be able to send audios, videos, images and even record videos or take pictures inside the application.
Location – You can send the location details.
Audio calls – Yes, you can make Audio Calls on WhatsApp. This feature was recently introduced on the application and according to reports it still needs some fixing as it lags and randomly interrupts.
Video calls – For now, WhatsApp doesn’t have the video calling feature but there are rumors which say that soon enough it will be added.
Additional features –
– No passwords and pins required
– A big amount of users
– WhatsApp Web which allows you to connect on the application from your Firefox, Google Chrome or Opera browser.
4. Hangouts
Registration – You need a Google+ account to use the Hangouts application. You are able to share the same account on multiple devices.
Cross platform supports – Since this is a browser-based service, you can use it on any device, but it is good to know that iOS and Android devices come with a dedicated application.
Price – The application is free, but you will need an internet connection to use it (Wi-Fi or data plan).
Emoticons – The application comes with native and third party stickers and emoticons that you can use while chatting with your Hangouts friends.
Sending files – You can send SMS, MMS, GIFs, photos and videos on Hangouts.
Location – Yes, you can share your location using Hangouts.
Audio calls – Yes, you can make audio calls on Hangouts.
Video calls – Yes, you can make video calls on Hangouts.
Additional features –
– Synchronize chats across all your devices
– See if and when your friends have read your message(s)
– See when they type to you.
5. Viber
Registration – To register on Viber you will need your mobile phone number, which will be used as your ID.
Cross platform support – Viber is available for BlackBerry, Nokia, iOS, Android, Windows PC, Linux etc. However, in order to use the application on a computer, you will firstly need to install the application a mobile device.
Price – Viber is free but it uses the Wi-Fi and carrier data connection to receive and send data. The application also comes with the Viber Out feature, which allows you to make calls on landline and mobile phone numbers all over the world, at decent rates. Obviously, in order to use Viber Out, you will need to charge the account with money.
Emoticons – Viber comes with a lot of stickers and emoticons. Keep in mind that in order to use some stickers, you will need to buy them.
Sending files – On Viber, you can send photos, voice messages, video messages, locations, emoticons and stickers.
Location – Yes, you can share the location using Viber.
Audio calls – Viber comes with Voice Calling feature that supports HD sound quality.
Video calls – Viber supports the Video Calling feature.
Additional features –
– Public Chats
– Viber Out
– Integrates with the contact list from your smartphone
– Works with both smartphones and tablets.
6. Line
Registration – In order to register on Line, you will use the mobile phone number. For security purposes, you can add an e-mail for recovery.
Cross platform support – Line is available for both mobile and desktop clients, allowing you to share the same account on multiple devices.
Price – Line is free but it requires an internet connection to receive and send data. Line Premium Call feature allows you to make international calls to landline and mobile phone numbers.
Emoticons – Line comes with a lot of stickers that you can use.
Sending files – Using Line you will be able to send voice messages, videos and pictures.
Location – Yes, you can share your location with Line application.
Audio calls – Yes, you can make audio calls on Line.
Video calls – Yes, you can make video calls on Line.
Additional features –
– Sticker shop
– Chat Search.
7. Telegram
Registration – In order to register on Telegram, you will have to provide your country and phone number. You can register on this application via web and it has clients for both mobile and desktops devices.
Cross platform support – Telegram is available for smartphones, tablets and desktop devices.
Price – Telegram is free and it doesn’t have a limit of messages and media files you can send. At the same time, the application is made to consume a low amount of traffic, so you can use via 3G/4G connection without worrying about exceeding your data plan.
Emoticons – Telegram supports the emojis that you have on your smartphone.
Sending files – On Telegram you can send a large amount of files type such as: images, videos, .doc, .zip, .pdf and more. It is good to know that supports pretty big files of up to 1.5GB! With other words, you will be able to record a 10 minutes video and send it to your friend via Telegram without any problems.
Audio Calls – Current not supported.
Video Calls – Currently not supported.
Location – You can share your location with Telegram
Additional features –
– Secret Chats
– Messages that self-destruct
– Login on multiple devices at the same time
– Intuitive UI.
Related ItemsWhatsApp vs Facebook vs Skype vs Hangouts vs ViberWhatsApp vs Facebook vs Skype vs Telegram
