Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LAN Messenger VS Pidgin

Compare LAN Messenger VS Pidgin and see what are their differences

LAN Messenger logo LAN Messenger

LAN Messenger is a decentralized UDP IM-style chat client which supports usernames...

Pidgin logo Pidgin

Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once.
  • LAN Messenger Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-07
  • Pidgin Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-13

LAN Messenger features and specs

  • Open Source
    LAN Messenger is open-source software, allowing for customization and auditing by users to meet specific needs and ensuring transparency about how the software operates.
  • No Internet Required
    LAN Messenger functions entirely over a local area network, providing secure communication without the need for an active internet connection.
  • Ease of Use
    The software has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to adopt and start communicating quickly without extensive training.
  • File Transfer
    Users can easily share files directly through the messenger, enhancing productivity and collaboration within a local network.
  • Cross-Platform
    LAN Messenger is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring compatibility across different user environments.
  • No Central Server
    The software does not require a central server, which reduces the complexity of setup and maintenance, and enhances data privacy within the local network.

Possible disadvantages of LAN Messenger

  • Limited to Local Network
    The software only works within the confines of a local area network, limiting its use for remote communication.
  • No Mobile Support
    Currently, LAN Messenger does not offer support for mobile platforms like iOS or Android, restricting its use to desktop environments.
  • Basic Features
    Compared to other modern communication tools, LAN Messenger offers only basic messaging and file transfer features without advanced functionalities such as video calls or integrations with other tools.
  • Manual Configuration
    Setting up LAN Messenger may require manual configuration, which might be challenging for non-technical users.
  • Infrequent Updates
    As an open-source project, it may not receive frequent updates or support, potentially leaving unresolved bugs or missing out on new features.

Pidgin features and specs

  • Multi-Protocol Support
    Pidgin supports a wide range of chat protocols like AIM, MSN, Google Talk, Jabber/XMPP, ICQ, and IRC, making it versatile for users who need to manage multiple accounts from different networks.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source software, Pidgin allows for transparency and extensive customization. Community contributions help in improving its features and security.
  • Cross-Platform
    Pidgin is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it accessible to a broad user base.
  • Plugin Support
    Pidgin offers a plethora of plugins that extend its functionality, allowing users to add features like encryption, additional protocol support, and interface enhancements.
  • Lightweight
    Pidgin is relatively lightweight and does not consume a lot of system resources, making it ideal for users who need efficient performance.

Possible disadvantages of Pidgin

  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface of Pidgin is considered outdated by modern standards, which may not appeal to users looking for a sleek and contemporary design.
  • Limited Native Mobile Support
    Pidgin does not have robust support for mobile platforms natively, making it less convenient for users who want to synchronize their chats across mobile and desktop.
  • Security Concerns
    Because of its open-source nature, any vulnerabilities discovered are publicly available, which can be a double-edged sword regarding security.
  • Complexity in Setup
    Initial setup and configuration might be complex for non-technical users, especially those needing to set up multiple accounts and plugins.
  • Limited Support for Modern Protocols
    Pidgin may lack support for newer chat protocols and services, thus limiting users who rely on more modern communication platforms.

LAN Messenger videos

LAN Messenger - Features Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Setup LAN Messenger 1.2.35 and How to Fix if Error
  • Review - Softros LAN Messenger for Windows 10, 7/8, XP

Pidgin videos

Pidgin IM Overview

More videos:

  • Review - Pidgin Review
  • Review - Pidgin IM - Instant Messenger Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LAN Messenger and Pidgin)
Communication
25 25%
75% 75
Group Chat & Notifications
Work Collaboration
100 100%
0% 0
Messaging
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LAN Messenger and Pidgin

LAN Messenger Reviews

We have no reviews of LAN Messenger yet.
Be the first one to post

Pidgin Reviews

Franz Not Working ? Try These Best Franz Alternatives! [2023]
Pidgin is a well-known multi-platform, cross-platform instant messaging client that had to alter its name at the time owing to legal concerns with AOL. You can talk with users of Skype, Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, and even those in an IRC chat room via its user interface.
Source: viraltalky.com
The 7 Best Chat Apps and Clients Better Than Official Messengers
Given its many years and open-source nature, Pidgin supports a wide variety of chat networks, along with third-party plugins to enable many more. For example, there isn’t an official WhatsApp plugin, but you can get WhatsApp on Pidgin using third-party plugins.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Pidgin seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 17 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

LAN Messenger mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of LAN Messenger yet. Tracking of LAN Messenger recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Pidgin mentions (17)

  • Right to be Forgotten and Open Source
    When it comes to Right to be Forgotten we only have few places were we have user data as part of us running Pidgin. These are our mailing list archives which have been replaced by Discourse, our issue tracker, and our old developer WIKI. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • How can I forward Facebook messenger messages to email?
    I can't think of any way. There is a Facebook plugin for Pidgin, and you can get at your chats that way with a more versatile cross-platform messenger, if you are more normally on other chat services. https://pidgin.im/ https://github.com/dequis/purple-facebook/wiki If you want web-based clients, try a multi-app client such as Ferdium, RamBox or Station. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Why so rude?
    As I mentioned earlier, this scenario happens to me all the time. This is precisely why I refuse to discuss why we don't use Git or GitHub for Pidgin. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Automattic is acquiring Texts and betting big on the future of messaging
    I did a find before posting my comment and found yours. >Cool I like Wordpress. But they bought a fancy Pidgin clone for 50mil...? https://pidgin.im/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • YOUR OPSEC SUCKS | UHQ SCHIZOID OPSEC GUIDE | BECOME BULLETPROOF
    XMPP XMPP stands for Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol and is used for communications for message-oriented middleware based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML). Many more people are starting to use this as a main way of communication using programs such as Pidgin to accomplish this. Pidgin is an open-source multi-platform IM client which most people will recommend for XMPP. The main reason is... Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing LAN Messenger and Pidgin, you can also consider the following products

MyChat - Secure instant messenger for any network

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.

Softros LAN messenger - LAN messenger for an internal office chat for home or business users. It does not require a server and is very easy to install and use. It supports personal chats, group chats, message brodcasting, files transfer and remote desktop access.

Trillian - Trillian is a decentralized and federated instant messaging platform that lets your whole company send private and group messages, keep tabs on what co-workers are doing, share files, and much more.

BORGChat - BORGChat is a LAN messaging software program.

Skype - Stay in touch with your family and friends for free on Skype. Download Skype today to chat and call on desktop and mobile.