Comparison of popular instant messengers. Which messenger is better to use?
Slowly but surely, the world is moving away from SMS and MMS as a means of text messaging. It started a few years ago with the release of WhatsApp, then there were others and there are more and more of them every year. But which apps are at the top of the best instant messengers? In this list we will look at best messengers for Android.
Discord - chat for gamers
Discord is considered one of the best apps for gamers. It supports cross-platform support between most mobile phones and computers on different operating systems. The application supports voice calls, multiple chats, supports GIF animation and much more. Although the messenger is designed mainly for gamers, nevertheless, other users use it because user-friendly interface and great chat capabilities.
Facebook Messenger Lite: Free Calls and Messages
Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging applications. Facebook has two applications for this. The regular includes all the features like group chats, video calls, stickers and more. The Lite version is just a chat and voice calling app, no frills. However, those who do not want their phone to discharge quickly should set Lite version. In both of these apps, Facebook displays ads, but otherwise they are free. This is a good option because most people you know are already on Facebook.
Google Allo or Google Hangouts
Google Allo is a new messenger that has Google Assistant integration and common things like stickers, GIF animation support and much more. Allo also supports Google Duo and incognito mode with self-destructing chat.
Google Hangouts is an older application. It also has video and audio calls and many more interesting features. You definitely can’t go wrong with your choice; these apps are worthy of attention.
Kik
Kik is another popular messaging app for Android. You can prevent your phone number from being shown in the app. The application is especially popular among players of Clash of Clans and other games. The app also has stickers, emoticons, group chats, and themes. In the app store, you can buy additional stickers and other similar things.
Slack
Slack is one of the best corporate instant messengers. The application has a discreet, professional appearance. You can create channels, make voice calls, and much more. The app also supports third-party apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, Salesforce, and more. Users can also connect to multiple Slack servers.
Skype - free messages and video calls
Skype is one of the most recognizable applications for messaging and making video calls. I know everything what Skype is and what it is for. You can send text messages, make video and voice calls between other users of this application. You can also call real phone numbers for small fee. The application has several additional functions, may be useful to some, but useless to others. It depends on your preferences and needs.
Snapchat is one of the most unique messaging apps. It has many functions, including voice calls, video, photo and text messages. The service deletes messages after they are read. This means there is no history. There is, of course, the Snapchat Stories feature, which allows you to store messages for 24 hours. Many of the app's features copy features from other apps. Expected soon big update Snapchat.
Telegram
And the purposes of their use.
The functionality of instant messengers is evolving, turning them from simple programs for exchanging messages into a serious communication tool. Analytical company App Annie has prepared statistics demonstrating the popularity of certain instant messengers among users in different countries. The picture is complemented by information about the main sources of income of the main players in this market. Most of those noted in the statistics are familiar to many active users of instant messengers, but there are also representatives present primarily in China.
Market leaders
The first place is held by Facebook, which owns two messengers: its own Facebook Messenger and acquired WhatsApp Messenger . It must be said that they are among the TOP 10 non-game applications by the number of worldwide downloads for the entire existence of the App Store for iOS. They are ranked 2nd and 6th on the list, respectively. The fifth position of the TOP-10 is occupied by Skype. In the third quarter of this year, Facebook and WhatsApp became the most popular among iOS and Android users.
As you can see from the statistics, Facebook Messenger is in high demand in North America, while WhatsApp Messenger is popular in Latin America and Europe. The remaining positions were taken by Asian KakaoTalk (South Korea), WeChat (China) and LINE (Japan). The income statistics of instant messengers look different. Everything is still good here for the leading and actively developing Skype And Viber. The information is objective, but it is worth remembering that Facebook Messenger is free to use, and for WhatsApp Messenger they ask for only $0.99 per year, and then only for new users.
Sources of income
Developing the capabilities of their messengers Chinese developers. Thus, KakaoTalk, WeChat and LINE already allow video calls in addition to standard text and multimedia messages. In addition, all of the above received support third party applications. Due to this, you can not only use them for games, but also call a taxi and even pay various services. Thus, once ordinary messengers have turned into full-fledged multifunctional platforms.
As for the main sources of income, the majority of the revenue comes from sticker sales. Developers of Asian instant messengers KakaoTalk, WeChat and LINE also receive additional amounts thanks to built-in games. Of interest are also additional services by type of payment for utilities and municipal services.
Advertising in applications plays a significant role, but its monetization, despite all the efforts of the creators, leaves much to be desired. With the further development of instant messengers, the developers of Viber, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp Messenger may follow the example of their Asian colleagues, which will certainly affect the popularity of their products among users around the world.
Review of messengers. The best and popular Internet messengers
What is a messenger?
Messenger (IM = Instant Messenger) is a program, mobile application or web service for instant messaging.
Most often, a messenger is understood as a program in which you write messages and where you read them. However, behind each such program there is a messaging network, which is also included in the concept of “messenger”. This could be a network within your company, or it could be global network, for example Jabber.
Due to the fact that there are quite a lot of these networks, not all instant messengers are compatible. Those. It’s not a fact that if you have a messenger and your partner has a messenger, you will be able to contact him.
It must be said that the concept of a messenger has long been no longer associated only with the exchange of text messages. Modern instant messengers have already become full-fledged communication centers that, in addition to messaging, implement voice and video communications, file exchange, and web conferences.
The most popular instant messengers are WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, ICQ, Google Hangouts.
Below you will find some news from the most popular instant messengers and see their history.
Telegram has released a new update to the messenger, which added support for multiple accounts to the iOS application. Previously, the ability to add multiple accounts was only available on Android. iOS users can now link up to three numbers to their app. This will allow you to quickly switch between them without having to log out of your account. In addition, the user will receive notifications from all accounts - they will also indicate which account they were sent to.
The new version of the popular messenger Viber 10 received new design, as well as two new features: group calls and chats with a hidden number. Chats with hidden numbers Viber allows you to communicate in the messenger without exchanging phone numbers. To start a conversation, you need to copy the username from a message in the community or from the list of group members. Group calls in Viber work for groups of up to five people at a time. Interlocutors can be connected to the current call. Or, make a new call and add group chat participants to it. For now, such calls are available only in audio format; in the future they promise to add video chats. The call screen has also been updated in the application: you can view recent calls, go to the contact list, and also manage Viber calls Out in one tab.
2019. VEON messenger is closed
The Veon group, which includes the Russian Beeline and the Ukrainian Kyivstar, decided to close its “revolutionary” messenger. Veon was launched in 2017 and operators tried to hook their users on it by offering free traffic for communication via this messenger (and at the same time, making traffic from other messengers paid). But even this did not allow the messenger to take off. In addition, Telegram withstood the attack by Roskomnadzor, and space for the messenger controlled by the authorities was not freed up.
2018. Google is closing messengers Hangouts and Allo
Google decided to clean up its range of instant messengers and discovered that it had two unnecessary ones - Hangouts and Allo. The Hangouts messenger appeared in 2011 as part of a social Google network+ and was known for its multi-user video calling. Last year, 2 business products were created on its basis: Hangouts Meet (video conferencing service) and Hangouts Chat (group chat - an alternative to Slack). But now they have decided to close the user version of Hangouts. As for the Allo messenger, it was positioned as a home for virtual Google Assistant Assistant (you can communicate not only with real people, but also with AI). But now Google Assistant is built into Android by default, and the need for such a messenger has disappeared.
2018. In Russia, all messenger users are identified
The Russian government has come up with new rules for the operation of instant messengers, which will come into force in the spring of 2019. Now, when registering a new account, instant messengers will have to send the phone number, first and last name of the user specified during registration to the mobile operator, and within 20 minutes the operator will have to check whether the This data is what the user specified when purchasing the SIM card. If not, the account created in the messenger must be deleted. The government has not yet come up with an algorithm for checking existing accounts. If the messenger refuses to cooperate, it will be blocked in the Russian Federation. True, Telegram has still not been blocked.
2018. Facebook has updated the Messenger interface
Facebook introduced a new, more simple version Messenger service. Instead of nine tabs in the messenger, there will be three main tabs on the bottom panel, but all existing functions will still be available: Chats (all user conversations will be here), People (active contacts), Discover (chat rooms with companies with which you can purchase goods and services). Messenger also received additional settings personalization: for example, the user will be able to set different colors messages for individual chats. In the future, Facebook promises to add a dark theme to Messenger.
2018. Piomni.io - allows you to conduct business in one messenger
Messengers have become a priority channel of communication with clients and the main tool for collaboration in company. Therefore, it is quite logical to make the messenger the basis for a business management system, as happened with the new service Piomni.io. It is integrated with everyone popular systems messages: Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, VK... and allows you to communicate with all clients in one window. And besides this, maintain a customer database, create mailings and chatbots. And also create workspaces for communication and collaboration within the company. The developers also offer integration with Slack and many CRM systems. The cost of the service starts from 5900 rubles/month.
2018. Pinngle - messenger from Zigma telecom is actively conquering RuNet
Pinngle, a relatively new messenger for the Russian segment of the Internet, along with the standard functionality for any messenger, also offers unique advantages to its users. Shared chats for up to 10,000 people - are you in three chats instead of one because of the 250 person limit? With Pinngle you don't have to worry about such complications. Virtual mobile numbers and Pinngle Out allow you to call any number within any country from anywhere in the world while staying in touch with your family and friends. virtual number as if you had never left the country. I would also like to highlight Pinngle’s ability to support calls even with a terrible Internet connection. The quality of communication remains high in almost any situation.
2018. Google announced a new messenger - Chat
There hasn't been a new messenger from Google for a long time. Users with popcorn are waiting for the list to be replenished: Google Talk, GMail Chat, Google Plus Chat, Gizmo, Hangouts, Meet, Allo, Duo. And now, finally, Google announced that the Allo project (launched a year and a half ago) is being closed, and in its place (in a few months) a new messenger will appear - Chat. But this will not be an ordinary messenger. It will be new standard SMS, through which you can send text, status, pictures, and videos. The idea is that any two Android phones can send messages to each other and there will be no problem that your contacts are not registered in some messenger. For this idea to work, it is necessary that mobile operators supported the new standard. Google says 55 operators around the world have already agreed. Oh, and by the way, this new standard does not support end-to-end encryption, so it won’t be banned like Telegram.
2016. Viber launched public accounts for business
The most popular messenger in our country, Viber, has added the ability to create public accounts for companies and brands. Until now, Viber has been used to communicate between businesses and clients. public chats, where a company representative could write messages, and subscribers could only read them, or the company and the client had to add each other to contacts. A business account will allow you to organize two-way communication with subscribers. In addition, you can connect bots to such chats, and also integrate them with your CRM system to see the communication history in the client card. For now, creating business accounts is only upon request (as well as public chats), but it is absolutely free.
2016. Google launched the intelligent messenger Allo
Google has launched a new messenger - Allo. It is positioned as a “smart” messenger, because... It comes with built-in Google Assistant, a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence. It responds to user queries and can also be added to a group conversation. The messenger studies the user’s habits, and the data obtained is implemented in the “Smart Reply” function - the application prompts the user for his typical answers to certain questions. In this case, all messages will be encrypted between the device and Google servers, like Hangouts and Gmail. The application has an “incognito” mode - in this case, end-to-end encryption is used, you can set the storage time for transferred data, and messages sent in this mode are not displayed on the lock screen.
2016. Viber and WhatsApp have learned to send files
While mobile operators get rid of messengers like Viber and WhatsApp through legislation, and Google replaces messengers with the new SMS standard, the messengers themselves continue to increase their capabilities. This time we're talking about about a business-oriented function - file transfer. I added it back in the fall, but only recently it became available in its desktop version. The resulting file is synchronized between all user devices on which Viber is installed. As for the file transfer function, it has just appeared, and so far it only supports PDF files. But WhatsApp allows you to send files stored in Google Drive, Dropbox and iCloud.
Pavel Durov's service - Telegram - has taken aim at the messenger market for teamwork, on which Slack, HipChat and others are firmly established similar solutions. Today users Telegram applications for iOS, OS X, Android, as well as the web version of the service, it became possible to use hashtags (#), respond to a specific message in correspondence (by double tapping on it or using a long tap), and also contact a specific participant in the correspondence using the symbol "@". Support for hashtags is currently only implemented in the Latin alphabet, which may cause some inconvenience for those who correspond in a language other than English. Clicking on a hashtag in Telegram instantly opens a search window where you can see all mentions of the selected tag.
2014. Telegram messenger attracts business users
Mobile messengers in Lately are rapidly multiplying and luring users away from social networks. After some time, the same thing will happen in the business sphere - instead of corporate Facebooks, corporate Vibers will appear. The Telegram service (created by the founder of VKontakte, Pavel Durov) initially relied on privacy and security, and apparently, that’s why business users were the first to start using it. In a recent interview, Pavel boasted that more and more workgroups are using Telegram to collaborate instead of email. He believes that in addition to encryption, business users like Telegram's ability to sync messages and files between mobile and desktop versions, display message statuses (read or not), and organize large group chats.
You probably know about Snapchat, a very popular instant messenger that gained its popularity thanks to disappearing messages (users can send each other messages or photos that disappear a few seconds after viewing). So, Blackberry thought that such a feature would be useful for business users and added it to their messenger. For what? To send messages that cannot later be used against you - for example, offers of kickbacks. Another one new feature- "message recall". If you suddenly mistakenly sent a photo with a kiss to your employee, and not to your wife, you can now delete this message on the recipient’s phone with one click.
2014. Bleep - secure messenger from BitTorrent
Last year, the BitTorrent company (the same one that invented torrents) released the SoShare file sharing service for business, and this year it introduced a secure messenger - Bleep (also based on the BitTorrent p2p network). Bleep encrypts all user communications, all the way from user to user. In theory, only the sender and recipient of the message can read them. Although there are quite a few instant messengers that encrypt user messages (in fact, the vast majority of IMs do this job), Bleep is one of the first, or the first application, that does not leave metadata on a central server. Bleep is currently available for Windows 7 and 8, Mac, Android. iOS version is under development.
2014. Facebook Messenger is available on Windows Phone
Actually, Facebook is friends with Microsoft. In fact, Microsoft is a co-owner of Facebook. However, the social network waited more than two years before launching a version of its mobile messenger for Windows Phone. The Facebook Messenger mobile application for iPhone and Android smartphones was released back in August 2011. Facebook Messenger's features include the ability to send stickers and photos, conduct group chats, track message receipts, and find out which Facebook contacts are online.
2014. Web messenger Imo.im disables all protocols
Multi-protocol messengers were once popular. Once upon a time, web messengers (running in a browser) were considered the future of Internet communications. But then mobile messengers with closed protocols came, and browser-based messengers are now remembered only when they are closed. The Imo.im service is not closing yet, but is completely switching to its own protocol. All other protocols (Jabber, ICQ, Facebook) are no longer supported. Users who still remain on multi-protocol instant messengers are encouraged to switch to other services: IM+ Web, Trillian, QIP, Jappix, ICQ Web.
2014. Japanese Internet giant bought Viber
(3rd richest in Japan Hiroshi Mikitani and Viber founder Talmon Marko) The Japanese company Rakuten bought, perhaps, the main (today) competitor of Skype - the messenger for $900 million. Of course, this immediately brought to mind the recent purchase of fring by the American company Genband, after which fring was turned into an engine for telecom providers. However, in this case there is no need to be afraid for Viber. Rakuten is not going to close or somehow remake Viber to suit its needs. They will simply invest money in it in the hope of defeating Skype and somehow getting back their investment (for example, using an IP telephony service). Ratuken has a diversified business of investing in Internet startups. For example, they own the platform e-books Kobo, they are co-owners of OZON, Pinterest and other Internet projects. Let us remind you that Viber is a cross-platform messenger that supports free voice and sometimes video communication. Its developers are mainly located in Belarus. Currently, about 300 million people use this service.
2011. Mail.ru combines Agent and ICQ
The Mail.Ru Group company announced that it has implemented compatibility between the two largest instant messengers on the Runet - Mail.Ru Agent and ICQ. Now Mail.Ru Agent users can send messages to ICQ users and vice versa. Both messengers now work with a single contact database, so you can search for counterparties from any program, regardless of whether they use Agent or ICQ. It is important to note that the new functionality is implemented on the server side, so communication with users added from another network is possible in almost all versions of Mail.Ru Agent and ICQ, including on mobile platforms. To date common base There are about 50 million users of the two messengers. The main competitor of Mail.ru Agent and ICQ in Runet is the free QIP messenger from RBC. Its audience is approximately 10 million people.
2011. Cisco introduced the upgraded Jabber
Cisco is finally launching Cisco Jabber, based on the Jabber XCP platform purchased in 2008. Cisco Jabber is a multimedia corporate messenger that, in addition to control online status And text chat provides voice and video communications, conference calls, video mail, and screen-sharing. Moreover, it works on PC, Mac, and mobile platforms - iPhone, iPad, Nokia, Android and BlackBerry. And the server part can work both in the cloud and on local server. Of course, to control online status and text chat, Cisco Jabber uses the open Jabber protocol (XMPP), which allows you to communicate through this messenger with external partners using GTalk, AIM, Sametime or other popular IM clients. Cisco Jabber can also “talk” to other Cisco communication systems: WebEx, Cisco Telepresence, Cisco UC, Cisco IP phones. Moreover, it is integrated with MS Office and allows you to initiate a chat or video chat directly from office applications, for example MS Outlook.
2010. Nokia welcomes Skype for Symbian to OVI Store
OVI Store is an online supermarket of mobile applications for Nokia phones (similar to iPhone App Store). It was launched in May last year, but has only become popular in recent months. It even recently surpassed the App Store in terms of daily downloads. Once in the OVI Store, mobile applications receive a huge surge in popularity, but in order for an application to get there, it must pass Nokia moderation. So, Skype for Symbian was allowed there, which means Nokia is no longer afraid of conflicts with (European) mobile operators, who have repeatedly threatened the company with sanctions due to its partnership with Skype. Let us remind you that Skype for Symbian allows Nokia smartphones make free or cheap VoIP calls over Wi-Fi and 3G networks.
2008. GTalk made friends with Windows Live Messenger
Messenger developers have finally realized what their users have known for a long time - there are too many of these programs. Last week, Microsoft managed to integrate Live Messenger 9 and Google Talk for communication and now they are also working on integration with AIM and ICQ. Considering that Live Messenger 8 can already talk with Yahoo Messenger, we may soon witness the emergence of a universal system instant messages. Still the best solution Trillian was in this case. Although it didn't integrate different systems messages, but allowed you to communicate in each without installing ten instant messengers on your computer. Users are looking forward to new opportunities for communication and collaboration between several IM programs, as this will give them the opportunity to choose only one program and work in it, rather than having to use several similar programs simultaneously.
2007. Mail.ru has released a web version of the Mail.ru Agent messenger
Mail.Ru company announced the release of a web version of the Mail.ru Agent messenger client. The current version has been assigned test (beta) status. Anyone can take part in testing. The web version of the client supports all the basic functions that the Mail.Ru Agent client for Windows has. It is capable of displaying a list of contacts with online presence statuses, sending and receiving instant text messages, searching for contacts, viewing profiles, etc. In the future, Mail.Ru plans to add to the list of opportunities network client the ability to send SMS for free, use an alarm clock, send each other “emoticons” and cartoons made in Flash. To work with the application you need any browser with JavaScript support and cookies enabled.
2007. Yahoo Messenger has become friends with Lotus Sametime
Starting today, Yahoo Messenger users will be able to officially communicate with the multimillion-dollar audience of business users of Sametime (IBM Lotus platform messenger). Let me remind you that in addition to this, Yahoo Messenger is already integrated with Windows Live Messender.
2007. Fring allows you to communicate via Skype and Google Talk on Symbian OS
Another version came out today Fring programs which claims to support smartphones running the Symbian OS 9 operating system. Unfortunately, the program also has its drawbacks. So this version does not accept the Cyrillic alphabet at all. Therefore, you will have to chat either in English or using transliteration. Russian names in the contact list will be displayed as crakosabs, so it is better to rename them in advance on your desktop computer. Also, you will have to resort to the help of “big brother” in order to add or remove a Skype contact - Fring does not yet know how to do this. But will that stop Skype users, who have already been waiting for the release of the native Skype client for Symbian. Let us remind you that Fring is an alternative client that allows you to use such well-known services as Skype and Google Talk on your mobile phone.
2006. Skype for Symbian OS will be released by the end of the year
Client version Skype programs for portable devices running the Symbian OS operating system, should appear towards the end of this year. Skype is one of the most popular networks IP telephony. The number of users of this service today exceeds 100 million. Currently there is already a client version software Skype, designed for use on communicators with operating system Windows Mobile. The possibility of releasing a similar application for Symbian OS was discussed last year. However, recently there was a wave of rumors on the Internet that Skype had decided to abandon the development of a Symbian-compatible client. Now company representatives have denied this information.
2006. Messenger 6 for Mac: Down with Windows Live!
If, for unknown reasons, you managed to download the latest sixth version of Microsoft Messenger for Mac, installed the program and are using it with all your might, then we give at least fifty chances out of a hundred that the tiny Windows Live logo in the upper right part of the Messenger 6 window hurts your eyes a little. strange, but getting rid of this “speck” is not at all difficult - just open the Applications folder, find the Microsoft Messenger.app file there, and click right button mouse to open the context menu and select the Show Packages Content option there. Then follows a short journey through the subdirectories (from Contents to Resource) and search for four PNG files: ContactListMSNLogo.png, IMMSLogo.png, IMMSNLogo.png and MSNLogo.png - delete them or just copy them to separate folder. Achieving final perfection will also not be difficult: to do this, just open the ill-fated MSNLogo.png in Photoshop, select the entire image with the Cmd-A shortcut and delete it, then save the file under the same name and send it back to the Resources directory. After a reboot, Messenger 6 will look much cleaner.
2006. MyChat - client-server messenger for local network
MyChat is a client-server communication system for a corporate network. Works under Windows Me/NT/2000/XP via TCP/IP protocol. Functionality includes sending/receiving text messages, files, sending SMS to mobile phones, public and secret channels, privates, mailings broadcast messages, planner, notebook, address book and much more. All administrative actions are performed on the server using GUI, built-in console or Telnet session. All transmitted messages can be stored in server protocols. There is a mechanism for channel operators and server operators. You can set up various filters: for users, flood, bad words, etc. The operation of the server can be controlled not only directly from behind it, but also remotely using a Telnet session from any operating system.
2006. Microsoft launched Windows Live Messenger
Windows Live Messenger is the latest generation of MSN Messenger. The new messenger includes improved voice and video functions, an improved contact list, shared folders for files, improved security technologies, integration with communication services Windows Live Mail, MSN Hotmail, Windows Live Search and MSN Spaces. The program requires Windows XP and Flash Player 7.0, Microsoft Passport, or Windows Live ID account. Expected to be released in the near future postal service Windows Live Mail.
It’s paradoxical, but true: with all the variety of messengers, you usually don’t have to choose them - people simply use the same thing as their friends and acquaintances. But what if secrecy really matters? In this article, we will go through the list of modern instant messengers and see what protection guarantees each of them has.
Recently there was a poll on “Hacker”, and the most popular answer (Telegram) was seriously alarming. How far has it gone when even the average Hacker reader has already lost touch with reality after being attacked by a marketing headcrab (pictured)?
We've compiled a list of instant messengers to see how each of them fares with security. The selection included both popular and promising programs in terms of security. We warn you that delving into technical side we will go as far as is necessary for the average user, no further.
In many ways, we followed the path of the authors of a series of articles by the Electronic Frontier Foundation called Secure Messaging Scorecard, but we chose other criteria - in our opinion, more important.
Criteria
FOSS
Is the messenger source code distributed under one of the free licenses? If so, is it open source mining? How closely do developers interact with the community? Do they accept pull requests? All this is important to consider when choosing.
Degree of centralization
One of three options is possible here:
Possibility of anonymous registration and use
For some services, a phone may only be needed to protect against spam during registration; therefore, it is very easy to use number rental services for SMS.
In other cases, the messenger is tightly tied to the phone. This is bad because if two-factor authentication is not enabled, then when you gain access to this number you can log into your account and leak all the data. But even if two-factor is enabled, it is still possible to delete all data from your account. And of course, this is, consider, registration using a passport (we use the realities of the Russian Federation, others were not brought in).
But it is not all that bad. There are instant messengers that allow you to register using your mailbox or social network account. There are also those where you can create an account in the messenger itself without being tied to anything.
Availability of End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
Some instant messengers have this feature by default, in others you can enable it, but there are also those where there is simply no end-to-end encryption.
E2EE chat synchronization
Again, this function is not yet available as often as we would like. Its presence greatly simplifies life.
Notice to verify E2EE fingerprints
When starting E2EE chats, some messengers offer to check the fingerprints of the interlocutors, others do not openly offer this. But not all instant messengers have a fingerprint verification function.
Prohibition of taking a screenshot of a secret chat
Not the most useful function, because to bypass the ban it is enough, for example, to have a second phone on hand.
Group E2EE chats
E2EE group chats are usually not that required function, but very comfortable. The rule “more than two - speak out loud” should be left for children.
Notification about the need to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats
When adding a new interlocutor, with whom the fingerprints have not been verified, to a secret group chat, not all instant messengers offer to check his fingerprints. Because of this omission, the meaning of secret chats is lost.
Protecting the Social Graph
Some instant messengers collect information about the user's contacts and other data, such as who the user called, how long he talked. There is a thread on this topic.
WWW
We have selected only some of the criteria that can play a role when choosing a messenger. There are others, but they are not always related to security. A group of scientists from European universities did a good job of putting everything into perspective in their work Obstacles to the Adoption of Secure Communication Tools (PDF). It is also always useful to review the results of an independent audit, if available. For example, in the case of Signal, such an audit was carried out (PDF).
Telegram
License: formally - GPLv3. However, an important part of the development is closed. If you look at the repositories, you can see that recently there has been some movement only in the web version. Alas, in this form it is rather an illusion of openness
Degree of centralization: centralized
No
Availability of E2EE: implemented, but as an addition. By default, chats are not encrypted
E2EE chat synchronization: No. Secret chat can only be used from one device; it will no longer be accessible from another
No. Users can go into the settings themselves to compare fingerprints
yes, but does not work on all devices
E2EE Group Chats: No
Social graph protection: No
The messenger, created by Pavel Durov's team, is built on MTProto correspondence encryption technology. At the moment, it is partially blocked in Russia, but this blocking is a separate topic for discussion.
The messenger is ambiguous. There's a lot of hype around it, but is it justified? There is no access to the source code, chats are not encrypted by default, there is no social graph protection (all your contacts are stored on Telegram servers), there are no group E2EE chats, E2EE chats are not supported in the desktop version of the program, only in the mobile version, the messenger is centralized, messages are stored on the server (and they, as already noted, are not encrypted), and with all this there is no possibility of anonymous registration.
If you want to use Telegram, then don’t forget to create secret chats to protect your correspondence. In the mobile version, you need to select the New Secret Chat command. Of the desktop versions, only a few support secret chats (for example, one of the two clients for macOS).
In a secret chat, messages are encrypted and are not stored on the messenger servers. You can't take a screenshot either. secret chat, but nothing prevents you from taking a photo of such a chat from the screen.
Signal
License: AGPLv3
Degree of centralization: centralized
Possibility of anonymous registration and work: No. There are no other options other than a phone number.
Availability of E2EE: There is
E2EE chat synchronization: There is
E2EE Fingerprint Verification Notice: No. Users are encouraged to scan each other's QR codes or compare fingerprints
Prohibition on screenshots of secret chats: can be turned on or off
E2EE Group Chats: There is
Notification about the need to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats: No
Social graph protection: There is
The Signal messenger was developed by the American startup Open Whisper Systems, where, besides the two founders, only a few people work. To encrypt messages, a cryptographic protocol created specifically for it is used - Signal Protocol. It is used for end-to-end encryption of calls (voice and video), as well as regular messages. The Signal protocol has since been used by other instant messengers: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Allo.
It would seem that in this case, any messenger can become as safe as Signal. But, as practice shows, no. Unlike Signal, where encryption is turned on by default, these messengers have it turned off. To enable it, you need to activate Secret Conversations in Facebook Messenger, and Incognito Mode in Google Allo.
Although Signal is centralized, the code is open and distributed under a free license. Signal has support for E2EE group chats, social graph protection, and supports timed disappearing messages.
However, protection should not be confused with anonymity. Signal is not anonymous: when registering, you need to indicate the phone number to which the messenger is linked. As for disappearing messages, this feature is also found in other messengers, for example in Viber and Telegram (in the secret chat menu you need to select the Set self-destruct timer command).
The world is becoming more and more communicative and we can no longer imagine our lives without these invisible helpers in our everyday communication - messengers.
7th place - Snapchat
It is used by about 100 million users. You can use it to send photos, videos, and drawings to your contact list. But you cannot communicate simply with text, only “paired” with a visual image. Users set a time limit during which recipients can view their messages. The files are then "evaporated" from the sender's and recipient's devices, but are not deleted from Snapchat's servers.
Benefits of Snapchat
Fast work;
Front camera support.
Disadvantages of Snapchat
The color scheme and interface design are far from the concept of “adequacy”;
Incomplete Russian interface
6th place - Line
This much-loved chat room in Japan is used by 211 million people. Initially it was intended for mobile phones with Android and iOS OS, then a version for BlackBerry, Nokia Asha and Windows Phone appeared. There is a version of Line for computers running Windows and Mac OS. The highlight of the application is the built-in social network where you can blog and post comments.
AdvantagesLine
The application performs data transfer functions and can also be used as an interesting social network;
The program works on almost all mobile platforms;
Login to your account using a QR code;
User-friendly interface.
FlawsLine
English menu
5th place - Viber
Photo from pcpress.rs
This creation of Israeli developers is used by 249 million users. The PC application synchronizes the contact list, messages and call log with the owner’s mobile device and allows you to make free calls to any other device Viber users, regardless of the country of location.
AdvantagesViber
Incredible good quality communications (it is due to this that Skype fades into the background);
Opportunity to work in background, and does not drain the battery;
Integration with the phone book, thanks to which you can see who else is using this service;
Receive call notifications even if the application is not running;
sending images, SMS, location information, as well as making free calls between users of this service;
Calls to mobile and landline phones are provided;
FlawsViber
Not found
4th place - WeChat
Chinese mobile encrypted instant messaging service used by 600 million users. Between April and July 2015, the number of WeChat users grew by 37%, according to data from the program's developer, telecommunications company Tencent. The system supports voice and text messages, makes it possible to share photo and video files and exchange contacts via Bluetooth.
AdvantagesWeChat
Availability of a modern Russified interface in the program;
Provides unique opportunities for meeting people and exchanging likes;
Allows you to make audio and video calls;
Suitable for any mobile operating systems.
FlawsWeChat
Inability to set a ringtone for messages;
You cannot specify the status.
3rd place - Facebook Messenger
Photo from techspective.net
This application, based on the open MQTT protocol, is used by 700 million users. By comparison, Skype, the Internet telephony service run by Microsoft Corp., boasts only 300 million users. Was released in 2011 mobile version for the BlackBerry, iOS and Android platforms, and in 2012 a version of the messenger for PC appeared. In 2015, users of the service no longer require mandatory registration on Facebook. In order to enter the application, you need to provide a phone number.
Benefits of Facebook Messenger
Synced well with Facebook: when you receive a message, you'll be taken to Messenger, but can also be taken back to your Facebook feed. But if all this were combined in one application, it would be much more convenient;
The stickers here are extremely varied. Actually, just exchanging these funny emojis can be done endlessly;
Minimalist functionality: it’s just a messenger, nothing extra.
Disadvantages of Facebook Messenger
Not found.
2nd place - WhatsApp
Photo from medium.com/@journey
Facebook Inc. paid $18 billion for the cross-platform WhatsApp application, which currently has an audience of more than 800 million people. He has standard function messaging, as well as the ability to create groups and share video, photo and audio files. There is a possibility fast transfer audio messages. The program is linked to phone number, not the user's ID or nickname, and generates a list of contacts by scanning phone book owner for the presence of numbers registered in the system.
Benefits of WhatsApp
Cross-platform and easy to configure;
Integration with the address book contact list;
Organizational capabilities group chats and adding media files.
Disadvantages of WhatsApp
Lack of support for other existing platforms, such as Samsung Bada.
1st place - QQ Messenger
Photo from imqq.com
The most popular instant messenger in the world, developed by the Chinese Tencent. Every month, 843 million people exchange secure messages using it.
Benefits of QQ Messenger
Built-in software store;
Translation in real time;
Capture a small part of the chat screen or record small video clips and share them with the other person.
Disadvantages of QQ Messenger
If you have no friends in the Middle Kingdom, then you will have no one to communicate with.
Kazakhstanis have never even heard of some messengers on this list. The first place is occupied by Chinese, which is popular in few places except China. But it should be noted that WhatsApp and Viber are as popular in Kazakhstan as throughout the world. Let's add here Skype, which has lost popularity in the world, and Facebook messenger.
Private opinions
Alexey Bendz, director of corporate communications at Beeline Kazakhstan, believes that WhatsApp is the most popular in Kazakhstan, followed by Skype, Viber, M-Agent and Facebook Messenger.
"The most popular are instant messengers that support calls and video chats, in which you can create communities and groups. I, like most Kazakhstanis, chose WhatsApp. This messaging service has three advantages: first, the ability to create groups; second, support for calls and third - web version. For example, I can start communicating on a PC and continue the conversation on a smartphone,” says Alexey.
Olzhas Bibanov, head of public relations at Tele2 Kazakhstan, is confident that the reason for the popularity of WhatsApp lies on the surface. In his opinion, initially this messenger was positioned as a messaging application and gave O greater functionality than sms, mms and traditional email. Naturally, such online opportunities were not charged in any way and did not cost anything in comparison with roaming from mobile operators.
“Viber positioned itself as an application for calls, and the Facebook messenger was born much later than WhatsApp - this explains why they are not as popular as WhatsApp, which together is much more functional than both applications,” Mr. Bibanov is sure.