Top Skype alternatives to try before it shuts down
Skype was among the first widely used video-calling apps. While it's still in use today, plenty of other tools offer free video chats and online calls. Many apps support group chats, video calls, and additional collaboration features on both computers and smartphones.
With Microsoft planning to pull the plug on Skype and offer MS Teams instead, it's time to try alternatives and migrate to one of the solutions available on the modern digital market. Here are some of our top Skype alternatives, though there are many more to explore if these don't meet your needs.
Virola
Virola is a corporate messenger for small, medium and large teams. It combines business features and has everything you need for smooth communication and collaboration. It supports audio and video calls, provides tools for issue tracking, group chats, and synchronizes smoothly with mobile apps. It is a self-hosted tool, so you will not need to worry about your data security.
Virola is available for free for small teams up to ten online users. You can chat with your friends or co-workers in private and group chats, call them, share your screen, and invite other users to join your group chats.
Zadarma
If you need a phone system for your business, Zadarma is the right solution for your team. It has a rich set of features, VoIP and cloud-based PBX system, integrations with CRM systems, advanced call management, and virtual phone numbers.
If you used Skype mostly for calling, then Zadarma will become the right alternative to Skype with a more robust calling system and integration with CRM for efficient collaboration and customer service.
Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a reliable cloud-based alternative to Skype for international calls and video conferencing. It can be seamlessly integrated with your CRM and become integral part of your workflow.
Zoom Phone can be used together with Zoom Workplace, a powerful collaboration platform. Zoom Phone offers end-to-end encryption for voice calls, AI-powered spam detection, and call recording - features that the standard version of Skype does not include.
RingCentral
RingCentral is a modern and powerful alternative to Skype with a comprehensive phone system for business communication with customers and team members, video conferencing, and team collaboration.
Like Skype, RingCentral is cloud-based and provides limited storage for files and chat history. Thus, if you need to have your communications accessible, you can use self-hosted business messengers like Virola or Rocket.Chat for team collaboration.
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a versatile collaboration platform built to adapt to changing data privacy regulations. With on-premise and air-gapped deployment options, it allows you to maintain full control over your data while enabling smooth collaboration with colleagues and external partners.
Rocket.Chat can be used as an alternative to Skype as it supports in-app calling, private and group chats, video conferencing, and offers a wide range of team collaboration features. With the help of Team Voice Calls in Rocket.Chat, you can have VoIP seamlessly integrated into your workflow.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a great choice for companies prioritizing security. It provides stronger encryption than Skype, ensuring that all data in transit is always encrypted by default. Adhering to the IETF security standards for Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), Google Meet generates a unique encryption key for each user and meeting.
Google Meet supports video conferencing and is part of the Google ecosystem. Google Voice can be used for international calls and with the help of Google Chat, Workspace participants can send messages to one another. Google Workspace can be a great alternative to Skype, especially for businesses.
Why do you need to migrate to a Skype alternative?
- Ads can be distracting, especially during calls
- Skype is known for various vulnerabilities and security breaches that regularly appear with software updates
- Spamming messages and contact requests from unknown users
- Software performance issues
What you need to pay attention to while testing Skype alternatives
The main features Skype users like it for are the ability to make international calls and run video conferences. However, lots of modern messaging apps offer these features.
Thus, while selecting a Skype alternative you should pay attention to the following:
- Application security. The most secure option is to use self-hosted software, like Virola or Rocket.Chat. This way you will take control over your information, preventing data leaks.
- The set of available features. It is important to understand what kind of features you need. For example, if you have not used Skype for international calls, looking into apps like Zadarma is unnecessary. On the other side, if Skype was mostly used for video calls and chats, Virola or Rocket.Chat will be a great solution offering various features for effective communication and collaboration.
- Simplicity of installation. Skype users enjoy a simple and user-friendly interface and are used to having everything they need at their fingertips. With other applications, they will need to learn new software, get through the process of installation, and integration into their workflow.