There is a sad news for Skype users. The famous video-calling service Skype is closing after 23 years of bringing people together globally. The parent corporation, Microsoft, has stated that May 5, 2025, is the service’s official twilight date. This news has had a great impact on organizations and even businesses that have been utilizing Skype for communication for years. However, you cannot do anything about that except search for the best Skype alternatives in 2025.
You must be wondering that is there an alternative to Skype that communicates smarter and faster. The answer is ‘Yes.’ There are plenty of apps similar to Skype available that a business or organization can use for better communication.
In order to save you time, we have carefully selected the top 10 Skype related apps that can be used for a variety of purposes, including teamwork, online education, business meetings, and informal conversations with friends and family. These alternative programs to Skype facilitate effective teamwork and seamless communication.
Continue reading if you’re prepared to step up your communication skills and bid Skype farewell. Whatever you’re looking for, we have the greatest Skype alternatives!
Table of Contents
Top 10 Skype Alternatives for Smarter and Faster Communication
Without taking your time, let’s discuss which is the best Skype alternative in 2025. Here is the list of our top 10 picks of apps similar to Skype:
Google Meet
The fact that Google Meet is free to use with a Google account is undoubtedly a bonus. Making the switch to Google would be very simple because many people already use it and have accounts.
Users may record meetings, share screens, conduct meetings with up to 100 people, and more using Google Meet. It can also provide Google Workspace services. One disadvantage of the free plan is that meetings with more than three people have a 60-minute time restriction. This makes it one of the best Skype alternatives in 2025.
For features such as accommodating up to 25 co-hosts, splitting attendees into smaller breakout rooms during meetings, making polls, arranging a Q&A session, broadcasting live to YouTube, and more, large businesses might wish to invest in a Google Workspace plan. This Skype alternative is the best for small or even large businesses.
With options starting at $7/month, $14/month, $22/month, and upwards, Workspace also provides AI-powered capabilities through its Gemini assistant, which assists Meet users with creating unique backdrop pictures and taking notes.
Slack
Slack is the best option if you’re looking for a smooth communication alternative programs to Skype. It has become popular for its robust team collaboration capabilities, which include the ability to exchange files, group discussions into channels, and interface with many applications.
Slack facilitates simple and effective communication while streamlining your company’s operations. It is the preferred option for team management and communication because of this. Therefore. It is also among the best and most valuable Skype alternatives in 2025 and later.
Slack’s Huddle feature makes it simple for users to go between a chat thread and a casual audio or video conference with coworkers. Huddles can only hold two users on its free plan, while its subscription versions (which cost $7 or $12 a month) can hold up to 50 users. See our comprehensive guide on how to use Slack in 2025.
Zoom
One of the most skype alternatives for team collaborations, online meetings, and video conferencing is Zoom, which is one of the similar apps like Skype. It makes it simple to have video chats with any camera-equipped device.
You have two options: install the app on your PC or utilize the web browser on your mobile device. It offers the ability to plan meetings with up to 100 people present at once. And without any fees, at that.
The 40-minute time restriction for every meeting for customers on the free plan is a drawback, though. Users will need to pay a membership fee, which costs between $13 and $18 per month, to prevent meetings from being interrupted.
Zoom’s AI Companion, which allows users to ask questions about recorded sessions and summarize conversations, is available to paid members.
Also Read: Best Organizational Apps: Stay Organized On the Go
Microsoft Teams
After Skype retires, Microsoft Teams will remain a collaborative and communication tool. The business has given Microsoft Teams its whole attention in order to deliver a smooth and seamless experience similar to Skype.
Among screen-sharing programs like Skype, Microsoft Teams is unique in that it lets you share your screen and activate your audio system to give a live presentation to others.
The virtual whiteboard is one useful feature. You have the ability to take notes, make tables, add images, and draw diagrams. It is ideal for group brainstorming or planning meetings since whatever you put on the whiteboard may be saved and utilized at a later time.
Due to its close integration with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams is one of the ideal Skype alternatives for business environments.
It’s a central location for collaboration that offers real-time document editing, file sharing, video conferencing, and chat. Teams is a straightforward and obvious solution if you currently use Microsoft products.
Webex
The video conferencing service Webex, which is owned by Cisco, provides a comparable plan to its rivals. For example, it provides capabilities like screen sharing, session recording, whiteboard functionality, and more.
Cisco Webex is a strong option if you’re searching for one of the top Skype alternatives for business in 2025.
Webex is ideal for businesses that want safe, scalable solutions because of its emphasis on excellent video conferencing, messaging, and team collaboration. This is one of the similar apps like Skype.
The free plan has a 40-minute time restriction and may accommodate up to 100 people at each meeting. Depending on the size of the team, Webex also has options starting at $12/month, $22/month, and higher. It can also handle different types of databases. An AI assistant, live surveys, Q&A, and the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people are all included in the premium levels.
Element
Element is one of the greatest Matrix clients, allowing for safe, decentralized text, audio, and video communication. If you think the other solutions on this list are too difficult, it might become an excellent alternative to Skype.
Self-hosting or signing up with Element’s complimentary hosting service is available to users. These techniques give one data flexibility and control.
Element allows users to have private discussions free of concern about prying eyes, thanks to end-to-end encryption. Furthermore, it simplifies file sharing, group meetings, and integration of services.
Viber
Due to its comparable capabilities, such as group calls and video, Viber, a global video calling and messaging software, is regarded as one of the powerful Skype alternatives. Like Skype, it also provides free audio, video, and message services. It is more versatile because you may utilize it from your desktop as well.
Viber is perhaps one of the most functional apps similar to Skype, all of them. It provides comparable functions, such as group chats, messaging, and phone and video calls.
There are some advertisements on the app, but they aren’t too intrusive because they only show up momentarily, such as at the conclusion of a call. It allows you to use Skype’s video and chat services while making calls to anybody, anywhere.
Also Read: Gmail For Business: Streamline Your Communication
Discord
Created as a gaming chat tool, Discord may also be used for smaller teams or as a personal substitute for Skype. However, because it restricts calls to 25 people, it is not advised for bigger enterprises.
Created as a gaming platform, Discord has swiftly developed into one of the most useful Skype related apps for any group. With the capacity to build scalable servers for groups of any size, it provides text, audio, and video communication.
On the plus side, Discord provides capabilities like screen sharing, meeting recording, and breakout spaces, along with limitless meeting durations. Depending on the demands of customers, the platform offers two paid alternatives at $5/month and $10/month in addition to a free plan, making it one of the more economical solutions.
FaceTime
FaceTime is one of the most widely used communication programs available, having been introduced in 2010. Apple products, including MacBooks, iPhones, iPods, iPads, and iWatches, are its main focus. Although this is good news for Apple users, Android users will not be able to use the app on any Android version.
Additionally, FaceTime is not compatible with Windows. This makes it one of the most reliable Skype alternatives for Apple users in 2025. FaceTime has lately made it possible for up to 32 individuals to participate in a video conference, which is a significant advance over one-on-one conversations as they were previously. Additionally, FaceTime does not offer immediate text communication; instead, you must use iMessage. However, this should not be a problem for Apple customers.
Zoho Meeting
Searching for a strong Skype alternative for business meetings? Zoho Meeting might be the answer! It provides collaborative tools and smooth video conferencing.
Zoho’s capabilities, such as screen sharing and recording, make conducting a team meeting or a client presentation seamless and expert. It’s also a fantastic Skype alternative to test because of its robust app security and data privacy. It is also compatible with different types of web browsers. This makes it one of the best Skype alternatives in 2025.
How Can I Switch from Skype to Teams on Microsoft?
Are you considering moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams? You’re not by yourself!
The good news? There’s no need to start from scratch. Here are some tips for a stress-free and easy move:
Agree to the Skype-to-Teams offer
An email or pop-up from Microsoft may be sent inviting you to transition from Skype for Business to Teams if you now use it.
Configure Teams on Microsoft
Put the Microsoft Teams app on your phone or computer. Just as you would with Skype, log in with your Microsoft account.
Sync Your Contacts
Your current Skype contacts will be automatically pulled by Teams. If necessary, you may also manually invite contacts or import them.
Examine the New Functionalities
Teams are about more than simply talking. Try scheduling meetings, file sharing, team channels, and video calls. It is similar to Skype but much more powerful!
Modify Your Profile and Status
Give it a homey atmosphere! Change your status, add a photo, and adjust your preferences.
Have a Discussion or Arrange a Meeting
Like on Skype, you may make a call or send a message. Teams even allows you to have direct conversations with Skype users.
Conclusion
Deciding what is the alternative to Skype has now become necessary after the news of Skype shutting down in May. With so many open-source Skype alternatives available, it would be simple to replace Microsoft’s Skype in 2025.
To further improve your user experience, open-source alternatives to Skype provide even more control, customizations, and privacy-friendly features. Understanding what are alternatives to skype is necessary.
With so many open-source alternative programs to Skype available, it might appear simple to replace Microsoft’s Skype in 2025. To further improve your user experience, open-source alternatives provide even more control, adjustments, and privacy-friendly features. Comment below if you have found the answer about are alternatives to Skype that are best in 2025.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is The Best Alternative To Skype?
Microsoft Teams is one of the best Skype alternatives in 2025. It offers the same features as Skype.
What Is Replacing Skype?
Microsoft Teams Free is replacing Skype. Microsoft advised customers to switch to Teams Free as Skype will be discontinued on May 5, 2025. Both free and paying Skype users will be impacted by this move.
What Is The Google Equivalent Of Skype?
The communication functions of Google Meet and Skype are quite comparable. You may use the applications to contact landlines and mobile phones, chat, and have audio and video conferences.
Why Is Skype Not Used Anymore?
The rise of rival applications like Zoom, Microsoft’s emphasis on its Teams platform, and Skype’s own technological constraints and user experience problems are some of the reasons behind the company’s collapse.