All of us have our friends spread across multiple instant messaging networks, like Yahoo, Google Talk, MSN, AIM etc. The native clients of these instant messaging networks are not very compatible with each other. So, we end up installing multiple instant messaging clients on our computers.
An easy solution to that is Web based instant messenger. Simply put – A web based instant messenger is a free website that has instant messaging capabilities. An advantage of using such web based instant messenger is that you do not need to install anything on your computer, as everything is browser based.
However, the biggest advantage of using web based instant messengers is that you can connect to multiple chat networks from one web based messenger. So, from just one browser window, you can stay connected to all your friends.
Many of the web based instant messengers also provide one common login for all your instant messaging networks. So, you just create a free account and login to that, and the web based instant messenger will automatically login to all your chat networks using your saved information.
We have reviewed many free Web Based Instant Messengers. Here are 7 of the best free web based instant messengers that we came across. Each of them is free, and can connect to multiple chat networks.
1) KoolIM Web Based Instant Messenger
KoolIM is one of the most popular web based instant messenger. Its popularity lies in its simplicity, and versatility. It can connect to multiple chat networks, including enterprise chat networks.
Here are the chat networks that KoolIM supports:
- Yahoo
- AIM
- ICQ
- MSN
- IRC
- Jabber
- Sametime
- SIP
- LCS
- Simple
2) ILoveIM Free Web Based Instant Messenger
ILoveIM is another of our favorite Web Based Instant Messenger. One of the things we like in ILoveIM is that it has an integrated contact window to show your buddies from all the networks in a tabbed form.
ILoveIM supports:
- Yahoo
- MSN
- Myspace
- AIM
- Gtalk
Read More here. Try ILoveIM Here.
3) eBuddy – Web Based Instant Messenger with Webcam Support
Most of the web based instant messengers provide only text chat support, but that is not the case with eBuddy. eBuddy is one of the few web based instant messengers that provide support for webcam as well. Just connect your webcam and start sharing with your friends.
eBuddy Web Based IM supports following chat networks:
- MSN
- Yahoo
- Gtalk
- ICQ
- MySpace
- AIM
Read more here. Try eBuddy here.
4) WeBuzz.IM – Web Based Instant Messenger with Separate Chat Windows
WeBuzz.IM is completely different than all other web based instant messengers that we have seen till now. It tries to replicate the interface of each of the chat client that you want to use. So, if you want to connect to Gtalk, it will show a pop-up window that looks like Gtalk. Same is the case for Yahoo, AIM, and all other chat networks that WeBuzz.IM supports. This makes it extremely easy for anyone to use.
Here are the chat networks that WeBuzz.Im supports:
- Yahoo Messenger
- Google Talk
- Windows Live Messenger
- AIM
- ICQ
- Jabber/XMP and others
Read more here. Try Webuzz.Im here.
5) Radius IM Web Based IM with Location Support
Radius IM is another unique Web Based Instant Messenger. Radius IM comes with location support, and shows all your friends on a map. You can even search for friends by location. It is extremely fun to use.
Radius IM supports following chat networks:
- AIM
- ICQ
- Yahoo
- MSN
- Gtalk
- Jabber
Read More here. Try Radius IM here.
6) IMO.IM Web Based Instant Messenger with Voice Chat Support
IMO.IM is another unique web based instant messenger. One of the unique feature of IMO.IM is that it supports voice chat. So, you can have a voice chat with your friends on any chat network right from your browser. It has lot of other interesting features as well, that you can read at the link below.
IMO.IM supports following chat networks:
- MSN
- Yahoo
- AIM
- Gtalk
- ICQ
- MySpace
- Skype
Read More Here. Try Free Here.
7) Instan-t Express Free Web Based IM
Instan-t Express is another simple to use Web Based instant messenger. One of the useful feature of Instant-t is that you can create your free account with Instan-t, and then it will login to all your chat networks for you. This saves you the trouble of entering login information for all the chat networks separately.
Insant-t supports following chat networks:
- MSN
- AOL
- Gtalk
- Yahoo
- ICQ
Read more here. Try Instant-T here.
All the Web Based instant messengers mentioned above are completely free, and easy to use. Try them out, and see which one suits your style. To see other best free software for your computer, check out List of Best Free Software for your Computer.