News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

June 20, 2006

software

iChat AV vs. Skype: A Comparison

Posted Jun. 20, ’06, 4:23 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Software

Many of us use audio and/or video chatting instead of normal text IMs to communicate. The two most popular programs for this on Macs are iChat AV and S
kKype. Here’s a brief comparison of their features:

Picture 16


7 Comments

Richard said:

Ummm, just as a quick niggle to the comparison grid - doesn't iChat need a .Mac account??? Isn't that tethered to an annual subscription cost? Does that not possibly compromise the 'free' element???

June 20, 2006 6:31 PM
Sam said:

Personally, I like what Gizmo is doing on the Mac. Open system, compatible with GoogleTalk, all the same features as Skype.

June 20, 2006 7:20 PM
Dan Frakes Author Profile Page said:

"doesn't iChat need a .Mac account???"

No, any AIM address, previous iTools or .Mac address, or free .Mac/iChat address will work.

June 20, 2006 9:44 PM
Bob Bazley said:

It states that iChat doenst have IM history but this is incorrect as it does have it. you just set it up in the preferences to save chat transcripts.

June 21, 2006 4:02 AM
Jason said:

You can also set iChat to log your IM's - but only text not video or audio chats

June 21, 2006 5:13 AM
Chris Woods said:

iChat clearly has IM history. Go to Preferences > Messages and click the "Automatically save chat transcripts" option.

And what is it with this myth about Skype sound quality? iChat is comparable with Skype for audio and knocks it socks off for video. The filters Skype applies to its audio, most likely for noise cancellation, leave the audio with a tinny sound at best. At least that is my experience.

June 21, 2006 6:22 AM
Sigma8 said:

Nope, you can use iChat as an AIM client, like Trillian or Adium. The .Mac stuff is just bonus for .Mac subscribers.

One thing I didn't see in this comparison chart, is that (in my experience at least) Skype sounds about 10 times better than iChat.

iChat sounds like a "good" chat client, or phone. Skype sounds like the person is in the room with me.

June 21, 2006 7:41 AM

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