Skype has been the main video conferencing and chatting program on the market for a long time.
However, if you aren’t a fan of the service, or if you’re simply in the mood for something different, there are plenty of great alternatives on the market.
In this guide, we’ve broken down some great programs that offer the same things as Skype. Let’s jump in and see which one is best for you.
1. Google Meet
- Up to 100 people in one call
- Knock Knock feature shows you live video of who is calling before you answer
- Send video messages if you’re unable to connect
Google has been trying to perfect their video chatting for a long time through their Hangouts program, and they have released their next step in Google Meet.
They took everything that they learned from Hangouts and simplified it down to the bare essentials. Though that might sound too simplistic, the execution is fantastic.
With Google Meet, you can video conference with up to 100 people (and up to 60 minutes per meeting at no cost), all of whom can be seen and heard at the same time.
If you want to have a normal one-on-one conversation, it operates exactly like Skype. That versatility makes it one of the more polished Skype alternatives out there.
2. Jami
- High level encryption ensures your privacy
- Peer-to-peer connection establishes fast file transfer speeds
- Free and open source
Jami is a free program that replicates almost all of Skype’s features. It has video calling, instant messaging, and screen sharing all built into this lightweight program.
If you had to pick a single software that comes the closest to Skype in its feature set, Jami would be it.
Jami doesn’t have any caps on file sizes or data allowance, which means you can send and receive unlimited files from your friends.
Jami is also ad-free, which is quite impressive given that it’s free software. It is also a cross-platform system, meaning you can get it on your desktop computer or across your mobile devices.
3. Viber
- End-to-end encryption and trusted contacts add layers of security
- Download a number of extensions to make chat more interactive
- Communities allow you to add all of your friends
Viber is a Skype alternative that does a lot of things right.
First off, you can make basic audio and video calls. The quality on both is pretty good, and the connection is quite stable. You can also leave voice and video messages, which is nice when you’re unable to get ahold of the other party.
Viber also has some pretty awesome chatting features. You’re able to hold group chats, and can even spice things up with funny stickers that are built right into the app.
You can use Viber across a number of devices, including Windows, Linux, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more!
4. FaceTime
- Possible to have 32 person calls
- Stable connection
- Cool effects
If you own an iPhone or iPad, chances are you’ve used FaceTime.
This video chatting app allows iPhone or iPad users to connect with other users on Apple’s systems and then voice or audio calls.
While it isn’t as robust as some of the other software solutions here, it does enough right to be considered a good Skype Alternative.
You can add up to 32 people in a single FaceTime call, making it great for large conferences. The ability to use your device’s front or back camera gives you multiple angles to work with as well.
You are also able to use some good effects on FaceTime, utilizing Animojis, stickers, and much more.
5. Facebook Messenger
- Easily send messages to anyone on your friends’ list
- A ton of stickers, GIFs, and emojis
- Send money securely across the app
Seemingly everyone on Earth has a Facebook account. If you’re among them, that means you already have Facebook Messenger.
What most people don’t realize is the power Facebook Messenger actually has. While you can do simple text chats with your friends, it is also a robust video and audio calling solution.
Messenger also allows you to play games with your friends, send money to people, or share funny GIFs. You can make group calls here as well.
If you already have a Facebook account, do yourself a favor and check out all of Messenger’s great features.
6. Wire
- Collaborate equally with internal employees and external contractors
- Safe and secure
- Easy to learn and use
Wire markets itself as a collaboration platform, and we would agree.
This program is all about helping team members work together on a project, and it gives you the tools to make that happen. From video chat to text chat to leaving voice messages, you can always be in touch with your team.
Since Wire is aimed at companies trying to get their workers to be more collaborative, it has a great security suite.
Wire claims they can boost the productivity of your company by 43 percent simply by getting people to use it instead of email. That’s a bold claim, but it makes sense as emailing back and forth is so slow. Wire is worth a shot if you are looking for a business solution to replace Skype.
Final Words
Skype is a great program, but many people want to find alternatives. If you are one such person, the above choices are all great ways to branch out.
Trying to find the perfect Skype alternative is difficult, but each one has its pros and cons. You just need to find the one that fits your personal needs.
Do you use Skype? Have you tried any of the others on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
