Skype Alternatives

Skype is described as 'is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions' and is a leading Group Chat app in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Skype for a variety of platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows. The best alternative is Discord, which is free. Other great apps like Skype are Telegram, Signal, Tox and Element.

Skype alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps but may also be Video Calling Apps or Instant Messengers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Skype.

This page was last updated

Skype

2564

Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Chrome OS
Windows S
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com

Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and...

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Discord
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Epic Games Store
Electron / Atom Shell
FreeBSD
Playstation
Xbox
Flathub
153 alternatives to Discord
Whether you’re part of a school club, a gaming group, a worldwide art community, or just a handful of friends that want to spend time together, Discord makes it easy to talk every day and hang out more often.
Suggest and vote on features
Discord Features
1. VoiP CallsDiscord allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
2. Ad-freeDiscord doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Screen SharingYou can use Discord to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Text to SpeechDiscord allows you to transform written text into spoken text.
5. LightweightDiscord consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Two-factor AuthenticationDiscord supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
7. Dark ModeDiscord supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Multi Channel
Text chat
Bots
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Multiple Servers
Push to talk
Custom Smileys
Public groups chat
Stickers
Discord vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Discord is a great alternative to Skype.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
At least Discord allows us to choose our username.
Top positive comment• ago

18

Guest
Better call quality, better group management, better design.
Top positive comment• ago

13

Guest
Discord is more like a chat version of Reddit, it's intended for large crowds
Top negative comment• ago

-2

TheEmperorArt
Both functions mediocrely, Discord is better with groups than Skype. Video calls are equivalent imo. Had no issue with either. In the future Discord will be treated and looked at similarly to how we currently view and treat Skype. Would rather use the open-source encrypted Discord and Skype alternative like Element.
Comment• ago

0

Guest
Crashes everytime, full of errors and bugs, serious problems related to security and privacy, bad moderation, and many other reasons.
Negative comment• ago

-6

c4334544
good but i've heard they are corrupted. not sure how true this info is
Positive comment• ago

-1

Guest
It's topical and server based, not individuals who can connect.
Negative comment• ago

-6

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7 of 31 comments
Telegram
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
260 alternatives to Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. PortableTelegram can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
8. Works OfflineTelegram can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
9. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Bots
Channels
Secret chats
Cloud based
Integrated File Sharing
Persistent History
Video Conferencing
Telegram vs Skype
Most users think Telegram is a great alternative to Skype.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
alternative1234
Most communication on Telegram is not encrypted. Still a good platform, but it's not secure by default.
Top positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Allready telegram have video calls
Top positive comment• ago

5

Guest
Skype needs ID for login while all these need network numbers
Top negative comment• ago

15

joprime87
Use it day by day. Stable, has good connection, high-quality chat features. And good enough to use for video calls.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Telegram does not provide video calling.
Negative comment• ago

-8

Guest
Is free software. Free as freedom
Positive comment• ago

-2

Guest
It doesn't have video chat.
Negative comment• ago

0

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7 of 15 comments
Signal
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
200 alternatives to Signal
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Stickers
Protected by Password
Forward Secrecy
Secure Chat
Desktop Application
Encrypted VoIP calls
Signal vs Skype
Most users think Signal is a great alternative to Skype.
sedeti
this is like skype without the data log
Top positive comment• ago

2

Guest
End-to-end encryption and servers do not log data.
Top positive comment• ago

11

Guest
Strong encryption, high quality sound. Uses both WiFi and Mobile Data to grant the best possible quality. Recommended by Edward Snowden. Enjoy!
Positive comment• ago

2

Guest
Free as in free beer, and fully open source !
Positive comment• ago

9

patrykmilhouse
Secure, encrypted, not owned by Microsoft or Facebook, keeps your data safe.
Positive comment• ago

9

Guest
Call people without being listened on!
Positive comment• ago

7
Tox
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
180 alternatives to Tox
With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.
Suggest and vote on features
Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
Tox vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great alternative to Skype.
beatrupp
It is completely decentralized, open source, you can freely choose your client (from terminal, over Windows, to iOS)
Top positive comment• ago

12

bumba
Decentralized, Secure, Open-source, fast to setup, no ads.
Top positive comment• ago

12

Guest
free for most of the feature. But no group chat yet, and difficult to sync between multiple devices.
Positive comment• ago

5

Guest
You cannot setup your microphone properly on any of the major clients. Useless
Negative comment• ago

-21

Guest
you cannot down load this program
Negative comment• ago

-13
Element
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
261 alternatives to Element
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
Suggest and vote on features
Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Direct Messaging
Voice Chat
Federation
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Element vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to Skype.
MasteLrugarius
It's like Skype but has open groups like Teamspeak and it has unlimited fileupload. Thanks to a server to server structure, everyone can text everyone.
Top positive comment• ago

7

Guest
FOSS, free, open source, own nodes etc.
Top positive comment• ago

1

TheEmperorArt
Discord is like Skype but better. Element is like Discord but better.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Cross platform in terms of Apps and equally good using a browser.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
It's arguably the premier Matrix client, which is free software that is decentralized. Riot.im gives you the option to host a Matrix server yourself and connect to it. It also offers end-to-end encryption and high quality video and audio chat. Not to mention the modern UI.
Positive comment• ago

5

Murz
Free, opensource and encrypted, with federation support and can be hosted on your servers.
Positive comment• ago

3
Wire
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
257 alternatives to Wire
Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.
Suggest and vote on features
Wire Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWire has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. VoiP CallsWire allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. Screen SharingYou can use Wire to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Privacy focusedWire is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Multiple Account supportWire support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Wire vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great alternative to Skype.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
svenjost
Group audio calls with screen sharing functionality, open source, nice UI.
Top positive comment• ago

10

Guest
Great security, open source, video calls, responsive developers.
Top positive comment• ago

9

Guest
Wire is free, open source and easy to use and, most importantly, PRIVATE. It transmits data only in an encrypted way that even the creators of Wire cannot see, so you can be sure your content is YOURS, and not something the likes of Microsoft (who own Skype) can read, analyze, hand on to authorities or lose to hackers.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Truly secure and feature reach
Positive comment• ago

0

someonelast
It's open source, cross-platform, and free!
Positive comment• ago

-3

Lura
Open source, encrypted, stable
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
a better connection and more secure
Positive comment• ago

0

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7 of 9 comments
Slack
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Team Collaboration Tool
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Electron / Atom Shell
Software as a Service (SaaS)
210 alternatives to Slack
Slack is a unified communication platform built with an optimized workflow to keep modern teams focused and productive. A familiar chat interface facilitates discussions while advanced features are easily exposed based on context.
Suggest and vote on features
Slack Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSlack can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Support for @mentionsSlack supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
3. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Slack simultaneously.
4. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Slack using IFTTT.
5. VoiP CallsSlack allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Multi Channel
HIPAA compliant
Channels
Threaded Conversations
Out Of The Box
Integrated File Sharing
Reactions
Multiple teams
Direct file uploading
Channel manager
Slack vs Skype
Most users think Slack is a great alternative to Skype.
Ola
With the new VOIP it has replaced Skype in our office.
Positive comment• ago

6

TNovak
Prefer it to Skype in a Commercial environment
Positive comment• ago

2

georgecoem
Both great for separate purposes
Positive comment• ago

0
Jami
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
139 alternatives to Jami
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
Suggest and vote on features
Jami Features
1. DecentralizedJami is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedJami is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeJami doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. End-to-End EncryptionJami has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Jami to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. No TrackingJami will not track you or use your personal data.
Video Conferencing
Peer-To-Peer
Multi Platform
SIP client
Team Messaging
Multiple languages
Distributed
SIP
Intercom Support
Voice Chat
Jami vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Jami is a great alternative to Skype.
Guest
Not only is it free and open, they also do not record all your private conversations and use it against you. As a trial in New Zealand has shown, it also does not spy on your computer like Skype does and does not insert itself into everything.
Top positive comment• ago

4

Guest
Fast, very secure and Open Source.
Top positive comment• ago

5

LucaFinizio
Very fast and open source
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Very good alternative to Skype, WhatsApp and other mainstream chat software. Decentralised, free and open source!
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Jami seems to be really providing the service it declares and not interested in tracking its users in a confused way as other Skype alternatives do (ie Google Hangouts).
Positive comment• ago

3

Guest
Open source, decentralized
Positive comment• ago

1

jsonoctopus
Great p2p voice and text chat.
Positive comment• ago

1
Mumble
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
iPhone
BSD
iPad
Self-Hosted
PortableApps.com
46 alternatives to Mumble
Mumble was the first and is the most successful and wide spread free and open source software for VoIP. It was the first VoIP software to provide low-latency audio suitable for gaming, and at the same time was a pioneer in high audio quality at the same time.
Suggest and vote on features
Mumble Features
1. LightweightMumble consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. PortableMumble can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. Ad-freeMumble doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Voice Chat
Group Voice Chat
In-Game Overlay
Self-Hostable decentralized P2P network
Cross-Platform
3D voice
Dedicated Server Hosting
Positional audio
Low Latency
FOSS
Mumble vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Mumble is a great alternative to Skype.
Guest
Completely open source, very high quality
Top positive comment• ago

4

Guest
Communication more lightweight due to new opus codec when communicating
Top positive comment• ago

4

Guest
Mumble requires a server to run
Top negative comment• ago

3

Guest
Lightweight high quality audio chat. Self-hosted and encrypted, so your communications are private.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Mumble requires a server. Skype is end-to-end
Negative comment• ago

-22
Jitsi Meet
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Apple Watch
F-Droid
125 alternatives to Jitsi Meet
Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free — with no account needed.
Suggest and vote on features
Jitsi Meet Features
1. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Meet without registration.
2. End-to-End EncryptionJitsi Meet has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Screen SharingYou can use Jitsi Meet to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Ad-freeJitsi Meet doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. No TrackingJitsi Meet will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Privacy focusedJitsi Meet is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. LightweightJitsi Meet consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Browser-based
Video Conferencing
Stream audio
Security focused
Remote Work
Voice Chat
Unlimited users
WebRTC
Live Broadcasting
Audio Calling
Jitsi Meet vs Skype
Almost everyone thinks Jitsi Meet is a great alternative to Skype.
Guest
This is an excellent Skype replacement. It's free, open source, encrypted and you don't need to install anything. You simply go to the website, choose a link and email it to the person you want to speak with. Everything happens in your browser. You can password protect your session, have group conversations, share screen, chat and collaborate on text documents. Easier even than Skype and much more private.
Positive comment• ago

6

Guest
Fast, secure and Open Source.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Skype for free, with better quality and more secure.
Positive comment• ago

1