Matterbridge connects chat platforms including IRC, Slack, Discord, Telegram, Matrix, and Mattermost through message bridges.
Open source
24 alternativesPidgin
Pidgin signs in to accounts on multiple chat networks through a single desktop messaging program.
About Pidgin
Pidgin is a desktop chat program that lets you sign in to accounts on several chat networks at the same time, so you can talk to friends on XMPP while sitting in an IRC channel. It supports file transfers, away messages, buddy icons, custom smileys and typing notifications, and plugins can add functionality beyond the built-in features. It runs on Windows, Linux and other UNIX-like systems; the site directs macOS users to Adium instead. The site states Pidgin is free, contains no ads, is translated into many languages, and that its code is licensed under the GNU General Public License, with releases usually frequent and driven by user contributions.
Key features
- Signs in to multiple chat networks simultaneously in one client
- Built-in support for Jabber/XMPP, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, SILC, SIMPLE, Zephyr
- Also connects to Novell GroupWise Messenger and Lotus Sametime
- Plugins extend support to additional chat networks and features
- Handles file transfers, away messages, buddy icons and typing notifications
- Interface translated into many languages by volunteer translators
Best for: People on Windows or Linux who want one desktop program to manage accounts across several chat networks at once.
Good for
- Several networks can be used at the same time without switching apps
- Broad set of networks supported out of the box, with plugins for more
- Site states the program is free, ad-free, and licensed under the GNU GPL
Watch out for
- No macOS version offered; the site points macOS users to Adium
- Networks beyond the built-in list depend on plugins
- GPL licensing requires publishing changes made to the code
Pidgin at a glance
- Website
- pidgin.im
- Category
- Social & Communities › Messaging Apps
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Pidgin alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Xabber provides open source XMPP chat on Android and the web, including account registration and messaging features.
This directory helps users discover Fluxer servers and bots, presenting communities and automated accounts in one place.
Ferdium brings multiple messaging and productivity services together in one desktop application.
Open source
24 alternatives
CoyIM provides a security-focused chat client, and its project page cautions that the software has not yet been audited.
Chitchatter enables peer-to-peer messaging without a central chat server, using a serverless and decentralized approach.
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Pidgin FAQ
Which chat networks does Pidgin support without plugins?
Jabber/XMPP, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE and Zephyr. Many more can be added with plugins.
Is there a macOS version of Pidgin?
The site says Pidgin runs on Windows, Linux and other UNIX-like systems, and directs macOS users to try Adium.
Does Pidgin cost anything?
The site states that Pidgin is free and contains no ads.
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