What's the best free multi IM client app?

[mychen]

Out of fring, palringo, IM+ lite and nimbuzz, which one do you like the most? Because I have been reading the reviews on the app store and they all seem to have mixed reviews. All I'm looking for is one that is stable and reliable.

 

[nfl46]

Palringo.

 

[iFerd]

If I had this choice and all the apps were free, I would try all of them. So much of this is about personal preference and how you use it, trying for yourself is probably best.

 

[Flyfrnk1624]

I'd be curious to also know some opinions on this. I've heard nothing but good things about BeeJive IM but I don't think I'm ready to shell out the cash.

 

[Nar1117]

Another vote for Palingo. I like how it syncs with Facebook and my address book. Its IM interface is pretty good, and I like how it tells you when the other person is typing. The only thing is i wish it was easier to switch between chats, if you have more than one open. It also keeps you logged in while its not open, which is nice, and it alerts you via text message if you get an IM.

Apparently Beejive IM uses Push to send you an email telling you you have an IM, which im not too fond of. I'd rather clutter up my SMS inbox than my email inbox.

 

[mychen]

I ended up downloading both palringo and IM + lite. Personally, I like the layout of palringo better; looked nicer. And so far, it works really well. no crashes yet.

 

[Niiro13]

Apparently Beejive IM uses Push to send you an email telling you you have an IM, which im not too fond of. I'd rather clutter up my SMS inbox than my email inbox.

You could put your number in email format to have it send as an SMS.

 

[marksman]

Having tried them all, you can't be serious about having a true im client on the iphone unless you are willing to pay for Beejive. It is worth much more than $16 than any of the free clients. I found all the free clients unusable in any regular way that was meaningful. I use Beejive every day and for almost all my im needs period. I am not one to buy apps easily either. I did not buy my first app until 4 months after the app store opened, and still have paid for very few. Beejive is simply head and shoulders.

 

[Davy.Shalom]

I dunno, I personally like adium. I wish iChat was universal!

 

[speedracer3000]

It depends on what specific IM service you use the most. In general Palringo is the best out of the list but if say all your friends are on skype then Palringo is not going to work for you and Nimbuzz is what you want.

 

[Nermal]

I find Palringo excellent for MSN. It's multi-platform too, which is great for me because I can also use it on my Nokia phone.