Zoom
Zoom is arguably one of the most popular communication platforms out there. This Skype alternative provides video conferencing and instant messaging, and it prides itself on virtual collaboration. Features like screen sharing make it easy to conduct events, meetings, and classes completely virtually, and the “Raise Hand” function provides distraction-free question-asking. Zoom also has high-quality security features to ensure your call stays private. Best for: Interpersonal and business calls Pros: Breakout rooms, large meetings, integrations with Google, Microsoft, and Slack Cons: No self-hosting option, lackluster mobile app Price: Free or (starting at) $13.33 per month for premium features International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web Set up your first Zoom meeting by following this guide.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is ideal for Microsoft users. This communication platform is popular amongst companies and businesses that use Microsoft Windows computers for work. Microsoft Teams offers HD video calling and conferencing, as well as 1-on-1 calls with no time limit. The whiteboard feature also promotes collaboration, offering team members the chance to brainstorm and share their screens in real time. Best for: Businesses Pros: Integration with Word, PowerPoint, and OneDrive, use phone number or email address to make calls Cons: Must have a Microsoft account to make or receive calls Price: Free or (starting at) $4 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Create a meeting in Teams by following this guide.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a communication platform that lets you do almost everything! This Skype alternative offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, and an easy-to-navigate interface. Google Meet can be used for pleasure or business—all you need to set up a call is a Google account. The main downside? Google Meet doesn’t offer direct push notifications for incoming calls. You get notified via Gmail. Best for: Interpersonal or business calls Pros: Calls to mobile and landline numbers, easy setup, no ads Cons: No push notifications, multiple platforms to navigate for all services Price: Free or (starting at) $7 per month for premium features International call availability: Yes, but it costs extra Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, Android, iOS Create your first meeting link with this guide.
WhatsApp is a popular communication app that lets you text and call your contacts over Wi-Fi. With free messaging and video calls, this Skype alternative is ideal for personal or business use, especially if you don’t want to give out your real phone number. WhatsApp also prides itself on its safe, secure connection, promising users that their data and messages are completely private. Best for: Interpersonal calls Pros: Make calls for free over the internet, end-to-end encryption, group chats Cons: Requires internet connection to make calls, can be difficult to restore backups across devices Price: Free (data charges may apply) International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Android, iOS Learn how to use WhatsApp with these helpful tips and tricks.
FaceTime
FaceTime is a widely used communication platform amongst Apple users. While the platform may be limited in some of its features, it’s free and very easy to use. FaceTime is Apple’s integrated video and audio calling app, so it’s available on all iOS devices. iOS users can quickly video chat or call another iOS user through the app, as long as they have their phone number or iCloud email. Best for: Interpersonal calls Pros: No ads, simple interface, Wi-Fi or cellular data calls Cons: Available only for iOS users, no instant messaging Price: Free International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: iOS, macOS Learn how to make a FaceTime call without Wi-Fi here.
Viber
Viber is a communication platform that works similarly to your phone. With this platform, you can instant message, video chat, and audio call someone as long as you have their phone number. The app works over a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The catch? Because you need your phone number to sign up, you may get spam calls and messages through the app. Best for: Interpersonal calls Pros: Up to 40 people on calls, screen sharing, landline and mobile calls Cons: In-app ads, must pay to call non-Viber numbers and landlines Price: Free or (starting at) $5.99 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Android, iOS Learn how to use Viber with this guide.
Discord
Discord is a communication platform that was originally designed for gamers. This platform is ideal for small and large groups hoping to connect and collaborate. With Discord, you can message and video call groups in a private community setting. Users can chat, stream, or hang out in the same virtual space that’s unique to their community server. Best for: Interpersonal connections Pros: Public communities, customizable settings, screen sharing Cons: Risk of cyberbullying on public servers, poor quality video calling Price: Free or (starting at) $2.99 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web Get started on Discord with this guide.
Pumble
Pumble is a business platform designed to help improve internal communication amongst coworkers. With this platform, you can send direct messages, voice calls, video calls, and voice messages. One-on-one and group calls are supported within the app, along with screen sharing and active noise cancellation. Best for: Businesses Pros: Organize work by channels, share files and images, integration with Google and Zoom Cons: No read receipts Price: Free or (starting at) $2.49 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web
Chanty
Chanty is a team chat app for businesses and companies. This Skype alternative serves as a chat room and notification center that gathers all your notifications from across platforms and puts them in one place. Chanty prides itself on being a production super tool by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms throughout the workday. Plus, the app is a “closed team app,” meaning you can only communicate with those within your team—no more random calls from mom at work! Best for: Businesses Pros: Notification center, no ads, video and audio calls Cons: Limited integrations, inability to mute channels Price: Free or $3 per month for additional features International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a modern alternative to Skype for teams and businesses. This chat platform prides itself on its security. Being a self-host, the platform eliminates the risk of third-party services getting your information. Rocket.Chat is built for collaboration through instant chat, voice and video calls, and screen sharing. There’s even an option to use integrated tools like Jira, GitHub, and Zapier. Best for: Businesses Pros: Mobile and landline calls, high security, privacy-first AI Cons: Possibly confusing interface and installation process Price: Free or (starting at) $8 per month for additional features International call availability: No, only available with VoIP integration Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web
Brosix IM
Brosix IM may be the perfect Skype alternative for your business. This communication platform offers audio and video calls, screen sharing, and instant messaging. What sets it apart from the rest is its focus on internal team communication and private team networks. Team members can chat within private channels through their private network. As a plus, only members of a network can communicate with each other, so no outside calls. Best for: Businesses Pros: Private team networks, chat rooms, no ads Cons: No SMS or landline and mobile calls Price: Free for 3 users or $4 per month for large teams International call availability: No, users must use a separate service or VoIP provider Supported platforms: Android, iOS, web, mac OS, Windows, Linux
RingCentral
RingCentral is a cloud-based AI calling platform ideal for those making lots of international calls. This Skype alternative offers global coverage plans at a competitive price. Instant messaging, video chat, and audio calls from different countries have never been easier! RingCentral also uses enterprise-safe security and call encryption to keep your calls private. Plus, RingCentral allows you to integrate other platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google for seamless connection. Best for: Interpersonal and business calls Pros: Video conferencing, enterprise encryption, voicemail transcription Cons: Complex user interface, complex setup Price: Free or (starting at) $20 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting is a business-focused communication software designed to make collaboration easier. The platform is specifically targeted towards those looking to host video conferences, webinars, and remote meetings. With screen sharing, live on-screen transcription, and branded meeting links, GoTo Meeting is ideal for professional settings. Best for: Businesses and professionals Pros: Meeting recording, up to 250 participants, custom meeting links Cons: Limited instant messaging Price: Starting at $12 per month International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web
Webex Meetings
Webex Meetings is a video conferencing platform that focuses on business. This platform offers scheduled meetings and calendar integration to create seamless video calls for colleagues. Each meeting has a maximum of 100 participants for 40 minutes, and what sets Webex Meetings apart from other platforms is their in-meeting messaging. Participants can collaborate and message each other during a meeting without messaging the entire group. Best for: Businesses Pros: In-meeting messaging, recorded meetings, calendar integration Cons: Meeting time limit, no phone or video calling outside of conferences Price: Free or (starting at) $144 per year International call availability: No Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web
TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak is a VoIP platform with public and private servers intended for gaming. This communication platform is especially unique because it allows users to join public servers or hop onto calls from personal channels. You don’t need an account to use TeamSpeak, but having an account gives you access to private messaging, group chats, and file sharing. Best for: Interpersonal use Pros: Military-grade security, lag-free communication, unlimited file transfer Cons: No video conferencing Price: Free or (starting at) $55 per year International call availability: Yes Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Jami
Jami is an open-source app with instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. This communication platform is completely free and lets you make calls and send texts with a username—there’s no need to share your personal information! To call or text others, all you have to do is share your username or give them a provided QR code of your profile. One of Jami’s most unique features is that you can continue to communicate with those on your same network even if the Wi-Fi connection drops. Best for: Interpersonal calls Pros: No phone number or email address needed to chat, ability to make a unique username, screen sharing Cons: App instability reported Price: Free International call availability: Yes, as long as you have a SIP account Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
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