Best Skype alternatives for calls, meetings, and business in 2026

Why do you need a Skype alternative?

You need a Skype alternative because Microsoft announced the app’s shutdown in May 2025, officially bringing Skype to an end after years as one of the most widely used services for video calls. The company shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams, which had already become its main platform for messaging, video conferencing, and workplace collaboration.

It’s worth understanding that Skype’s decline didn’t happen overnight. For years, users complained about connection issues during calls, irrelevant updates, and an interface that felt dated compared to competitors like Zoom or WhatsApp.

The app that once dominated international calling slowly lost users as mobile-first and business-focused platforms took over. In fact, by the time Microsoft confirmed the shutdown, many people had already moved on. 

Now that Skype has closed for good, it’s about time to delete your Skype account and switch to an alternative. With the growing trend of people deleting their social media apps, having a reliable tool for calls and messaging is more important than ever.

Top Skype alternatives for different needs 

When comparing Skype alternatives, it helps to look at what each platform does best — whether that’s video calls abroad, video conferencing, screen sharing, or instant messaging. Some tools are designed for quick personal chats, while others are built specifically for large-scale business meetings. 

With so many options available, here are the most widely used Skype alternatives that have gained popularity across different use cases:

• Microsoft Teams — a natural successor to Skype, combining chat, meetings, and collaboration for businesses.
• Zoom — known for reliable voice and video calls, breakout rooms, and strong screen sharing features.
• Google Meet — integrated with Google Workspace, great for quick video calls and professional meetings.
• WhatsApp — a mobile-first app for video calls and group chats, with end-to-end encryption.
• FaceTime — the go-to choice for Apple users, ideal for high-quality video calls across iOS and macOS devices.
• Viber — popular for international calling and everyday messaging, with affordable rates for phone calls.
• GoToMeeting — a professional tool for webinars and business online conferencing.
• Jitsi Meet — an open-source platform for secure online calls and easy screen sharing without sign-ups.
• RingCentral — a communication platform that combines video calls, messaging, and phone features in one place.

In the next sections, we’ll break the alternatives down into categories — the best overall picks, go-to free options, top international calling apps, reliable business-focused tools, and services tailored for specific needs.

Skype alternatives considered best overall

Some apps are widely considered the best overall replacements for Skype because they balance personal and business use, support video calls, and include useful features like screen sharing and video conferencing. Three apps, in particular, stand out in this category.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is Skype’s official successor and is considered best for businesses that already use Microsoft 365. It combines instant messaging, meetings, and document collaboration.

PROS:

• Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps

• Strong security

• Built for smooth business collaboration

CONS:

• Can feel complex for casual users due to the heavier setup compared to apps like WhatsApp or Viber

Zoom

Zoom is often seen as the go-to for both business and personal online conferencing. The app became especially popular during the pandemic and has remained a standard choice.

PROS:

• Reliable call quality

• User-friendly interface

• Support for large group meetings

• Effective screen-sharing features

CONS:

• The free plan has a 40-minute meeting limit

• Past security issues (e.g., Zoombombing)

Google Meet

Google Meet is part of Google Workspace and offers a simple but reliable option for video calls and group meetings, especially for those already using Gmail, Google Calendar, or related services like Google Voice.

PROS: 

• Easy browser access

• Strong integration with Google apps

• No extra downloads needed

CONS:

• Extra features (e.g., e-signatures and noise cancellation) require a paid plan

• Free plan limits group sizes and recording options

Skype alternatives considered best for free use

Not everyone needs a paid service, and many of the most popular Skype alternatives offer strong free plans. These apps are ideal if you are mainly interested in online calls, group chats, or light video conferencing without committing to paid plans.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a mobile-first messaging app that supports free video calls and group chats, making it one of the easiest free Skype alternatives for everyday use.

PROS: 

• End-to-end encryption

• Wide availability

• Free international messaging and calls over an internet connection

CONS:

• Limited capabilities for large video conferences 

• Depends on phone number registration

Telegram

Telegram is considered one of the best free Skype alternatives for those who value privacy. It supports encrypted online calls, messaging, and file sharing without size limits.

PROS: 

• Privacy-focused features

• Cloud-based storage

• Free video calls

• Support for large groups and channels

CONS: 

• End-to-end encryption is not enabled by default

• Some privacy experts remain skeptical about the app’s security model

• Less popular options for video conferencing compared to Zoom or Google Meet

Discord

Discord is best known in the gaming community but has grown into a versatile communication tool. It offers free unlimited calls with video, real-time messaging, and community servers.

PROS:

• Free video conferencing with screen sharing

• Large community features

CONS:

• Interface can feel complex for new users

• Not designed for formal business meetings

Skype alternatives considered best for international calls

If you were using Skype to keep in touch with family, friends, or colleagues abroad, the apps below are considered some of the best alternatives. They offer free international calls, low-cost rates, and a reliable online connection.

Viber

Viber is widely used for international communication thanks to its free app-to-app calls and affordable rates for calling landlines and mobiles abroad. It also supports file sharing and group chats, making it more than just a calling app.

PROS: 

• High-quality voice and video calls

• Free international calls between Viber users

• End-to-end encryption

CONS:

• Charges apply for calling non-Viber numbers

• Not as popular in all regions

WeChat

WeChat dominates the Asian market, especially in China, where it combines instant messaging, payments, file sharing, and international calling features in one platform. The app is often used both as a free version for personal chats and as a business tool.

PROS: 

• Massive user base

• Free voice and video calls

• Wide range of extra services

CONS:

• Limited popularity outside Asia

• Concerns about privacy and data use

LINE

LINE is popular in Japan, Taiwan, and other Asia-Pacific countries, offering free video calls along with affordable international calling options. It is often chosen as a simple video conferencing tool for small groups.

PROS: 

• Free voice and video calls

• Strong adoption in Asia

• Extra features like stickers and games

CONS:

• Less known outside Asia

• Smaller global user base compared to WhatsApp

Skype alternatives considered best for business

Back in the day, Skype was the go-to app for many companies for online meetings. Today, however, business users have more powerful alternatives that focus on team collaboration, enterprise-level video conferencing, and professional meetings.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has taken over as Microsoft’s primary business communication platform, making it the most direct replacement for Skype for Business. It brings together chat, video meetings, file sharing, and integration with Office apps.

PROS: 

• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365

• Secure environment

• Good-quality video meetings

• Effective file-sharing features

CONS:

• Can feel overwhelming for smaller teams

• Best suited for paid plans rather than the free version

Slack

Slack is considered one of the best team collaboration apps, focusing on instant messaging with added video and audio call features. It works well as a communication hub alongside other video conferencing tools.

PROS: 

• Excellent for team chats and integrations

• File sharing support

• User-friendly interface

CONS:

• Video calls are basic compared to dedicated video conferencing platforms

• Can get expensive with paid plans

Webex

Cisco Webex is widely recognized as an enterprise-grade video conferencing platform with strong security and advanced features. It’s often chosen by large organizations that need reliable video meetings.

PROS: 

• High-quality video conferencing

• Strong host controls

• Trusted by enterprises for security

CONS:

• Interface is complex for new users

• Free plan is limited compared to competitors

Skype alternatives considered best for specific use cases

Sometimes the best Skype alternative isn’t the most popular app everyone’s talking about. It might be the one that gives you something extra — stronger privacy, a simpler setup, or a tool that fits perfectly into the devices you already use. The options below may not top the download charts, but they can be the right choice if you’re looking for features tailored to your specific needs.

Signal

Signal is widely known as one of the most secure messaging apps. It offers private voice and video calls alongside encrypted instant messaging.

PROS: 

• End-to-end encryption by default

• Free to use

• Highly trusted for privacy

CONS: 

• Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp or Telegram

• Fewer advanced video conferencing capabilities

Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing tool that works directly in the browser, requiring no sign-ups or downloads.

PROS: 

• Completely free

• Unlimited calls

• Screen sharing features

• No account needed

CONS:

• Call quality depends heavily on the internet connection

• Lack of advanced features

FaceTime

FaceTime is best suited for Apple users and provides smooth voice and video calls across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

PROS: 

• Excellent video quality

• User-friendly interface

• Smooth integration with Apple devices

CONS:

• Limited to the Apple ecosystem

• No support for Windows or Android users

Skype vs. top alternatives: Feature comparison

Choosing between so many apps can feel overwhelming, so it helps to see the differences side by side. Here’s a quick comparison of the main Skype alternatives, covering the basics like free plans, screen sharing, international calling, and security.

How to choose the right Skype alternative

With so many apps similar to Skype, the challenge lies in choosing the one that actually fits your needs. The best option will depend on how you plan to use it: whether for quick chats with friends, reliable video conferencing at work, or smooth international calls with your loved ones.

The points below can help you compare different services and find the best option for you.

Cost: Free vs. paid plans

Most alternatives to Skype offer a free version, and for many people, that’s all they’ll ever need — quick video calls, group chats, and messaging without paying a cent. 

Paid plans usually provide more features, like bigger meeting sizes, call recording, or extra support. If you’re just catching up with friends, a free version works fine. If you’re running a team or hosting regular meetings, it’s worth exploring paid options.

Features: Video quality, group size limits, screen sharing

Not all apps are built the same, and the features can make a big difference. Some apps manage to keep top video quality even on weaker connections, while others struggle. 

Group size is another factor — WhatsApp or FaceTime work well for small circles, but tools like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet handle bigger meetings. Screen sharing is also worth noting if you plan to present slides, show documents, or walk someone through a process.

Platform compatibility: Desktop, mobile, web

One of the first things to check when choosing a Skype alternative is where it works. Some apps run smoothly on desktop, mobile, and web, while others are tied to a specific system. 

For example, FaceTime is great if you’re an Apple user, but useless if your friends use Windows or Android. If you need flexibility, look for apps that sync across all devices so you can start a call on your laptop and continue it on your phone.

Security: End-to-end encryption, privacy policies

Security is a key factor when choosing a Skype alternative. Apps like Signal and WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can see your messages or hear your calls. 

Many services also let you add extra protection with two-factor authentication (2FA) or even multi-factor authentication (MFA). It’s also worth checking privacy policies to see how apps handle your data. Staying alert to threats like phishing can help you avoid scams, especially if you use these tools for business.

Ease of use: Setup process, user interface

A good Skype alternative should be easy to set up and simple to use. Some apps, like WhatsApp or FaceTime, work almost instantly once you sign in, while others, such as Microsoft Teams, may take more time to learn. If you’re choosing for family members or a team that’s sensitive to big changes, go for an app with a clear layout and minimal setup.

How do you switch from Skype to other alternatives?

Since Skype was shut down in May 2025, you’re no longer switching directly from the app itself. Microsoft has moved many users to Microsoft Teams Free, which now serves as its main communication tool. 

For personal users or those who prefer other services, the process comes down to keeping your contacts, setting up a new account, and helping teams or family members adjust.

Export contacts and chat history

Your Skype contacts don’t disappear right away. If you sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype credentials, your contacts transfer automatically, and most of your chat history comes with you. Microsoft will keep this option available until January 2026. After that, any remaining Skype data will be permanently deleted. 

If you don’t want to move to Teams, you can use Microsoft’s export tool before the deadline to save your contacts and chats. Once exported, you can import the data into another app or keep it as a personal archive.

Create new accounts

After you’ve saved your contacts and data, the next step is choosing a new platform. Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime use your phone number or Apple ID, while Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack rely on email sign-ups. Setup is usually quick, and free plans often cover the basics for personal use.

Train your team

For businesses, switching tools isn’t just about creating new accounts. Teams need to know how to schedule meetings, use screen sharing, and share files in the new platform. A short onboarding session or step-by-step guide helps everyone adapt faster.

Pricing overview of Skype alternatives

When comparing Skype alternatives, cost is often what separates casual users from business users. Free plans are available almost everywhere, but they usually come with limits that make them better suited for personal use than for large-scale business communication.

Free plans typically cover the basics: voice and video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing, and small group meetings. They’re more than enough for friends and families, but once you try hosting bigger groups or longer sessions, the restrictions start to show. Zoom, for example, cuts free meetings after 40 minutes, and other platforms cap participant numbers or leave out extras like cloud recording and advanced meeting controls.

Paid plans unlock those restrictions. They extend meeting times, raise participant limits, and add features like larger cloud storage, webinar hosting, custom branding, or better security tools. Microsoft Teams and Google Meet keep pricing accessible for small businesses, while Zoom is often chosen by organizations that want more advanced video conferencing features.

Most basic paid plans start in the range of $4 to $15 per user per month, depending on the platform and feature set. Premium plans for larger enterprises can go higher, but for most small businesses, the entry-level packages provide everything they need for day-to-day communication.

For businesses, the question is less about whether a tool is free and more about the return on investment. A subscription that allows teams to collaborate smoothly, host larger video conferences, or avoid juggling multiple apps can save hours of lost time every week. Stronger security and compliance features also reduce risks, which can be worth far more than the monthly subscription cost in the long run.

Conclusion

With Skype now officially a thing of the past, the good news is that you have plenty of alternatives to choose from. Whether you need free online calls with friends, reliable video conferencing for work, or low-cost international calling, you can find an app that will take over where Skype left off. The best choice depends on your needs, but the range of options means you won’t be left without a way to connect.