7 Suitable Skype Alternatives to Use this

author portrait
0 min
0

skype alternatives

Skype is a widely used video-conferencing application that facilitates audio and video chats, instant messaging, and file sharing among its users. The platform provides several helpful capabilities for distant collaboration and communication, like screen sharing and call recording. Yet, despite these features, some users will choose to use other apps instead of Skype. There could be various reasons why someone might choose an alternative to Skype. Some prefer other video conferencing tools with more features or better video and audio quality. Others prefer a tool that is easier to use or has a more user-friendly interface. If you are one of these users who needs apps like Skype, then read the entire post.

Top 7 Video Conferencing Tool Like Skype

1. Zoom

Advantage compared to Skype: The advantage of Zoom to Skype is its scalability. Zoom is designed to handle large groups of participants, making it ideal for businesses and organizations that need to hold large meetings or webinars.

Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool widely used for remote communication. It offers many features allowing users to connect with others regardless of location. One of the biggest advantages of Zoom is its ease of use. Zoom is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to start a video conference. Zoom also offers a more streamlined interface, which can be helpful for those who are new to video conferencing. On the other hand, Skype can be more complicated, especially for beginners. In addition, Zoom uses advanced video and audio codecs to deliver HD video calling and audio, even in low-bandwidth situations. Skype, on the other hand, can be prone to stability issues, which can result in choppy or poor-quality video and audio. The application also comes with a screen recording option, so if you are having a hard time recording Skype without other participants knowing, use this tool instead.

zoom main interface

PROs

  • Large meetings can also be made easier using Zoom's array of capabilities, which include the ability to mute or unmute individuals or participants, share screens, and work together in real time on documents.
  • Zoom has put in place a number of security measures to guarantee private and secure encounters.
  • A variety of third-party programs and services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and Salesforce, are easily integrated with Zoom. Thanks to this functionality, users can easily share files and work together on documents in real time.
CONs

  • There could be a technical glitch when doing video and audio free calls.
  • The application comes with aggressive upscaling, which can be distracting when making free video calls.

2. Microsoft Teams

Advantage compared to Skype: Microsoft Teams integrates with other Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This means that users can work on documents and projects without leaving the app, which saves time and increases productivity.

Microsoft Teams is a new player in communication and collaboration but has quickly become one of the most popular video conferencing for businesses and organizations. Microsoft Teams is designed specifically for teamwork and cooperation. It provides a centralized team collaboration tool, document sharing, and project management hub. This function makes it easier for teams to collaborate on shared ideas and projects and get work done more efficiently. In addition, Microsoft Teams offers a wider range of communication options than Skype. In addition to video conferencing and chat, Teams includes audio calling, screen sharing like screen shot Skype feature, and file sharing. This feature makes it a more versatile tool for communication and collaboration. Skype, on the other hand, is primarily focused on video conferencing and messaging, which may not meet the needs of all users.

microsoft teams interface

PROs

  • It also offers end-to-end encryption for data and files, which helps protect sensitive information.
  • Users can customize their Teams experience with third-party apps and integrations, which can help them work more efficiently and effectively.
  • Teams also offer more control over user settings and permissions, which can be important for businesses and organizations with strict security requirements.
CONs

  • Although the app provides integrated features for collaboration, many users find Microsoft Teams lacking in notification alerts compared to other video-conferencing platforms.
  • It only contains limited channels with 200 public participants and 30 private channels.

3. Slack

Advantage compared to Skype: Slack has over 2,000 integrations with third-party applications, including Google Drive, Trello, Asana, and many more. This means that users can easily connect their favorite tools and services to Slack and streamline their workflow.

Slack offers a more organized and streamlined interface that makes it easy for users to find what they want. Its search functionality is much more advanced than Skype's, allowing users to search for messages, files, channels, and people in seconds. Slack also offers various customization features, allowing users to customize their workspace with different themes, emojis, and even custom integrations. Slack also provides better collaboration features than Skype. Its channel features enable users to organize conversations by topic, project, or team, making it easy for team members to stay on top of their work and collaborate more effectively. Slack also offers a range of collaboration tools, including file sharing, screen sharing, and real-time editing, which make it easy for team members to work together on the same document or project.

slack interface

PROs

  • All calls, files, and messages sent over Slack are encrypted before they ever leave the user's device, and only the intended receiver is able to decrypt the data. This technology is known as end-to-end encryption.
  • In addition, Slack provides enterprise-grade security, two-factor authentication, and adherence to industry benchmarks like GDPR and HIPAA.
  • It offers a better pricing model than Skype. Slack offers a free version that includes many of its core features, as well as paid plans that offer more features and functionality.
CONs

  • After 14 days, Slack automatically deletes messages, which is not favorable for users who rely on their message history.
  • Slack has limited storage, which makes it impossible for users to use it as a major email service.

4. ooVoo

Advantage compared to Skype: The advantage of ooVoo is its screen-sharing feature. This allows you to share your screen with others on the call, making it easier to collaborate on projects, give presentations, or troubleshoot issues.

ooVoo is a popular video conferencing platform that is available today. Similar to Skype, both apps offer similar features. However, some key differences set ooVoo apart. One of the biggest advantages of ooVoo over Skype is its group video chat capabilities. With ooVoo, you can simultaneously have up to 12 people on a video call. This function is ideal for large group meetings, family gatherings, or social events. In contrast, Skype only allows up to 50 participants in a group video call, making it difficult to manage larger groups. ooVoo also has a feature called "Watch Together," which allows you to watch videos or movies with others on the call. This feature can be a fun way to socialize with friends or family members who are far away. In contrast, Skype does not offer this feature.

oovoo interface

PROs

  • ooVoo offers a variety of fun and interactive extra features, such as filters, stickers, and games. These can add extra fun to your video calls and make them more engaging.
  • You can use ooVoo on your PC, Mac, iOS devices, or Android device, making it easy to connect with others no matter their devices.
  • All calls are encrypted, and you can control who can join your calls by requiring a password or approval from the host meetings.
CONs

  • Calls cost a monetary charge with this application.
  • Other users need more control over its media sections.

5. Google Meet

Advantage compared to Skype: Google Meet provides a better user experience than Skype. Google Meet allows up to 100 participants in a single meeting, which is more than Skype's limit of 50 participants.

When the pandemic hits the entire world, all business transactions, school work, and conferences become online. This scenario makes video calling and online transactions relevant. Google Meet is one of the programs like Skype that shines the most other than Skype. Yet, what makes this tool more memorable than Skype? First, Google Meet allows users to join meetings directly from their web browser, without needing to download any software. This makes it easier to join a meeting on the go, without needing to install anything on your device. On the other hand, Skype requires a software download to join a meeting, which can be a hassle for users who are not familiar with the process or who are in a hurry. In addition, Google Meet offers better integration with other Google apps, such as Google Calendar and Google Drive. This means that you can easily schedule and join meetings, and share files and documents with other participants. For example, you can create a meeting in Google Calendar and invite participants, and the meeting details will be automatically added to their calendars.

google meet interface

PROs

  • This apps similar to Skype has a grid view that displays up to 16 participants simultaneously, more than Skype's view of only 9 participants. This function is helpful for large meetings where multiple participants must be seen on-screen simultaneously.
  • This platform provides a better audio and video quality than Skype. Google Meet uses WebRTC technology, allowing higher-quality audio and video transmission, resulting in a more seamless and engaging meeting experience.
  • Google Meet also has an AI-powered noise cancellation feature that can filter out background noise, making the audio quality even better.
CONs

  • Users may experience a browsing freezing error, which is relatively annoying when you are doing conference calls or presenting a report.
  • The screen-sharing great feature is only limited by the creator of the meeting.

6. FaceTime

Advantage compared to Skype: FaceTime is more secure than Skype. Apple has implemented end-to-end encryption on all FaceTime calls, which means that your conversations are protected from eavesdropping.

FaceTime is a popular video-calling service that has been around for a while. It is regarded as one of the best Skype alternatives for international calls and is completely free. This app is more appealing than Skype because it has an exclusive service for Apple users. It is pre-installed on all Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which makes it a more convenient option for those who own Apple products. FaceTime offers better integration with other Apple services, such as iMessage, allowing users to switch between video and text messaging easily. Moreover, FaceTime offers higher-quality video and audio calling than Skype. This is because FaceTime uses a better video compression algorithm than Skype, resulting in a smoother and clearer video call experience.

PROs

  • FaceTime is optimized for Apple's hardware and software, which provides better performance and stability.
  • It offers a more straightforward and more intuitive user interface compared to Skype. The facade is clean and easy to navigate, which makes it perfect for those who are not tech-savvy to make free video calls.
  • It is more reliable, faster, and easier to use. FaceTime offers features such as Animoji and Memojis, which can add fun to your video calls.
CONs

  • This application is dedicated only to Apple devices.
  • It is not recommended that it be used as a tool for conferences and meetings.

7. Facebook Messenger

Advantage compared to Skype: In some countries, you can send messages on Messenger even without an internet connection.

Facebook Messenger and Skype are the most popular instant messaging apps available today. Both offer a wide set of features and capabilities that make them useful for personal and professional communication. However, several key differences set them apart regarding the advantages of Facebook Messenger over Skype. This great alternative to Skype for international calls has a much larger user base than Skype. With over a billion Messenger active users every month, Facebook Messenger is one of the world's most widely used messaging apps. This means that you are more likely to find your friends and family on Facebook Messenger, making it easier to stay connected with them. It also offers a range of features that are not available on Skype. For example, Messenger allows you to send instant messaging voice calling features, make video calls, and play games with friends. Moreover, Messenger has a built-in camera that lets you take and send photos and videos and a range of stickers and emojis that allow you to express yourself more easily.

PROs

  • Facebook Messenger has better integration with other Facebook products and services.
  • Messenger has a more user-friendly interface than Skype. The app is easy to navigate and use, with a straightforward and intuitive design that makes it easy to find the needed key features.
  • Facebook Messenger has better privacy and security features than Skype. Messenger offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, meaning that your conversations are secure and cannot be intercepted by anyone else.
CONs

  • Spam messages may be received even by those users who are not part of your friends list.
  • Sometimes, the app is in maintenance, disabling users to make video calls and chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Skype's system requirements?

Skype can be used on various devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS app. For Windows, Skype requires at least Windows 7 or later, a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and a webcam if you want to make video calls. Skype requires at least macOS X 10.10 or later, a 1 GHz Intel processor, and 1 GB of RAM for Mac.

faq image

Is Skype free to use?

Skype is totally free to download and use for basic features such as making voice and video calls, sending instant messages, and sharing files. However, some premium features, such as making calls to landlines and mobiles, require a subscription or payment.

faq image

How secure is Skype?

Skype uses end-to-end encryption to protect the privacy and security of its users' conversations. However, it is always important to be mindful of who you are communicating with and to avoid sharing sensitive or personal information over any communication tool.

faq image

Can I use Skype for business meetings?

Yes, Skype for Business is a separate version of Skype designed for use in a professional setting. It offers additional features such as group chat, video meetings, audio calls and video calls, virtual whiteboards, and the ability to schedule and record meetings.

faq image

Conclusion

As remote work and virtual transmission become increasingly common, there are many alternatives to Skype available today. While Skype has been a popular option for years, these alternatives offer unique features and benefits that may better suit the needs of individuals and businesses. The list provided above can be the best alternatives you can use for video conferencing and calling. If you feel that the tool you are using did not end up in this list, comment below, and we will try to assess it.


Leave your comment and join our discussion