Skype has long been a household name in video calling and conferencing. However, Microsoft recently announced that Skype will officially discontinue its service starting May 2025. With this in mind, users are now urgently seeking a reliable Skype alternative. Whether you're a business professional in need of secure communication tools or an individual seeking user-friendly apps like Skype for casual conversations, there are plenty of powerful Skype substitutes available.
In this guide, we'll cover the best Skype alternatives for business and personal use.
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Best 5 Skype Alternatives for Business Use
If you're running a business or managing remote teams, you need reliable and feature-rich Skype competitors. Here are the top 5 tools designed for professional communication:
App Name | Compatibility | Best For | Price |
Zoom | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Large team meetings | Freemium |
Microsoft Teams | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Microsoft 365 integration | Freemium |
Google Meet | Web, iOS, Android | Google Workspace users | Free & Paid |
Cisco Webex | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Secure corporate calls | Free & Paid |
GoTo Meeting | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Enterprise-level meetings | Paid |
1. Zoom

Zoom is known for its user-friendly interface, high-quality video, and ability to handle hundreds of participants in HD video calls. Businesses appreciate its ability to scale and its robust security measures, which make it a good Skype alternative for PC when doing large team meetings.
Notable Features: Breakout rooms, webinar support, cloud recordings, and virtual backgrounds.
Learn how to record Zoom meetings.
2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive business communication platform and a strong Skype substitute, particularly for companies already embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Teams combines messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative document editing in one streamlined interface.
Notable Features: Deep Office 365 integration, threaded conversations, meeting scheduling, and team collaboration.
Learn how to record on Teams.
3. Google Meet

As part of Google Workspace, Google Meet is a popular browser-based communication tool. It enables users to start or join meetings quickly without installing any software, making it an accessible Skype-related app.
Notable Features: Real-time captions, screen sharing, no need to download software, and calendar integration.
The best methods for recording Google Meet.
4. Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is tailored for enterprises and organizations that demand high-level security and advanced meeting features. It's known for its performance and reliability in hosting large-scale meetings and webinars.
Notable Features: End-to-end encryption, breakout sessions, whiteboarding, and AI-powered meeting insights.
5. GoTo Meeting

GoTo Meeting is a premium solution designed for professional use. Its intuitive interface and powerful meeting tools make it one of the top Skype alternatives for PC, especially for users who conduct frequent online presentations.
Notable Features: Drawing tools, cloud recording, transcription, and integrations with Office tools.
Learn the best ways to record a GoTo Meeting.
Best 5 Skype Substitutes for Personal Use
For one-on-one or small group chats, these apps similar to Skype, offer a smooth, free communication experience:
App Name | Compatibility | Best For | Price |
Discord | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Gamers & Communities | Free |
iOS, Android, Web | Mobile messaging | Free | |
Telegram | iOS, Android, Web | Secure messaging | Free |
Signal | iOS, Android, Desktop | Privacy-first users | Free |
Viber | iOS, Android, Desktop | Casual video chats | Free |
1. Discord

Discord supports high-quality voice, video, and text messaging. Originally created for gamers, it now serves a broad range of communities.
Notable Features: Voice channels, community servers, screen sharing, and media sharing.
2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a globally-used messaging app with solid voice and video call functionality. It's a convenient Skype substitute for mobile-first users.
Notable Features: End-to-end encryption, global reach, group calls, and media sharing.
3. Telegram

Telegram offers fast and secure messaging and supports large group chats and file transfers. It's great for personal and group communication.
Notable Features: Large file transfers, cloud-based messages, bots, and channels.
4. Signal

Signal emphasizes privacy and is widely recommended by security experts. It's open-source and doesn't collect user data.
Notable Features: Open-source, fully encrypted calls/messages, disappearing messages.
5. Viber

Viber is easy to use and offers a variety of features for video calls, voice messages, and texting. It's a go-to for those wanting free Skype alternatives.
Notable Features: Stickers, voice/video calls, group chats, and end-to-end encryption.
Bonus - How to Record Your Skype Screen?
If you're still using Skype and want to record your conversations or screens, you can use Filmora's Screen Recorder. It's a simple screen recorder that allows you to capture high-quality Skype calls with audio without time limits. It also provides various video editing features that allow you to trim the recording and save only the most important part. Check the following video to learn how to record Skype Calls with Filmora.
Conclusion
There's no shortage of programs like Skype today. Whether you're a business user in search of enterprise-level solutions or someone looking for apps like Skype for personal conversations, the tools listed above offer something for everyone. Try out a few and see which one works best for your needs.
FAQs
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What is the best free Skype alternative for business?
Zoom and Microsoft Teams are among the top free Skype alternatives for business. -
Is there a Skype alternative without sign-up?
Yes, Google Meet allows users to join meetings without creating an account. -
Are there any Skype competitors focused on privacy?
Signal and Telegram are two secure messaging apps that can be used as substitutes for Skype. -
What are the best Skype alternatives for PC?
Skype alternatives for PC include Discord, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. -
Can I use Filmora to record Skype calls?
Absolutely. Filmora's screen recorder is ideal for capturing Skype and similar calls.