Skype is one of the most well known VoIP services out there, but does that mean it’s the best? Not entirely. Nowadays, there are many other ways you can enjoy free video chat or take a free phone call online. Numerous desktop and smartphone apps make it easy to enjoy free chat however you want to.
Here’s a look at the best free Skype alternatives, including the best group chat app, video call app, and more.
Most Popular Alternative: Zoom
Zoom is one of the fastest growing Skype alternatives out there. That’s because it’s very flexible. It works just as well for audio calls as it does video chats, plus you can use it one-on-one or for group calls. Simple to use, it works via every platform possible, including your desktop. Just be a little wary about how easy it is to be Zoom-bombed and other security concerns.
Simple to use.
Perfect for many scenarios.
Reliable service.
Advanced features aren’t free.
Some privacy concerns.
Download for:
Best for Ease of Use: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the biggest instant messaging services in the world. It connects billions of users together, and it offers far more than just instant messaging. You can also use it to make voice and video calls, as well as group chat. Video chats are limited to only four people, which makes it a more intimate affair than most video chat apps, but it’s hugely popular so if you’re trying to arrange a chat with a relative who’s not very tech savvy, they probably still know how to use WhatsApp.
Huge user base.
Text group chats of up to 256 people.
Very easy to use.
Only 4 people in a video chat.
Some privacy concerns due to being owned by Facebook.
Best for a Quick Call: Slack
Slack is often thought of as predominantly a business tool for collaborating via texts and instant messaging, but you can also make audio and video calls through the service. On the free plan, you can only video chat with one other person but if you just need to jump on a quick call, it’s a great alternative as you probably already have Slack open and ready. It’s also ideal for quick screen collaborations and annotations which are super useful in a business context. Just expect to need to subscribe if you want more powerful features.
Screen annotation features.
Works in a web browser.
Ideal for business team collaborations.
Limited features for free users.
Best for Chatting With Friends: Facebook Messenger
Just want to chat to a friend, either via audio or video call? Facebook Messenger is a great way of doing this within seconds. Nearly everyone has an account so you won’t have to worry about complex setups as it simply works through the user’s browser. You can easily arrange an audio call with up to 50 accounts via the service. The only real downside is that there’s no encryption involved which means Facebook Messenger isn’t a good idea for businesses to use, due to privacy concerns.
Quick to access.
Nearly everyone has an account.
Extra features like being able to send money.
Facebook related security issues.
Not much use for businesses.
Best for One-On-One Calls: Viber
Viber works a lot like Skype with free text, voice, and video calls, and the option to pay to call phone numbers around the world. Crucially here, there’s group audio calling which is quick to set up. There are some banner ads, but they’re not intrusive and the fact it’s free means it’s worth putting up with. The added benefit of being able to delete text messages once seen is great for added privacy. Expect to pay if you want more than a one-on-one video call, though.
End-to-end encryption.
Very similar to Skype.
Can delete messages.
Limited free features.
Best for Apple Users: FaceTime
If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac then FaceTime is a very easy solution to use, provided the person you want to talk to also owns an Apple device. It’s as easy as making any other call and still offers end-to-end encryption. You don’t even need to install it as it’s all built into Apple products, making it perfect for novices.
Built into all Apple products.
Very simple to use.
Entirely free.
Windows and Android users can only join calls in progress.
App is only available for Apple devices.
In iOS 15 and macOS Monterey (12.0) and later, FaceTime gains extra features, including the ability to share your screen, listen to music, and watch movies in sync with the people you’re talking to.
Best for Open Source fans: Jami
Keen to embrace a Skype alternative that isn’t owned by a massive company? Jami is an open-source solution that works on a peer-to-peer basis. That means there’s no risk of any company spying on your activities or keeping logs. It’s ad-free and entirely free to use, while still offering key features like audio and video calls, screen sharing, and conference calls.
Completely peer-to-peer.
End-to-end encryption.
No adverts.
Not very well known.
Relatively few users.
Little basic looking.
The only issue here is the need to get other people on board, as Jami is far from a well known brand. That can be to its benefit, though, as it should be more secure from hacks. And while it looks very basic and lacks the cool presentation that more established apps use, it does the job.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
