KopeteLinux
vs
Miranda IMWindows
Kopete as a Linux alternative to Miranda IM
Updated
Our verdict
Kopete can serve as a replacement for Miranda IM for users who prefer a KDE‑centric environment and are comfortable with a slightly older codebase. It covers the main protocols, offers a plugin system and history logging, but it is no longer actively maintained, so you may run into missing features or bugs that newer clients have fixed. If you need a lightweight, actively developed client, consider alternatives like Pidgin or Dino; otherwise Kopete works for basic multi‑protocol chat on Linux.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 23.08.5
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports multiple chat protocols (XMPP, IRC, ICQ, etc.)
- Plugin architecture for extensions
- Contact list management with grouping
- Message history logging
- Customizable notifications
What is different
- Kopete is discontinued and receives no security updates
- Integration is tied to KDE Plasma, less suitable for other desktops
- Missing some newer protocol extensions that Miranda plugins provide
- Less flexible UI customization compared to Miranda's skin system
- File‑transfer implementation may be less reliable on non‑KDE setups
Opening your Miranda IM files
Kopete does not provide a built‑in importer for Miranda IM's account or configuration files. You can manually recreate accounts in Kopete, but there is no documented way to export Miranda's settings directly into Kopete.
Switching from Miranda IM to Kopete, step by step
- Install Kopete from your distribution's repository (e.g., sudo apt install kopete).
- Launch Kopete and add each of your accounts using the protocol plugins.
- Configure contact groups to match your Miranda setup.
- Set up notification preferences via KDE system settings.
- Test sending and receiving messages on each protocol.
- Optionally, disable or remove Miranda IM after confirming Kopete works.
Key features of Kopete
- Support for multiple instant messaging protocols in one interface
- Deep integration with KDE Plasma Workspaces
- Group chat support across various networks
- File transfer capabilities within chat sessions
- Contact management with detailed user information
- Plugin system for extending functionality
- Notification handling via KDE system services
- History logging for chat conversations
How to install Kopete on Linux
sudo apt install kopetesudo dnf install kopeteFrequently asked questions
Will Kopete run on non‑KDE desktops?
Yes, it runs on other desktops, but you lose the tight integration and some UI polish that KDE provides.
Is Kopete still receiving security updates?
No, the project is discontinued, so you rely on the distribution's packaging for any patches.
Can I import my Miranda IM contact list automatically?
There is no automatic import; you need to recreate contacts manually in Kopete.
