FreeChat For Mac

While the mobile Messenger app provides an easy method of chatting with your Facebook friends from mobile devices, you are still required to fire up your web browser and use the classic Facebook interface or the Messenger web app to manage conversations when on your Mac.

There is an alternative, however, in the form FreeChat, a third-party application that lets you access Facebook Messenger from your desktop and provides pretty much the same functionality.

Assuming you are accustomed to the Messenger web app, FreeChat’s layout should be instantly familiar. You can view all your contacts in the left-hand panel, while the bulk of the interface is dedicated to the chat window.

A collapsible panel on the right side of the interface displays more information about the selected contact, as well as the link to their Facebook profile and shared photos.

As far as visuals are concerned, FreeChat looks very similar to the Messenger app, while also offering an optional dark color theme.

FreeChat enables you to send messages, files, emojis or animated GIFs, as well as participate in group conversations, although it is not possible to record voice messages. You can see which of your contacts are active on Messenger or Facebook.

Moreover, the application displays notifications whenever you receive a new message, and you can mute individual conversation for a specific duration.

Sadly, however, FreeChat does not offer menu bar integration, which would have made it possible to keep track of conversations without having to manage another application window.

FreeChat sets out to provide you with a straightforward Facebook Messenger client that can be used from your desktop and offers a familiar interface. On the whole, it does this very well, and makes it possible to avoid using a web browser when you simply want to chat with your friends.