Pidgin vs. AOL Instant Messenger (AIM): eine gute Linux-Alternative?

Pidgin als Linux-Alternative zu AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

Aktualisiert am 18. Oktober 2026

Unser Fazit

Pidgin is a solid, if dated, replacement for AIM users who still rely on XMPP or legacy protocols. It handles multi-protocol chat, file transfers, and buddy lists effectively. However, it is not a modern consumer app; the interface feels utilitarian compared to current standards. It is best for power users or those maintaining old contacts on XMPP/IRC who need a single client for everything. If you only used AIM for basic social chat with friends who have moved to modern platforms, Pidgin might feel clunky. For technical users needing protocol flexibility, it remains a capable, free option.

Funktionsabdeckung85%

Lizenz: GPL-2.0
Preis: Kostenlos
Aktuelle Version: 2.14.14 (23. Januar 2025)
Bewertung: —

Pidgin installieren Website ↗

Chat window showing multiple chats

Was gleich funktioniert

Supports XMPP/Jabber, the protocol that largely replaced AIM.
Allows simultaneous login to multiple accounts and protocols.
Includes file transfer functionality for supported networks.
Features buddy lists with grouping and presence indicators.
Logs chat history to local files for later review.

Was anders ist

Lacks native support for modern proprietary apps like WhatsApp or Signal.
Interface is less polished and modern than current mainstream clients.
No built-in video calling or voice chat capabilities.
Does not offer end-to-end encryption by default without plugins like OTR.
Group chat experience is protocol-dependent and less integrated than proprietary suites.

Ihre AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)-Dateien öffnen

Pidgin does not natively import AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) proprietary data files directly. However, since AIM users typically migrated to XMPP, you can export your contact list from your current XMPP provider or use a third-party tool to convert old AIM pal lists to a format Pidgin can import, such as a simple text list or vCard. Chat history from AIM is generally not transferable to Pidgin's logging system, as the formats are incompatible and AIM logs are no longer accessible without archived local files from the Windows era.

Von AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) zu Pidgin wechseln – Schritt für Schritt

Install Pidgin via your Linux distribution’s package manager or Flathub.
Add your XMPP account credentials in Pidgin’s account manager.
Import your contact list using the 'Import' option in the Buddy List menu, selecting the appropriate format (e.g., text or vCard).
Configure logging settings to save future chats to local files.
Test file transfer and presence indicators with a trusted contact.
Install necessary plugins like OTR if you require encrypted messaging.

Wichtige Funktionen von Pidgin

Unterstützt über 30 Chat-Protokolle über libpurple
Gleichzeitige Anmeldung bei mehreren Konten
Plugin-System für Erweiterungen (z. B. OTR-Verschlüsselung, Rechtschreibprüfung)
Gruppierung von Buddies und Statusmeldungen
Dateiübertragung für unterstützte Protokolle
Anpassbare Themes und Emoticons
Protokollierung von Chats in lokale Dateien
Portable Version über Flatpak

Pidgin unter Linux installieren

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub im.pidgin.Pidgin

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install pidgin

Debiansudo apt install pidgin

Fedorasudo dnf install pidgin

openSUSEsudo zypper install pidgin

Häufige Fragen

Can I use Pidgin to chat with people still on AIM?

No, AIM is discontinued. You must connect via XMPP or another supported protocol. If your contacts migrated to XMPP, you can chat with them there.

Is Pidgin actively maintained?

Yes, it is active. The latest release mentioned is 2.14.14 from 2025, and it is packaged in major Linux distributions like Debian, Fedora, and Ubuntu.

Does Pidgin support video calls?

No, Pidgin is primarily a text and file-transfer client. It does not have built-in video or voice calling features.

Pidgin bewerten

Als Erste(r) bewerten

Guter Ersatz für AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)? 6