Jitsi

There are numerous instant messaging services out there and they all require separate accounts. If you don't want to install countless IM clients on your Mac, you can use Jitsi to stay in touch with all your friends, regardless of what services they prefer. The application enables you to chat with contacts from Facebook, Google, Yahoo and other networks, on a single user interface. Also, Jitsi comes with other useful features, like voice and video chat, conference support and more.

The first thing to appreciate about Jitsi is the fact that you don't have to create a new online account. Once you run the application, you may sign with your Facebook credentials, Google, Yahoo or others. The main user interface has a familiar design, so you will feel right at home. Contacts are displayed in a list and organized in different groups.

Jitsi's chat windows are clean and simple and their options are easy to locate. Besides exchanging text messages, you can also make voice and video calls, invite other people to the conversation and even share your desktop. Also, security is one of the application's key features, which is why you will find an option for initiating an encrypted and off-the-record conversation. If you wish to have a private conversation with someone, about sensitive matters, you only need to click this option, on the chat window and you will be able to communicate without any privacy risks.

The application comes with everything you would expect from a respectable IM client and more. This includes auto-answering and call forwarding capabilities, support for chatrooms, various security measures and others. Furthermore, the application is cross-platform, so you can use it on all major operating systems. You can learn Jitsi's controls in no time and you will find them quite comfortable.