The Top Skype Alternatives for Voice & Video Calls

PDF download Download Article
Replace Skype with these communication apps
PDF download Download Article

Skype officially shut down in May 2025, so if you’ve tried making a call with it since, you’ve probably been out of luck. Thankfully, there are many other communication platforms and apps you can use as alternatives to Skype, and some of them even have better features. Plus, you can make free international calls with most of them! We spoke with computer and tech specialist Luigi Oppido to learn about the best Skype alternatives, so keep reading to find out which of these apps could replace Skype on your device.

What is the best replacement for Skype?

Skype Alternatives Summary

Computer and tech specialist Luigi Oppido says there are many replacement apps for Skype that allow you to message, audio call, and video call your friends and colleagues, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Discord, and Viber.

1

Zoom

PDF download Download Article
  1. Zoom is arguably one of the most popular communication platforms out there. According to Oppido, it’s the best replacement for Skype, especially if you’re using it for your business.[1] It provides video conferencing and instant messaging, and it prides itself on virtual collaboration. Features like screen sharing make it easy to conduct events, meetings, and classes completely virtually, and the “Raise Hand” function provides distraction-free question-asking. Zoom also has high-quality security features to ensure your call stays private.[2]
    • Best for: Interpersonal and business calls
    • Pros: Breakout rooms, large meetings, integrations with Google, Microsoft, and Slack
    • Cons: No self-hosting option, lackluster mobile app
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $13.33 per month for premium features[3]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web
    • Set up your first Zoom meeting by following this guide.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Luigi Oppido is a computer and tech specialist, and owner and operator of Pleasure Point Computers, with over 25 years of experience.

    2. Advertisement
2

Microsoft Teams

PDF download Download Article
  1. Microsoft Teams is another similar app to Skype, says Oppido, that is ideal for Microsoft users.[4] This communication platform is popular amongst companies and businesses that use Microsoft Windows computers for work. Microsoft Teams offers HD video calling and conferencing, as well as 1-on-1 calls with no time limit. The whiteboard feature also promotes collaboration, offering team members the chance to brainstorm and share their screens in real time.[5]
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: Integration with Word, PowerPoint, and OneDrive, use phone number or email address to make calls
    • Cons: Must have a Microsoft account to make or receive calls
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $4 per month[6]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
    • Create a meeting in Teams by following this guide.
3

Google Meet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Google Meet is a communication platform that lets you do almost everything! Oppido says this is another great Skype alternative that offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, and an easy-to-navigate interface.[7] Google Meet can be used for pleasure or business—all you need to set up a call is a Google account. The main downside? Google Meet doesn’t offer direct push notifications for incoming calls. You get notified via Gmail.[8]
    • Best for: Interpersonal or business calls
    • Pros: Calls to mobile and landline numbers, easy setup, no ads
    • Cons: No push notifications, multiple platforms to navigate for all services
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $7 per month for premium features[9]
    • International call availability: Yes, but it costs extra
    • Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, Android, iOS[10]
    • Create your first meeting link with this guide.
    2. Advertisement
4

WhatsApp

PDF download Download Article
  1. WhatsApp is a popular communication app that lets you text and call your contacts over Wi-Fi, similarly to Skype, says Oppido.[11] With free messaging and video calls, this Skype alternative is ideal for personal or business use, especially if you don’t want to give out your real phone number. WhatsApp also prides itself on its safe, secure connection, promising users that their data and messages are completely private.[12]
    • Best for: Interpersonal calls
    • Pros: Make calls for free over the internet, end-to-end encryption, group chats
    • Cons: Requires internet connection to make calls, can be difficult to restore backups across devices
    • Price: Free (data charges may apply)
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Android, iOS[13]
    • Learn how to use WhatsApp with these helpful tips and tricks.
5

FaceTime

PDF download Download Article
  1. FaceTime is a widely used communication platform amongst Apple users. While the platform may be limited in some of its features, it’s free and very easy to use, and makes a good alternative to Skype, says Oppido.[14] FaceTime is Apple’s integrated video and audio calling app, so it’s available on all iOS devices. iOS users can quickly video chat or call another iOS user through the app, as long as they have their phone number or iCloud email.
    • Best for: Interpersonal calls
    • Pros: No ads, simple interface, Wi-Fi or cellular data calls
    • Cons: Available only for iOS users, no instant messaging
    • Price: Free
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: iOS, macOS
    • Learn how to make a FaceTime call without Wi-Fi here.
    2. Advertisement
6

Viber

PDF download Download Article
  1. Viber is a communication platform that works similarly to your phone. With this platform, you can instant message, video chat, and audio call someone as long as you have their phone number. The app works over a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, so Oppido agrees that it’s a decent alternative to Skype.[15] The catch? Because you need your phone number to sign up, you may get spam calls and messages through the app.[16]
    • Best for: Interpersonal calls
    • Pros: Up to 40 people on calls, screen sharing, landline and mobile calls
    • Cons: In-app ads, must pay to call non-Viber numbers and landlines
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $5.99 per month[17]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Android, iOS[18]
    • Learn how to use Viber with this guide.
7

Discord

PDF download Download Article
  1. Discord is a communication platform that was originally designed for gamers. This platform is ideal for small and large groups hoping to connect and collaborate. With Discord, you can message and video call groups in a private community setting. Users can chat, stream, or hang out in the same virtual space that’s unique to their community server. So, Oppido says it’s a pretty good alternative to Skype.[19]
    • Best for: Interpersonal connections
    • Pros: Public communities, customizable settings, screen sharing
    • Cons: Risk of cyberbullying on public servers, poor quality video calling
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $2.99 per month[20]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web
    • Get started on Discord with this guide.
    2. Advertisement
8

Pumble

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pumble is a business platform designed to help improve internal communication amongst coworkers. With this platform, you can send direct messages, voice calls, video calls, and voice messages. One-on-one and group calls are supported within the app, along with screen sharing and active noise cancellation.
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: Organize work by channels, share files and images, integration with Google and Zoom
    • Cons: No read receipts
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $2.49 per month[21]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web
9

Chanty

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chanty is a team chat app for businesses and companies. This Skype alternative serves as a chat room and notification center that gathers all your notifications from across platforms and puts them in one place. Chanty prides itself on being a production super tool by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms throughout the workday. Plus, the app is a “closed team app,” meaning you can only communicate with those within your team—no more random calls from mom at work![22]
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: Notification center, no ads, video and audio calls
    • Cons: Limited integrations, inability to mute channels
    • Price: Free or $3 per month for additional features[23]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, Linux
    2. Advertisement
10

Rocket.Chat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rocket.Chat is a modern alternative to Skype for teams and businesses. This chat platform prides itself on its security. Being a self-host, the platform eliminates the risk of third-party services getting your information. Rocket.Chat is built for collaboration through instant chat, voice and video calls, and screen sharing. There’s even an option to use integrated tools like Jira, GitHub, and Zapier.[24]
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: Mobile and landline calls, high security, privacy-first AI
    • Cons: Possibly confusing interface and installation process
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $8 per month for additional features[25]
    • International call availability: No, only available with VoIP integration
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web
11

Brosix IM

PDF download Download Article
  1. Brosix IM may be the perfect Skype alternative for your business. This communication platform offers audio and video calls, screen sharing, and instant messaging. What sets it apart from the rest is its focus on internal team communication and private team networks. Team members can chat within private channels through their private network. As a plus, only members of a network can communicate with each other, so no outside calls.[26]
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: Private team networks, chat rooms, no ads
    • Cons: No SMS or landline and mobile calls
    • Price: Free for 3 users or $4 per month for large teams[27]
    • International call availability: No, users must use a separate service or VoIP provider
    • Supported platforms: Android, iOS, web, mac OS, Windows, Linux
    2. Advertisement
12

RingCentral

PDF download Download Article
  1. RingCentral is a cloud-based AI calling platform ideal for those making lots of international calls. This Skype alternative offers global coverage plans at a competitive price. Instant messaging, video chat, and audio calls from different countries have never been easier! RingCentral also uses enterprise-safe security and call encryption to keep your calls private. Plus, RingCentral allows you to integrate other platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google for seamless connection.[28]
    • Best for: Interpersonal and business calls
    • Pros: Video conferencing, enterprise encryption, voicemail transcription
    • Cons: Complex user interface, complex setup
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $20 per month[29]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
13

GoTo Meeting

PDF download Download Article
  1. GoTo Meeting is a business-focused communication software designed to make collaboration easier. The platform is similar to Skype, says Oppido, but it’s specifically targeted towards those looking to host video conferences, webinars, and remote meetings.[30] With screen sharing, live on-screen transcription, and branded meeting links, GoTo Meeting is ideal for professional settings.[31]
    • Best for: Businesses and professionals
    • Pros: Meeting recording, up to 250 participants, custom meeting links
    • Cons: Limited instant messaging
    • Price: Starting at $12 per month[32]
    • International call availability: Yes[33]
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web
    2. Advertisement
14

Webex Meetings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Webex Meetings is a video conferencing platform that focuses on business. This platform offers scheduled meetings and calendar integration to create seamless video calls for colleagues, making it pretty similar to Skype, says Oppido.[34] Each meeting has a maximum of 100 participants for 40 minutes, and what sets Webex Meetings apart from other platforms is their in-meeting messaging. Participants can collaborate and message each other during a meeting without messaging the entire group.[35]
    • Best for: Businesses
    • Pros: In-meeting messaging, recorded meetings, calendar integration
    • Cons: Meeting time limit, no phone or video calling outside of conferences
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $144 per year[36]
    • International call availability: No
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web
15

TeamSpeak

PDF download Download Article
  1. TeamSpeak is a VoIP platform with public and private servers intended for gaming. This communication platform is especially unique because it allows users to join public servers or hop onto calls from personal channels. You don’t need an account to use TeamSpeak, but having an account gives you access to private messaging, group chats, and file sharing.[37]
    • Best for: Interpersonal use
    • Pros: Military-grade security, lag-free communication, unlimited file transfer
    • Cons: No video conferencing
    • Price: Free or (starting at) $55 per year[38]
    • International call availability: Yes
    • Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
    2. Advertisement
16

Jami

PDF download Download Article
  1. Jami is an open-source app with instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. This communication platform is completely free and lets you make calls and send texts with a username—there’s no need to share your personal information! To call or text others, all you have to do is share your username or give them a provided QR code of your profile. One of Jami’s most unique features is that you can continue to communicate with those on your same network even if the Wi-Fi connection drops.
    • Best for: Interpersonal calls
    • Pros: No phone number or email address needed to chat, ability to make a unique username, screen sharing
    • Cons: App instability reported
    • Price: Free
    • International call availability: Yes, as long as you have a SIP account[39]
    • Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Video

You Might Also Like

Expert
1
How to

Make Online Calls + 10 of the Best VoIP Apps
Expert
2

The 24 Best Discord Alternatives for Gaming, Community, & More
3
How to

Make Free Calls
4
How to

3 Way Call on Skype
5
How to

Conference Call on Android
Expert
6
How to

Video Call between an Android and iPhone: Step-by-Step Tutorial
7
How to

Make a Skype Video Call on Any Device
Expert
8

Why Do People Use WhatsApp? Everything You Need to Know
Expert
9

What Are the Best Omegle Alternatives?
Expert
10
How to

Use ChatGPT & OpenAI Without a Phone Number
11

Where to Find Google Hangouts (Google Chat) in Gmail
12
How to

Share on Microsoft Lync
13
How to

Get Free Unlimited Everything on Your Phone
14

Google Chat: The Ultimate Guide to Messaging, Video Chats, & Rooms
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.zoom.com/
  3. ↑ https://zoom.us/pricing
  4. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/online-meetings
  6. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/compare-microsoft-teams-business-options?activetab=pivot:primaryr1
  7. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://workspace.google.com/products/meet/
  9. ↑ https://workspace.google.com/pricing.html?source=gafb-meet-faq-en&hl=en&ga_region=noram&ga_country=us&ga_lang=en
  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/meet/answer/7317473?hl=en#zippy=,use-a-supported-operating-system
  2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.whatsapp.com/privacy
  4. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/1150261202542208
  5. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.viber.com/en/features/
  8. ↑ https://account.viber.com/en/call-world
  9. ↑ https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9210039148189-Supported-platforms
  10. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://discord.com/nitro
  12. ↑ https://pumble.com/pricing
  13. ↑ https://www.chanty.com/features/
  14. ↑ https://www.chanty.com/pricing/
  15. ↑ https://www.rocket.chat/platform-overview
  16. ↑ https://www.rocket.chat/pricing
  17. ↑ https://www.brosix.com/features/networks/
  18. ↑ https://www.brosix.com/price/
  19. ↑ https://www.ringcentral.com/office/integrations/overview.html
  20. ↑ https://www.ringcentral.com/office/plansandpricing.html
  21. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  22. ↑ https://www.goto.com/meeting/features
  23. ↑ https://www.goto.com/pricing/meeting
  24. ↑ https://support.goto.com/connect/help/how-do-i-make-an-international-call
  25. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
  26. ↑ https://www.webex.com/suite/meetings.html
  27. ↑ https://pricing.webex.com/
  28. ↑ https://www.teamspeak.com/en/features/overview/
  29. ↑ https://support.teamspeak.com/hc/en-us/articles/26033788383261-What-licenses-are-available
  30. ↑ https://jami.net/sq/what-is-sip-and-how-can-you-use-it-in-jami/
  31. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Reviewed by:
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 9, 2025
Views: 643
Categories: Skype
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 643 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement