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Chat, call or video conference with anyone around the world free on Windows 10 systems

Chat, call or video conference with anyone around the world free on Windows 10 systems

Vote: (225 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: LINE Corporation

Version: 4.2.1

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(225 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

LINE Corporation

4.2.1

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Mostly free to use
  • Instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls
  • Very easy to navigate

Cons

  • International outside line calls can be pricey
  • Requires access to your location, microphone, and camera

LINE is a communication app that gives you the ability to send texts, make free calls, and send media files.

While Skype is extremely popular, many people have made the switch over to LINE. This robust communication tool has been downloaded hundreds of millions of times over the last few years, and it is an excellent alternative to Skype, WhatsApp, and other communication and sharing platforms. This software is completely free to use, and it will allow you to communicate with people all over the world.

Unlike many other communication apps, LINE doesn’t use your Windows or Microsoft credentials to create an account. Instead, all you are going to need is an active phone line that can receive text messages. After you have downloaded and installed LINE, you must then input a phone number where your verification text will be sent. If you don’t want to use a number to register your account, then you can use your email address. The development team at LINE suggests that you register with both your phone number and email so that you can access your account from all of your devices.

LINE boasts a wide variety of services and features, but it is a basic messaging app at its core. Inside the messenger tool, you can send quick texts to friends, add emojis, start group chats, and send media files. LINE has all of the tools that users have come to expect in their messaging apps, and that includes options such as saving text chains and permanently blocking other users. While the interface isn’t particularly eye-catching, this is still a streamlined piece of software.

In addition to the instant messaging feature, you can also use LINE to make voice and video calls. Anyone who has ever used Skype or another similar service in the past shouldn’t have any problems mastering the voice and video features in LINE. As an added bonus, you can set up and join group calls as well. That feature can be useful in some situations, but it is going to be heavily dependent on your hardware and your internet connection. Video calls are going to be choppy if you are using older hardware or a 3G connection.

Calling other LINE users is completely free, but you will be charged if you decide to make outside calls. The cost of each call depends on a few different factors, and that includes where the receiver of the call is located and how long the call lasts. If you don’t want to spend money on an outside call, then LINE will sometimes give you the option of watching a short advertisement.

Finally, LINE offers users a timeline feature that is very similar to Facebook. On your timeline, you will be able to post text, share pictures, or even send links. While the timeline feature is very basic, the communication tools still make this a world-class app.

Pros

  • Mostly free to use
  • Instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls
  • Very easy to navigate

Cons

  • International outside line calls can be pricey
  • Requires access to your location, microphone, and camera