Skype uses a technology called VoIP (pronounced voyp). VoIP simply means Voice-over-Internet Protocol. Skype employs this technology to enable you to make phone calls, video calls, group calls, etc, using internet data rather than through traditional phone lines. As long as both you and the person you want to communicate with have a Skype account, and you have internet data, Skype is completely free to use. But using Skype to call phone numbers is not free at all. You have to pay to use such a service. Skype is also one of the best platforms for video-conferencing and online meetings for business and other social purposes. Knowing this, we can quickly understand that Skype is not the only application that can be used to make voice and video calls. There are many options or Skype alternatives that you can choose from. Scroll down as we look into some of the Skype alternative apps that there are.
List of the Best Skype Alternative Apps for Android and iOS
1. ZOOM
ZOOM is a cloud meeting app that you can use to connect with more than 100 people at the same time. You can use the app to chat with internal and external contacts, place and accept calls, send text messages, and schedule a video meeting. Here you can create private chat channels which you can use to chat and share files with friends and family. Also, during a video meeting, you can easily annotate and share content such as files, images, GIFs, etc. The app is free but a paid Zoom One subscription or add-on license is required in order to use certain product features. It is available on both Android and iOS.
2. WhatsApp Messenger
Whatsapp is a very popular Skype alternative app that provides free messaging, voice calls, and video chat between people through their phone contacts. You can connect with anyone from around the world through texts, voice messages, voice calls, and video calls as long as you have their phone number. The app lets you make use of group chats to stay in touch with friends and family. You can also make secure video and voice calls with up to 7 people at the same time. Also, your personal messages and calls to friends and family are end-to-end encrypted. Nobody outside of your chat, even WhatsApp itself, can read or listen to them. There is also a Status feature that you can use to share your daily moments with either all of your contacts or some selected ones. This Status is in the form of texts, images, GIFs, and video updates that disappear after 24 hours.
3. Viber
Viber is a free messaging and calling Skype alternative app that lets you connect with people from around the world using your internet connection. The app lets you send text messages, and run audio and video calls with your friends and family. You can stay in touch with friends by creating group chats that can accommodate 250 people at a time. You can also connect with up to 50 people at a time through audio and video calls. Also, end-to-end encryption in Viber allows you to communicate with confidence knowing that all your messages are private, and not even Viber can access them. Viber also contains a feature called Disappearing Messages in your 1-on-1 or group chats which lets you set a timer for a message, and you can choose how long the recipient(s) can access or see them. Viber also has a Viber Out Subscription which can be purchased in-app and be renewed monthly or weekly depending on your plan, which enables you to make low-cost calls to international landlines. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
4. VSee Messenger
VSee is another app that provides free instant messaging and video calls to users with their phone contacts. It uses a low bandwidth as it conserves data usage. It also has an API for integrating with some applications. You can only make a group video call with four people at a time in VSee. Also, all calls and chats are end-to-end encrypted making your communication fully secure. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
5. Vippie
Vippie is a free messaging and calling app that lets you connect with other Vippie users. The difference between this app and the other app is that other apps make use of phone contacts. Yes, just like Skype, you only need to have a Vippie account to connect with other people, making it an ideal Skype alternative app. Here you can chat with friends and also create group chats that accommodate up to 100 participants. You can also make free audio and video calls with other Vippie users. On Vippie, your phone number is your ID. Those from your contacts who are already Vippie users are automatically detected. You can also use Vippie to call non-Vippie mobile phone numbers, but to do that, you have to buy one-of-the-minute plans or use their attractive pay-as-you-go rates. This app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
6. ICQ
ICQ is another Skype alternative app that you can use to chat and make voice or video calls with your friends and family. It even makes use of voice notes or messages that can be converted to text in case you are having a problem with listening. You can also make voice or video calls with a large group. Video calls in ICQ are more lively and funny as you can introduce the use of a mask to rid the boredom of a video call. There are about 30 animated 3D masks with familiar and unusual themes which are available for you to use. Also, there is the provision of an option to choose a nickname using your first and last name. And as a plus to your privacy, it’s unnecessary to share your phone number through the messaging app. ICQ also allows you to stay connected even in a poor signal range. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
7. Webex Meetings
Webex Meetings is an app that works like Skype. It allows you to join web conferences using your Android or iOS device. It’s a well-known and reliable app that allows you to turn your online meeting into a video conference. You can use it to make high-quality video calls with others. In addition to video calls, this app has some special features. For example, it lets you share your screen during a call, which can be very helpful if you want to show something to the person you are talking to. It also has wideband audio, which means that the sound quality is very good. Furthermore, you can call back to a video system via address. These are just a few of the unique features that Webex Meetings has. With this app, you can easily make video calls with your friends and anyone else you need to communicate with, making it one of the best Skype alternative apps.
8. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is an app that you can use for free on your Android or iOS device. It is very easy to use and many people like it. You can use it to have meetings with your friends and coworkers. You can also use it to show them what is on your screen. This can be helpful if you need to show them something during the meeting. The app lets you have video meetings with up to 6 people at once. That means you and 5 other people can all see and talk to each other at the same time. The app also has a special feature called an alert. This means that the app will let you know when the meeting is starting. This can be helpful if you don’t want to miss the meeting. You can also use the app to look at things like presentations and reports on your phone or tablet. This is helpful if you need to see something during the meeting. All in all, GoToMeeting is a good app that can help you have meetings with people and share things with them.
9. Glide
Glide is a free app that you can use instead of Skype. It works on both Android and iOS phones. With Glide, you can have video chats with your friends and family. The app is easy to use and has a feature that lets you share your screen with others. You can even record the screen while you are sharing it. To join a group chat, all you have to do is enter the name of the chat room and click a button. It is possible to create your own chat group with your friends, family, or coworkers. This app allows you to send text messages, make video calls, and talk to people using your voice. With it, you don’t have to sign up or log in to use this app. Glide is a simple and convenient way to stay in touch with the people you care about.
11. Dialpad Meetings
Dialpad Meetings is a popular app that lets you talk to more than one person at the same time using your voice. You can use this app on your smartphone or computer to have a group conversation. It’s really easy to use, and you can schedule a call at a time that works for everyone. You don’t need to remember any special code to connect with your friends. One of the great features of Dialpad Meetings is that you can record your calls for free. You can also choose from different sound effects to make your recordings more interesting. This app has a great interface that is easy to use on your smartphone. Whether you’re having a business meeting or catching up with friends, Dialpad Meetings is a great way to stay connected.
12. GroupMe
GroupMe is an app that you can use instead of Skype. It’s really good and Microsoft owns it. You can make different groups with different people. You can have groups for your friends, family, coworkers, team, vacation, and other things. To use GroupMe, you need to log in with your email address or phone number. You also need to add the people you want to talk to as contacts. You can do this by using their phone number or email address. GroupMe is an app that you can customize. This means you can control how your chats and group chats look and feel.
Conclusion
For those who are accustomed to Skype, it’s good to know that Skype is not the only way to go, as there are other alternatives that you could possibly prefer to Skype. The apps listed above are some of the best Skype alternatives that you can choose to use. I assure you that you will have a great time as you explore them.
Best Zoom Alternative Apps for Android and iOS Best WhatsApp Alternatives for Android and iOS Best Instant Messaging Apps for Android and iOS Best Call Recording Apps for iOS (iPhone & iPad)
