Social networks have become an integral part of our lives: in addition to photos and music, we can write messages, make calls, and communicate via video.
However, it is not always convenient to constantly use the web version of instant messengers. Which application is best for text messaging, which for calls, which for video communication, and which combines the best of allon Android devices?
TOP 5popular services for exchanging instant text messages, which successfully replace SMS.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is currently the most popular text messaging service on mobile devices. She almost bankrupted mobile providers with her ability to send free messages.
Key features:
No hidden costs;
Multimedia: send and receive photos, videos, and voice messages;
WhatsApp calling: call your friends and family via WhatsApp completely free, even if they are in another country;
Group chat;
WhatsApp Web interface;
No international charges: additional charge for sending;
No PIN codes or logins;
Fast Communication with your contacts;
Offline messages.
2. ICQ
The oldest text messenger, which is the ancestor of all modern instant messaging programs.
Main functions:
Chat and free messages.
Messages even to those who do not have ICQ.
Video chat.
Free calls.
Group chat.
Stickers, emoticons, and emoji.
Share photos, videos, and files.
PIN and privacy settings.
3. Skype
One of the oldest communication services, initially focused on voice and video calls, but also allows you to exchange text messages.
Main features:
Instant search for family and friends;
Quick text messages;
Voice and video calls worldwide;
Calling plans;
Data transfer;
Cross-platform;
Video messages.
4. Hangouts
Formerly known as Google Talk, is a text messaging and video calling service from Google. It is tightly integrated with the Gmail email service and identifies users by their Gmail account.
Main features:
SMS and MMS;
Group chats for up to 100 people;
Sending photos, maps, emoticons, or animated pictures;
Video meetings from any chat with up to 10 people;
Calls to phone numbers (if the other person uses Hangouts, the call will be free);
A Google Voice account to make calls and send SMS and voice messages;
Quick sync with any device;
Offline messages.
5. Viber
If Skype's focus is video calls, Viber's focus is voice calls. But the program's functionality is constantly expanding - even games have appeared.
Main features:
Group chat for up to 200 users;
HD calls;
Data transfer;
Games with Viber characters: Violet and Legcat;
Android Wear support;
Public chats in Viber are a new format of communication and entertainment. Subscribe to public chats with celebrities, models, popular journalists, bloggers and their friends;
Stickers;
Online store;
Push notifications;
Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
Summary comparison
Functionality
Skype
Viber
WhatsApp
ICQ
Hangouts
Interface
Good minimalism
Excellent (two-window)
Good (one window - three tabs)
Excellent minimalism
Good (Android)
Customizable
Minimum from PC version
Good
Excellent (especially messages)
All the essentials
Minimum
Maximum system load (CPU/RAM)
0-0.7%/ 78-90 MB
0-0.2%/ 60-96 MB
0%/ 94 MB
0%/ 83-93 MB
0-1%/ 26-90 MB
Functionality
Basic
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent (forums available)
Full Set
Emoji, emoticons, and gif animations available
Animated Smileys
Stickers, doodles, animation
Classic Smileys
Classic
Full set
File and media transfer
Yes| Files, videos, photos
Multimedia only
Everything, including contacts
Full package
Full set
SMS messages
No support
No
No
Yes
Yes
Social component (integration with social network, group chats)
RSS Feed