Nimbuzz - Free Video Calls & Messenger

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on September 03, 2012

Nimbuzz is a powerful, fun and easy-to-use application for text and voice calls that lets you connect to virtually every major instant-messaging service. Despite some design issues, its simplistic user interface has all the controls just a tap away, and even novice VoIP app users will be comfortable using it after a little trial and error.

Nimbuzz connects to AIM, Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo Messenger and even Facebook, bringing all your friends as near as your pocket. By tapping on a contact, another page appears where you can press buttons to start an audio call or text message. At first glance, it's not obvious which features are available for the contact and we definitely think a redesign of this page would make a good app even better. Still, it just takes a few uses to get the hang of the app and we found it was time well spent. Text messaging is great. We really loved this feature, and it works equally well on every account we tried during our testing. We also loved the fact that Nimbuzz lets you know you received a message by vibrating and chirping. We were also impressed by the voice quality, which was excellent. You can use Nimbuzz to call landlines and mobile phone numbers with its dial pad, but you need to purchase some Nimbuzz credit in order to place a call.

Even with the design flaws, Nimbuzz is among the best text messaging and voice call applications we have tried so far and we recommend it for any level user who wants a free way to connect with others in their contact lists.