Best Skype alternatives now that it’s officially gone

After 23 years of connecting people worldwide, Skype, the iconic video-calling service, officially shuts down today, May 5, 2025. Microsoft, Skype’s parent company, announced that users can migrate their contacts and chats seamlessly to Microsoft Teams, or alternatively, download their data and explore other video-calling platforms.

Top Skype alternatives to consider in 2025

If you’re seeking new communication solutions, we’ve compiled the top alternatives to Skype, complete with key features and pricing, to help you make the smoothest transition possible.

1. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams offers comprehensive integration within the Microsoft 365 environment, ideal for businesses already leveraging Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools. It simplifies remote collaboration with video conferencing and document sharing capabilities.

• Integration with Microsoft 365, video conferencing, file sharing, collaborative editing.
• From $15 per user/month.

2. Zoom

Zoom is known for reliable, high-quality audio and video calls, making it suitable for professional meetings, webinars, and group discussions. Its user-friendly interface has made it popular among diverse user groups.

• High-quality audio and video calls, breakout rooms, webinar functionality, screen sharing.
• Free for basic (40-min limit); Pro plans start at $15 per user/month.

3. Google Meet

Integrated directly into Google Workspace, Google Meet offers straightforward video conferencing and collaboration for teams who utilize Google’s productivity tools, ensuring easy adoption and efficiency.

• Browser-based meetings, deep integration with Google Workspace, real-time collaboration.
• Free basic version; Google Workspace plans from $6 per user/month.

4. Slack

Slack excels in real-time team collaboration, featuring robust messaging and calling tools, extensive integrations, and an intuitive user interface.

• Real-time messaging, audio/video calls, integration with numerous business apps.
• Free with limited features; Pro plans start at $8 per user/month.

5. Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex delivers enterprise-level video conferencing with strong security measures, making it highly suitable for large organizations and businesses requiring advanced management and analytics tools.

• Enterprise-grade security, large-scale video conferencing, AI-enhanced productivity tools.
• Free basic tier; Paid plans from $13.50 per user/month.

6. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is ideal for straightforward, personal, and small-scale business communications, featuring secure and easy-to-use messaging, video, and voice calls.

• End-to-end encryption, voice/video calls, easy-to-use interface, group chats.
• Completely free.

7. Discord

Originally popular among gamers, Discord offers robust community-building features with voice, video, and text communication, making it ideal for creative groups and communities.

• Voice and video calls, community-oriented text channels, screen sharing.
• Free with premium “Nitro” options starting at $9.99/month.

8. Signal

Signal is widely respected for its emphasis on privacy and security, providing encrypted messaging and calls for users who require maximum security.

• Secure messaging, encrypted video and voice calls, open-source.
• Free.

9. Jami

Jami stands out for its decentralized, peer-to-peer architecture, making it ideal for users interested in privacy and independent control over their communication infrastructure.

• Peer-to-peer communication, decentralized infrastructure, complete user control.
• Free.

10. RingCentral

RingCentral combines phone, video conferencing, and messaging into a robust cloud communication system suited for businesses of all sizes.

• Cloud telephony, video conferencing, integrated messaging and call management.
• Starting from $19.99 per user/month.

11. Pumble

Pumble provides streamlined team messaging and video calling solutions, ideal for businesses needing reliable internal communication without additional complexity.

• Team messaging, voice/video calls, unlimited message history.
• Free basic tier; paid options available.

12. GoTo Meeting

GoTo Meeting offers professional video conferencing and meeting solutions designed for ease of use and effective remote collaboration.

• Online meetings, screen sharing, mobile app support.
• From $12 per user/month.

Choosing the right Skype alternative depends significantly on your specific communication needs, integration requirements, and budget considerations. Whether you’re an individual user or a large corporation, the tools listed above provide robust features designed to enhance productivity and ensure seamless communication.

Evaluate the options carefully and embrace this opportunity to upgrade your communication strategy post-Skype.

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