Instant messaging is a great way to stay in touch, but anybody who uses it extensively knows the pain of having friends spread out over different services. Ever install a bulky and bloated IM client for just one friend? Or wished you could instant message all your groupies without running 5 different chat clients in the system tray? Well IM providers and a handful of crafty open source programmers have listened to our cries. Free browser-based alternatives exist for all the major platforms, and all in one desktop clients are finally able to bring the competing services together.

All In One Desktop Clients

Browser-based messaging clients make perfect sense if you are on the road, or plan to use a service temporarily. But what if you need full time access to the big 5? Several great solutions exist which can merge all your accounts into one easy interface, below we list a few of our favorites. These all in one clients tend to lose some of the specific functionality that make each IM service unique. But if all you want is an easy way to manage chat, they might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Digsby

Digsby is far more then a simple all in one IM client. It features integration with all the usual IM services as well as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Custom skins applied to the user interface can be enabled to sync across multiple installations, maintaining a consistent look and feel between computers. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple file transfers from a single window is a definite plus for file sharing. Digsby is available for OSX, Windows, and Linux.

Pidgin

This open source desktop client runs on both Windows and Linux. It also includes support for every instant messaging service you’ve ever heard of, and plenty you haven’t. Support is limited to the forums, but I think you’ll find the open source community quite friendly, unless you’re a n00b that is.

Trillian

While Trillian Pro remains a commercial product; the basic version should be more then enough for most people. To demonstrate the differences Cerulean Studios has created a handy comparison chart to showcase the differences between the two versions. Trillian is for Windows only, but its and continuous updates and commercial support have made it a popular choice.

Miranda

Miranda fancies itself to be the Nod32 of all in one IM solutions. It was designed from the ground-up to be resource efficient while still providing a rich feature set. Miranda includes support for all the major messaging services but is a Windows only release. The website features a download option for every major version of Windows dating as far back as Window 95. Combined with being light on resources, it is a great option if your looking for IM on an old machine. Miranda also includes support for plugins to further customize your experience.

No-Download Web Clients

Web Clients come with a few limitations, but if you can live with the trade off’s, you will be rewarded with a much leaner experience with no overhead or commitment.

Web Client Limitations:

- No File Transfer
- No Audio Chat
- No Video Conferencing 

 Meebo

Meebo is the ultimate IM browser portal, allowing users to manage all their messaging accounts from any internet enabled computer. It also represents the leanest way to make use of all the most popular messaging services without having to install a single file on your PC. Just enter your user name and passwords and your ready to go. Since it is accessed through a web browser, Meebo is a great choice that is platform agnostic.

MSN Web Messenger

MSN Messenger was first released in 1999 and has seen eight major software revisions over the years. The latest implementation is called Windows Live Messenger and is part of the Live for Windows initiative. Your login for MSN Messenger is part of your .NET Windows Live ID which was designed to identify you across computers, simplifying your login process. MSN’s web client is well out of beta and seems to be quite stable, just make sure you disable any popup blockers.

AIM Express

AOL Instant Messenger, or “AIM” as it is known to its users was able to build up a large user base during the years in which it dominated as an internet service provider. AOL’s fortunes may have faded as an ISP over the years, but its services remain some of the most popular on the internet. AIM is currently the market leader for instant messaging in the US. AOL’s web client is still in beta, but is nearing completion and is open to all users.

Google Talk Gadget

Google Talk is the newest kid on the block, but this isn’t your standard boy band instant messenger. Google has famously embraced Jabber, the open source standard for instant messaging and actively promotes the use of third party applications. This gives developers full access to the established platform and the freedom to expand it further. Google Talk’s potential is limited only by its user base. The browser based “gadget” is fully developed and seems to be fairly full featured. The title may say beta, but that is just Google speak for continuous development.

Yahoo Messenger For the Web

Yahoo Messenger has come a long way since its initial release as Pager in 1998. Today your Yahoo Messenger ID is used to tie together all other Yahoo services including email, flickr, etc. The desktop client features full VOIP capabilities, both PC to PC and even calls to traditional land lines. Yahoo’s web client is listed as an early beta but also allows access to your MSN contacts. A great solution if you only need the two services.

ICQ2Go

ICQ was the first IM client on the market launched by Mirabilis in 1996. Although ICQ is credited as the pioneer of instant messaging, deeper pocketed rivals eventually out foxed the company and today it is owned by a subsidiary of Tim Warner AOL. Need access to ICQ without the hassle of an install? ICQ2GO is in full beta, and is a great way to lookup old friends who may still use the service.

Know of another great all in one client? Had a bad experience with one of the betas? Share your tips and help us, help you, help us all.