EmpathyLinux
vs
Google Talk (GTalk)Windows
Empathy as a Linux alternative to Google Talk (GTalk)
Updated
Our verdict
Empathy is a reasonable replacement for Google Talk if you're on a Linux desktop and used GTalk for text chat, presence, and basic VoIP. It supports XMPP, the protocol GTalk used, so it handled core functions well. However, since both Empathy and GTalk are discontinued, it's only viable for users maintaining older systems or self-hosted XMPP servers. Modern users needing reliable messaging should look to active clients like Pidgin or modern web-based alternatives.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support XMPP, enabling direct messaging with former GTalk contacts on XMPP servers
- Provide real-time text chat, presence status, and contact list management
- Support voice calling over IP using built-in microphone and audio systems
- Offer desktop notifications for incoming messages and status changes
- Allow file transfers between contacts over the network
What is different
- Empathy supports video chat via Telepathy, which GTalk did not always enable by default
- Empathy aggregates multiple accounts and protocols in one contact list, unlike GTalk's single-service focus
- GTalk had tighter Gmail and Google Contacts integration, missing in Empathy
- Empathy lacks built-in chat history search and cloud sync
- No official support or updates since discontinuation
Opening your Google Talk (GTalk) files
Empathy does not import Google Talk configuration or chat history files directly. If you exported GTalk chat logs or contacts manually, Empathy can't restore them automatically. Contact lists must be re-added manually via XMPP accounts. File transfer history isn't portable. There's no documented toolchain for migrating GTalk data into Empathy. Users must rely on XMPP account credentials to reconnect.
Switching from Google Talk (GTalk) to Empathy, step by step
- Install Empathy from your distribution's repository (e.g., sudo apt install empathy)
- Open Empathy and add an XMPP account using your email and password
- Ensure your XMPP server supports GTalk-compatible features (e.g., Google's XMPP server may still work for some accounts)
- Enable voice and video calling in the settings if hardware is available
- Add contacts manually by their XMPP address (user@domain.com)
- Test file transfer with a contact to confirm Telepathy backend is working
Key features of Empathy
- Multi‑protocol support via Telepathy
- Text, voice and video chat
- File transfer
- Unified contact list
- Presence status
- Desktop notifications
- Integration with GNOME Shell
Frequently asked questions
Can Empathy log into a Gmail account for chat?
Yes, Empathy can connect to Gmail via XMPP if IMAP/SMTP access is enabled and the account hasn't been restricted by Google's security policies. App passwords may be required.
Is Empathy still safe to use?
It's functional but not recommended for security-sensitive use. No updates mean unpatched vulnerabilities. Use only on trusted networks or isolated systems.
What replaced Empathy on GNOME?
GNOME shifted to online accounts integration in Settings, with messaging handled by web apps or third-party clients like Fractal or Pidgin.
4 other alternatives to Google Talk (GTalk)
PidginPidgin is a free, multi‑protocol instant messaging client for Linux, Windows and macOS.Open sourceFreeFlatpakPidgin vs Google Talk (GTalk)
PsiPsi is a lightweight, standards‑compliant XMPP/Jabber instant messaging client for Linux.Open sourceFreePsi vs Google Talk (GTalk)
CoccinellaCoccinella is an open‑source XMPP/Jabber instant‑messaging client with a built‑in whiteboard.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedCoccinella vs Google Talk (GTalk)
KopeteKopete is a discontinued multi-protocol instant messaging client designed for the KDE desktop environment.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedKopete vs Google Talk (GTalk)