Adium for Mac

CNET Editors' review

One of the most popular and customizable third-party clients in the multiservice chat category for Mac continues to impress. It supports multiple services, including AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Facebook, Windows Live, and Google Chat. Part of what made the original Adium so attractive was the multitude of IM service options, and that still forms the core appeal of this client. The interface is smooth and lean, fitting in well with the Mac OS. The client supports tabbed browsing, encrypted messaging, and you can transfer files to your buddies, though it can be hit or miss depending on what service you're using.

Recent updates have improved cross-service support (both in terms of security and performance), and the app continues to offer extensive options for customization, with a wide range of sounds, themes, colors, and other tweaks--including support for Growl, if you want to keep up with chats when you're not in Adium. Under the hood, the program shares the same open-source core as multiplatform client Pidgin.

Overall, despite some file-sharing quirks, Adium X is a must-download for those looking to connect with multiple services. If you've been looking for a chat client that plays nice with other chat services, Adium is an excellent choice on the Mac.

Publisher's Description

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All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 74

  • 5.0 stars

    "Love this IM app!"

    July 6, 2012  |   By pfhattkatt

    Version: Adium 1.5.1

    Pros

    Love how all my IM accounts are combined into one and has my twitter updates as well. Functionally this program has never caused me any issues and has always performed beautifully.

    Cons

    I would not mind having my FB updates viewable as the twitter updates are, but is not a deal breaker and probably better off without it. Not been able to figure out how to tab between chat screens with just a hot key, have to use mouse. Functionally I have had no operating issues to give me a true CON to complain about to date.

    Summary

    LOVE this IM, wish I could get it for my PC. Used trillion for years on the PC and I love this so much better if for no other reason just dependability and trillion was really a resource pig. After using Adium I started doing the pepsi challenge on my PC to find a better IM program to use. NO banner adds, never had a functional issue with the program, not a resource hog, very elegant. I would compare it to a Miranda messager program in terms of operating functionality with much more intelligence requiring less end user set up.

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  • 3.0 stars

    "does ok but could be better"

    January 18, 2012  |   By snuggarelli

    Version: Adium 1.4.4

    Pros

    - like the floating dock and how you can customize it
    - like how you can put all your messaging into one
    - like how you can minimize it
    - customizable in sounds and colors too
    - could use some nicer lay-out/UI, but in terms of functions it seems good.

    Cons

    - wish it supported skype which is the only stupid client that I'm stuck with opening separately
    - FB seems to be still an issue.
    - don't like how I keep getting messages from weirdos, but that might be a yahoo chat issue.
    - a little bit of a cludgy old app design

    Summary

    Overall, this is the only multiple client IM product I have on my desktop.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "5 stars because it's UNIQUE but..."

    September 19, 2011  |   By GianMarco_Tavazzani

    Version: Adium 1.4.3

    Pros

    it's the only proper multichat app we have!
    Light, not cluttering, complete, with many useful personal settings, alerts, behaviours!

    Cons

    The development is slow... our expectations waiting...and waiting:
    - file transfer is not fully working
    - still no voice
    - still not Skype integrated

    Summary

    An absolute 'must have' (made by GENEROUS people) which should be ever open when we're online!
    But... does they know that we are BEGGING for more, to not be 'forced' to open Yahoo to send files or MSN for nor Skype (both in black list being fallen in dirty hands)?

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  • 5.0 stars

    "It does what it says it will"

    September 11, 2011  |   By t.ellicott

    Version: Adium 1.4.3

    Pros

    It does what it say it will

    Cons

    It can't read my mind
    It can't see into the future
    It won't go to work for me and let me stay in bed
    It doesn't predict winning lottery numbers at all - let alone accurately

    Summary

    I've been using it for years and they haven't screwed it up yet.

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  • 3.0 stars

    "WHY IS A VIDEO CAMERA THE LOGO WHEN IT'S NOT SUPPORTED?"

    August 14, 2011  |   By TITANOUS

    Version: Adium 1.4.2

    Pros

    GREAT FUN AND VERY CUSTOMISABLE!

    Cons

    NO VIDEO SUPPORT

    Summary

    If you use video chat, you'll need something else as well...

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Adium does them all. No need to open other messengers."

    June 20, 2011  |   By osuno1

    Version: Adium 1.4.2

    Pros

    Lots of features and customizable. Continually evolving.

    Cons

    Sometimes "forgets" passwords.

    Summary

    Best multi-messenger for the Mac.

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  • 2.0 stars

    "I am having a lot of trouble connecting my accounts."

    May 31, 2011  |   By CecileVanBuren

    Version: Adium 1.4.1

    Pros

    The ones it works on is fine

    Cons

    cannot get it to connect to G chat, and others

    Summary

    wish it would work on my imac better.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Good replacement for live messenger"

    May 30, 2011  |   By Pinnetje

    Version: Adium 1.4.1

    Pros

    You can use all your messengers at the same time. Easy to use and has many options to personalize. For example: you can download nice sounds and emoticons from their website.

    Cons

    None really.

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  • 3.0 stars

    "good IM program. unobtrusive on the desktop"

    November 5, 2010  |   By agymah

    Version: Adium 1.4

    Pros

    i can chat with people in other IM programs without having to be in those programs. Adium brings them all together in one place.

    Cons

    doesn't allow me to buzz my contacts, so unless they're at the computer they won't know i've begun a chat

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  • 5.0 stars

    "smooth, this is important for me."

    October 19, 2010  |   By Psy--2008

    Version: Adium 1.3.10

    Pros

    smooth, practical, esthetical, functional etc.

    Cons

    nothing for me

    Summary

    I like this apps smooth, practical, esthetical, functional etc. properties, may be some people wants cam support. This is may be only fault.
    Thanks creators of this app.

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Results 1-10 of 74

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