Microsoft has officially announced the shutdown of Skype. Even if you’ve not used the application in a while, Skype was likely the first time you experienced the modern video call chats. It was a simple way to connect with family and friends via video, no matter where you were. If you had a reliable broadband connection to the internet, you were able to Skype. In this blog, here is a list of top Skype alternatives to make it easy to voice and video call family, friends, or coworkers without using Skype.
If Microsoft removes Skype from the end of time, existing users will require a different platform to switch to. Microsoft will be encouraging users to change to Teams and you can. However, there are other options available.
Selecting the right video calling apps is to persuade other users to join in with you. The final thing you would like is to select a platform that nobody uses and force all your friends to choose that option. The less friction, the more efficient. This is why apps that integrate with existing accounts of users and platforms are the best choice in this case: There are a few fantastic options including Viber to Signal and others, that provide excellent video calling features However, you’ll have better chance of connecting with your friends if you can meet them at their place. I’ve crafted this list to reflect that.
Video Call Apps to Replace Skype: Top 5 Skype Alternatives
1. Google Meet
Key feature:
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Encrypted and secure calls
- No software installation required for browser use
- Free 60-minute group calls
If you’re trying to locate the most simple video calling solution for the average user on your contact list, I would recommend Google Meet. In 2025, it’s likely high that the target you’re trying to contact has a Google account, even when it’s not their preferred preference for a platform.
Since many of us are already using Google Accounts, it isn’t a big deal what device or platforms you’re using. It doesn’t matter if one of you owns a Mac and the other one a PC or you’re at opposite ends of the iOS against Android discussion, Google Meet works on nearly every device. It’s completely free, however, you’ll enjoy perks when you pay for it, such as better quality video.
My main complaint in using Google Meet, though, is that it’s not very intuitive. It’s designed more for professional and business use than conversational use, so it’s not as great as Skype was when it was at its peak. (Just it’s the way that Google uses the default choice “meetings” on the web application makes me feel like I’m at work, rather than calling a family or friend member.) Additionally, there’s a 30 minute limitation on calls at any given time for free users. That’s okay for shorter calls, however, if you like to spend time on video chats for a long time, you’ll likely be on the phone numerous times.
If your friend is using a Google Account properly set up, however, calling them is as simple as using Skype, or just as simple as using the standard phone application. If, however, your Google Account isn’t set up for calls, you’ll have to give the call number to them and that’s acceptable, but it adds tension to what could be a straightforward experience. But, again, it’s unlikely to come up with a great phone call option if the person you’re calling does not already have that platform.
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2. WhatsApp
Key feature:
- Free and easy to use
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- Works on both mobile and desktop
- Supports up to 32 participants in group calls
Similar to Google, WhatsApp is insanely famous all over the globe. In case you’re still not using WhatsApp but someone else is, which puts it an extremely close second to Google on the list (if it’s not tied for first).
WhatsApp’s standardization offers the same advantages that Google Meet has. There is a good chance that the person you’d like to video chat with has an account. I do not use WhatsApp, however, I do have a WhatsApp account. The application doesn’t have an expiration date for calls, which means you can talk for as long as you’d like.
Similar to Google Meet, WhatsApp is accessible almost anywhere you can access the internet. It is accessible with either an iPhone or an Android phone, and connects to it through the web application. WhatsApp is one of the best alternatives to Skype for video calling. I utilized Skype using my Mac way back in the day, and calling anyone using WhatsApp with the app somewhat more like the Skype experience as Google Meet’s website app is.
3. Zoom
Key feature:
- High-quality video and audio
- Supports large meetings with up to 1,000 participants
- Screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
- Free plan with 40-minute meeting limits
A lot of us who work in the globe (as also those who were a part of online video calls during the outbreak) are well-versed in Zoom. It’s the first app you’ll think of when you think about video calls, but it’s not a program that you download for use regularly.
Zoom offers large video calls — up to 100 participants for free, however, it does come with a few limitations. Although many video-calling platforms stop at 60 mins, Zoom’s no-cost calls are capped at 40 minutes. If you’re not currently paying to use the services, this isn’t an option to consider to use when you need to keep up with your family or friends on video.
4. FaceTime
Key feature:
- Seamless experience on Apple devices
- High-definition video calls
- End-to-end encryption for security
- No need for third-party apps
If you’re already using an Apple account and you want to chat with someone else, and that person is already an Apple account, then FaceTime them. The service is simple to use, and is completely encrypted and includes many features that you’d think of from a more business-oriented platform, such as video sharing, and even remote control of screens. It’s not much easier than clicking the FaceTime button in an iMessage thread or pressing the name of your friend on the FaceTime application: a few moments later you’ll be in contact.
It gets more complicated when you consider people who don’t have an iPhone, particularly those living outside of the country you reside in. It’s a bit more difficult when you attempt to make a call to a friend who doesn’t have an international phone number linked to the Apple Account.
But that does not mean that you have to cut out FaceTime completely. Apple allows you to create a FaceTime link which anyone can make use of to join a call, even those using Android or a computer. This is a different challenge than calling an Apple user but it’s still effective and makes this the most convenient method for people with iPhones or Macs Don’t think about the other apps, create an FaceTime link, then send it to your contacts and sit back and wait to see if they can join the call.
FaceTime can handle the same amount of users as WhatsApp 32. It also has no limitations on time. One of the biggest disadvantages is its lack of an integrated text chat option: Google Meet supports a native chat feature, similar to Skype, however, WhatsApp is not. Both WhatsApp and Messenger are based on chat applications, which means you can also send messages. FaceTime, however, is a separate entity. If you’re using Apple devices, it is possible to continue the conversation via iMessage, however, it’s not as good as Skype.
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5. Microsoft Teams
Key feature:
- Ideal for workplace communication
- Integrated with Microsoft Office 365
- Secure video calls with end-to-end encryption
- Large participant support and file sharing
Microsoft is, not surprisingly, urging you to move from Skype to Teams. In some ways, this is understandable: Microsoft is the owner of both platforms, and changing to Skype to Teams is the simplest solution. But, Teams is so obviously designed with work-related conferences with work conferencing in the mind. If you’re looking for an ordinary application for casual video calling, it might be a bit too much. (It’s not something I’d suggest to change to Slack to make casual video calls, neither.)
If the people you call include all Windows users who have Microsoft Accounts, the Teams app could be a good choice. The app can accommodate up to 100 people and allows chats for up to 60 minutes at one time. (One-on-one chats can be accessed for up to 30 hours at one time.) Teams is also accessible across a variety of devices, not just Windows devices. If your device is equipped with a camera, you could likely use Teams to make video calls. The built-in chat function is beneficial too.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the best video call apps to replace Skype, options like Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams. From professional meetings and personal chatting sessions to gaming communication – there’s sure to be one perfect app that meets them all. Give these Skype alternatives a try today for seamless video calling with superior features and performance!
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