The unexpected news of Skype shutting down has left countless users grappling with feelings of confusion and panic. Many individuals and businesses alike are now faced with the challenge of finding reliable alternatives to meet their international calling needs. Skype has long been a staple in the realm of communication, providing a platform for users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe.
As the end of its service draws near, users are understandably concerned about how they will maintain these crucial lines of communication. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of the best alternatives to Skype, dividing them into two categories: voice-only options and video-integrated options.
Voice-Only Options
Talk360
Talk360 is a promising alternative to Skype for voice-only communications, especially for international calls. It allows users to call mobile and landline numbers without requiring the recipient to have an internet connection or even the app; this is online to offline. Unlike Skype, Talk360 does not provide virtual numbers and requires users to register with their actual phone number for security.
The app operates on a pay-as-you-go model, making it affordable for international use. However, it is limited to outgoing calls only, does not support Windows or Mac desktops, and cannot receive calls within the app. Despite these limitations, Talk360 is a solid option for reliable and simple outgoing international calls.
Viber
Viber is another popular option in the realm of voice calling. Similar to other platforms, it allows free voice calls to fellow users while offering low rates for calls to non-Viber mobile and landline numbers.
It also includes features such as instant messaging and the ability to send photos and videos, making it a comprehensive communication tool. Although Viber comes with a free version, it does display ads, which can be inconvenient or irritating to users who prefer an ad-free experience.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a robust and feature-rich service that provides free phone calls, text messaging, and voicemail services. Users can select a U.S. phone number from a range of area codes, making it ideal for those who need a consistent point of contact for both personal and business purposes. Google Voice also supports voicemail transcription and call screening, adding layers of convenience to its offerings.
Libon
Libon offers a range of communication services designed to enhance the way users connect with others. Primarily focused on voice-over IP (VoIP) services, the app allows users to make high-quality international calls at competitive rates. The platform also includes messaging features, enabling users to send texts and share multimedia content with ease.
One of Libon’s standout features is its personalized voicemail service, which not only captures messages but also provides transcription, allowing users to read their voicemails at the same time as they are listening to them. The downside of this app is that you have to pay for a specific area or country you want to call; which is not ideal if you wish to make a variety of calls.
Video-Integrated Options
Zoom
Zoom’s meteoric rise to prominence highlights its user-friendly interface and exceptional video conferencing capabilities. Originally tailored for corporate settings, it has become a favorite for personal use as well. Zoom supports virtual meetings, webinars, and social events, accommodating up to 1,000 video participants in a single call, depending on your plan. Its screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording functionalities further enhance its appeal for various communication scenarios.
Google Meet
Google Meet, part of Google’s suite of tools, offers secure and easy-to-join video meetings with a focus on professional and academic settings. Its integration with Google Calendar allows users to schedule meetings effortlessly. With heightened attention to security and privacy, Google Meet provides encryption and other features to protect user data, making it a reliable choice for both business and personal use.
Microsoft Teams
For organizations using Microsoft’s ecosystem, Microsoft Teams is a natural alternative to Skype. This collaborative platform combines messaging, voice calls, video meetings, and file sharing, all in one place. Teams are particularly beneficial for businesses, enabling seamless integration with Microsoft Office applications and offering powerful collaboration tools, making remote work more manageable.
FaceTime
For those embedded within the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime delivers an excellent video-calling experience with built-in encryption for enhanced security. It allows users to connect with up to 32 participants simultaneously, making it a great option for family gatherings or group chats, all while being incredibly user-friendly for anyone with an iOS device.
WhatsApp isn't just a messaging app; it also provides high-quality voice and video call features. Its widespread usage makes it an effective tool for connecting with contacts globally, complementing robust messaging capabilities with multimedia-sharing options. WhatsApp’s emphasis on security, with end-to-end encryption, ensures that conversations remain private.
Webex by Cisco
As an established player in the business communication space, Webex offers comprehensive video conferencing solutions along with features such as screen sharing, meeting recording, and virtual white boarding. Its highly secure platform is particularly favored in corporate environments, making it a strong alternative to Skype for professional use.
Making the right choice for you
While Skype shutting down is indeed a significant event, there are many reliable alternatives available. Whether you're looking for a voice-only option like Talk360 or a video-integrated platform like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, you can find a solution that suits your needs. As always, it's essential to consider your specific requirements, such as internet connectivity, cost, functionality, and call quality, before choosing an alternative to Skype.
