As Skype prepares to shut down its services in May 2025, you may be seeking reliable alternatives to maintain their communication needs. Whether you’re a business professional or an individual looking to stay connected with friends and family, there are numerous apps and software that can serve as effective replacements for Skype. This article will explore some of the top alternatives.
Microsoft Teams
- Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
- Pricing: Free version available; paid plans start from $4 per user per month.
Microsoft Teams is positioned as the successor to Skype, with many of Skype’s features being migrated to Teams. Skype users can log in with their existing accounts, and their chat history and account details will be transferred seamlessly. Teams is an excellent choice for professionals, offering robust collaboration tools, video conferencing, and VoIP calling.
Key Features:
- Seamless Migration: Skype accounts, chat history, and contacts are automatically transferred to Teams.
- Business Collaboration: Integrated with Microsoft 365, enabling document sharing, team chats, and workflow automation.
- Video Conferencing: Supports HD video calls, screen sharing, and meeting recordings.
- VoIP Calling: Make and receive calls within the platform, including landline and mobile dialing.
Pros
- Strong business and collaboration tools
- Secure and encrypted communication
- Works seamlessly with Microsoft ecosystem
Cons
- Can be complex for casual users
- Requires a Microsoft account for full functionality
AI Phone
- Compatible Platforms: iOS, Android
- Pricing: Free version available; paid plans start from $9.99 per user per month.
AI Phone is a VoIP phone call app that provides real-time translation for voice and video calls. It offers a second phone number and affordable international calling to over 200 countries. Supporting both landline and mobile calls, AI Phone is an innovative solution for users who need seamless global communication.
Key Features:
- Second Phone Number: Keep business and personal calls separate with an additional phone number.
- Affordable International Calls: Make cost-effective calls to landlines and mobiles in over 200 countries.
- Live Call Translation: AI-powered real-time voice and video translation in over 100 languages, ensuring natural and accurate conversations.
- Live Call Transcription: Capture and review important call details with live transcription, AI-generated summaries, and full call transcripts.
- Translation for Popular Apps: Supports voice and video call translation on popular communication apps.
- Additional Translation Features: Includes voice, conversation, text, camera, and photo translation.
- Enhanced Call Management: AI-assisted texting, auto-reply to texts, quick reply during calls, voicemail customization, call forwarding, call blocking, “Do Not Disturb” mode, and business hour settings.
Pros
- Unique real-time call translation feature
- Cost-effective solution for international calls
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Requires an internet connection for VoIP calls
- May not have the same brand recognition as larger competitors
Zoom
- Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web, Linux
- Pricing: Free version available with time limits; paid plans start from $14.99 per host per month.
Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool widely used for business and personal communication. It supports high-quality video calls, screen sharing, and large group meetings, making it a strong alternative for Skype users who rely on video conferencing.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Video & Audio: Delivers HD video calls with noise suppression for clear communication.
- Screen Sharing & Virtual Backgrounds: Allows users to share presentations and personalize their meeting environment.
- Meeting Recording & Transcription: Enables users to save and review meetings with automated transcripts.
- Large Group Meetings: Supports up to 1,000 participants in webinars and conferences.
Pros
- Excellent video quality and reliability
- Easy to use for both personal and business use
- Free version available with 40-minute meeting limit
Cons
- Security concerns with past vulnerabilities
- Free version has limited meeting duration
Google Meet
- Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
- Pricing: Free for personal use; paid plans for business start from $6 per user per month.
Google Meet, part of Google Workspace, provides secure and high-quality video calling with features such as real-time captions and screen sharing. It integrates well with other Google services, making it a convenient choice for users in need of a professional calling platform.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Video Calls: Optimized for smooth, low-latency video meetings.
- Live Captions: AI-powered real-time captions improve accessibility and comprehension.
- Google Integration: Seamlessly connects with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive.
- Screen Sharing & Recording: Enables easy collaboration and content sharing.
Pros
- Free for Google users
- Strong security and encryption
- Works well within the Google ecosystem
Cons
- Limited features compared to Zoom for large meetings
- Requires a Google account
- Compatible Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows (via WhatsApp Web), macOS (via WhatsApp Web)
- Pricing: Free for basic use; WhatsApp Business has additional features.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging and calling apps worldwide. It offers free voice and video calls over the internet, making it a great alternative for those looking for a simple, mobile-friendly solution.
Key Features:
- Free Voice & Video Calls: Connect with contacts worldwide without call charges.
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure and private communication.
- Group Calling: Supports up to 32 participants in video calls.
- Text Messaging with Media Sharing: Exchange texts, photos, videos, and documents.
Pros
- Widely used and familiar to many users
- Completely free for calls between WhatsApp users
- Strong security features
Cons
- Requires a phone number to use
- Not ideal for business or large group meetings
Viber
- Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
- Pricing: Free for basic use; Viber Out for calling landlines and mobiles.
Viber is another solid alternative that provides free calls between Viber users and low-cost international calling to landlines and mobiles. It also includes messaging, group calls, and encryption features for secure communication.
Key Features:
- Free Voice & Video Calls: High-quality calls between Viber users worldwide.
- Low-Cost International Calls: Offers Viber Out service for calling landlines and mobiles at reduced rates.
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure and private conversations.
- Group Chats & Public Communities: Connect with friends and follow interest-based communities.
Pros
- Affordable international calling options
- Secure and encrypted communication
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp
- Requires internet access for calls
Conclusion
As Skype is phased out, users have a variety of powerful alternatives to choose from, each catering to different needs. Whether you prefer the business-friendly features of Microsoft Teams, the affordability and real-time translation of AI Phone, or the convenience of apps like WhatsApp and Viber, there are plenty of options to keep you connected internationally.
Experience the future of international calls today!
Looking for an advanced international calling solution with live call translation and AI-powered features? AI Phone offers affordable international calls, real-time translation, and powerful call management tools to make your communication effortless.