Our verdict: KakaoTalk for Windows is the app to install if you study, work or keep in touch with people in South Korea, where almost everyone uses it. It is free and well suited to group chats and file sharing, but it needs a Kakao account tied to the mobile app.
About KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is made by Kakao Corp. and is the dominant messenger in South Korea. The PC version works together with the mobile app: you sign in with your Kakao account and confirm the login from KakaoTalk on your phone.
On Windows you can chat one to one and in groups, send files and photos, make voice and video calls and join open chats. Emoticon packs and some extras are sold separately, and Kakao has added AI features such as chat summaries to the PC version.
What it does well
- Chats and group chats. Message friends and large groups with text, photos and files.
- Voice and video calls. Call KakaoTalk contacts from the PC.
- Open chats. Join public topic rooms without sharing your profile.
- Chat summaries. Recent versions can summarise long chat rooms with AI.
- Emoticons. Use free and paid emoticon packs from the Kakao store.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who keep in touch with friends, schools or businesses in South Korea.
Look elsewhere
Users looking for an open-source or end-to-end encrypted messenger by default.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free
- Used by most people in South Korea
- Good for group chats and file sharing
Cons
- Needs a Kakao account linked to the mobile app
- Interface and many features are aimed at Korean users
- Paid emoticons are pushed throughout the app
How to install KakaoTalk
Download the 64-bit Windows installer and run it. Sign in with your Kakao account and approve the login in KakaoTalk on your phone. Turn off start with Windows in settings if you do not want it running all the time.
Questions about KakaoTalk
Is KakaoTalk free?
Yes. KakaoTalk is free to download and use. Emoticon packs and some extras are paid.
Can I use KakaoTalk on a PC without a phone?
You need a Kakao account and KakaoTalk on your phone to approve the PC login.
