PsiLinux
vs
Google Talk (GTalk)Windows
Psi as a Linux alternative to Google Talk (GTalk)
Updated
Our verdict
Psi is a solid Linux alternative for anyone who used Google Talk mainly for XMPP‑based text chat and basic presence. It covers the core messaging functions, supports group chats, file transfers and encryption, and runs natively on all major distributions. Users who need tight integration with Google services or a built‑in voice call client will find it lacking, but for standard instant‑messaging it works well. It’s best suited for users comfortable with configuring XMPP accounts and who prefer a lightweight, open‑source client.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.6
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- XMPP/Jabber protocol compatibility
- Text instant messaging
- Presence/status updates
- Group chat (MUC) support
- File transfer capability
What is different
- No native integration with Google contacts or Hangouts ecosystem
- Voice calling is not built in (requires external plugin or client)
- No built‑in video chat support
- Different UI paradigm; no Google‑style web interface
- Limited support for Google-specific extensions like GChat emojis
Opening your Google Talk (GTalk) files
Google Talk did not use a proprietary archive format; chat histories were stored locally in the client’s own files. Psi stores its logs in plain text or SQLite, so there is no direct import/export path. If you have exported logs from Google Talk, you would need to convert them manually; otherwise the compatibility is unknown.
Switching from Google Talk (GTalk) to Psi, step by step
- Install Psi from your distribution’s repository (apt, pacman, dnf, etc.).
- Create a new XMPP account in Psi using your existing Google username (e.g., user@gmail.com).
- Enter your Google password or an app‑specific password if two‑factor authentication is enabled.
- Configure the server as talk.google.com with TLS on port 5222.
- Import any saved chat logs manually if you have them in a supported format.
- Test sending a message and, if needed, set up an external VoIP plugin for voice calls.
Key features of Psi
- Full XMPP protocol support (MUC, file transfer, encryption)
- Customizable UI with themes and skins
- Built‑in privacy controls (block lists, privacy rules)
- Plugin architecture for extended functionality
- Offline messaging and message archiving
- Rich presence information (status, activity)
How to install Psi on Linux
sudo apt install psisudo apt install psisudo dnf install psisudo pacman -S psi-l10nFrequently asked questions
Can Psi connect to a Google account after GTalk was discontinued?
Yes, you can still log in with a Google username using the XMPP server talk.google.com, but Google may limit features and newer authentication methods may require an app password.
Does Psi support voice calls like GTalk did?
Voice calling is not included by default; you would need an additional plugin or a separate VoIP client that works with XMPP.
Will my contacts automatically sync from Google Talk?
Psi will pull the contact list from the XMPP server, but it won’t sync Google‑specific groups or labels; you may need to rebuild any custom groups manually.
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)
CoccinellaCoccinella is an open‑source XMPP/Jabber instant‑messaging client with a built‑in whiteboard.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedCoccinella vs Google Talk (GTalk)
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EmpathyEmpathy was GNOME’s default IM and VoIP client supporting multiple protocols.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedEmpathy vs Google Talk (GTalk)