Top Skype Alternatives You Should Try

Top Skype Alternatives You Should Try Before the Service Shuts Down

These apps offer calling, chats, and more without a monthly fee

Published on March 3, 2025

Skype was one of the first video-calling apps widely available. It's still used today, but it’s far from your only option for free video chats or online calls. Many apps offer free group chats, video calls, and other features, whether you're using a computer or smartphone. These are a few of our favorite Skype alternatives, though many others are available if none of these suit you.

In May 2025, Microsoft plans to shut down Skype and move Skype users to the free version of Microsoft Teams.

of 07

Best for Ease of Use: WhatsApp

What We Like

Huge user base.
Group chats of over 1,000.
Very easy to use.
32 people can be on a call at once.

What We Don't Like

Some privacy concerns due to being owned by Facebook.

WhatsApp vs. Skype

WhatsApp is one of the biggest instant messaging services in the world. It connects billions of users together, and it offers far more than just instant messaging. You can also use it to make voice and video calls, as well as group chat. It's hugely popular, so if you're trying to arrange a chat with a relative who's not very tech savvy, they probably still know how to use WhatsApp.

Download For:

of 07

Best for Apple Users: FaceTime

What We Like

Built into all Apple products.
Very simple to use.
Entirely free.

What We Don't Like

Windows and Android users can only join calls in progress.
App is only available for Apple devices.

Our Review of FaceTime

If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, FaceTime is a very easy solution to use, provided the person you want to talk to also owns an Apple device. It's as easy as making any other call and still offers end-to-end encryption. You don't even need to install it; it's built into Apple products, making it perfect for novices.

In iOS 15 and macOS Monterey (12.0) and later, FaceTime gains extra features, including the ability to share your screen, listen to music, and watch movies in sync with the people you're talking to.

Download For:

iOS

of 07

Most Popular Alternative: Zoom

What We Like

Simple to use.
Perfect for many scenarios.
Reliable service.

What We Don't Like

Advanced features aren't free.
Some privacy concerns.

Our Review of Zoom

Zoom is one of the fastest-growing Skype alternatives out there. That's because it's very flexible. It works just as well for audio calls as video chats; you can also use it one-on-one or for group calls. Simple to use, it works via every platform possible, including your desktop. Just be a little wary about how easy it is to be Zoom-bombed and other security concerns.

Download For:

of 07

Best for a Quick Call: Slack

What We Like

Screen annotation features.
Works in a web browser.
Ideal for business team collaborations.

What We Don't Like

Limited features for free users.
Less likely to already be installed on your friends' devices.

Our Review of Slack

Slack is often thought of as predominantly a business tool for collaborating via texts and instant messaging, but you can also make audio and video calls through the service.

On the free plan, you can only video chat with one other person, but if you just need to jump on a quick call, it's a great alternative, as you probably already have Slack open and ready.

It's also ideal for quick screen collaborations and annotations, which are super useful in a business context. Just expect to need to subscribe if you want more powerful features.

Download For:

of 07

Best for Chatting With Friends: Facebook Messenger

What We Like

Nearly everyone has an account.
Extra features—play games, share location, and send money.
Encrypted.

What We Don't Like

Facebook related security issues.

Our Review of Facebook Messenger

Just want to chat with a friend via audio or video call? Facebook Messenger is a great way to do this within seconds. Nearly everyone has an account, so you won't have to worry about complex setups. The service works through the user's browser. You can easily arrange an audio call with up to 50 accounts via the service.

Download For:

of 07

Best for One-On-One Calls: Viber

What We Like

End-to-end encryption.
Very similar to Skype.
Can delete messages.

What We Don't Like

Limited free features.

Viber works a lot like Skype, with free text, voice, and video calls and the option to pay to call phone numbers around the world. Crucially here, there's group audio calling which is quick to set up. There are some banner ads, but they're not intrusive. The added benefit of being able to delete text messages once seen is great for added privacy. Expect to pay if you want more than a one-on-one video call, though.

Download For:

of 07

Best for Open Source Fans: Jami

What We Like

Completely peer-to-peer.
End-to-end encryption.
No adverts.

What We Don't Like

Not very well known.
Relatively few users.
Little basic looking.

Keen to embrace a Skype alternative that isn't owned by a massive company? Jami is an open-source solution that works on a peer-to-peer basis. That means there's no risk of any company spying on your activities or keeping logs. It's ad-free and entirely free to use while still offering key features like audio and video calls, screen sharing, and conference calls.

The only issue is getting other people on board, as Jami is a far from well-known brand. That can be to its benefit, though, as it should be more secure from hacks. While it looks very basic and lacks the cool presentation that more established apps use, it does the job.

Download For:

Our 8 Favorite Second Phone Number Apps

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Tell us why!