Skype to shut down on May 5: Check out its top alternatives

 

Skype shutting down after 23 years is definitely a significant moment in the history of online communication. For millions of people who’ve used Skype over the years, it’s almost like saying goodbye to an old friend that brought people together across continents. Whether you’ve been using it to stay connected with family, work colleagues, or clients, Skype became synonymous with video calling for a long time. So, the official closure date of May 5, 2025, marks the end of an era, and it's no surprise that Microsoft wants to shift users to Microsoft Teams, given the platform’s growing importance for business collaboration and productivity.

While it may seem like a big change, Microsoft has made it relatively simple for Skype users to transition to Teams. The fact that you can continue using your Skype ID and effortlessly transfer contacts and conversations is a major convenience. For someone who might be worried about losing all the history they've built up in Skype, the fact that the transition is designed to be seamless helps soften the blow. Teams is primarily a tool for businesses, but it’s become more than just an enterprise solution—it’s got tons of features that regular users can benefit from too, from video calls to text chats to file sharing.

But, for those who aren’t interested in switching to Teams and want to explore other video-calling options, there are plenty of alternatives out there. The good news is that there’s no shortage of excellent apps that can help bridge the gap and keep you connected. Let’s dive into some of the most popular ones that could serve as solid substitutes for Skype.

1. Google Meet

Google Meet has long been a contender in the video-calling space, and the fact that it’s free with a regular Google account makes it a no-brainer for anyone who’s already using Google services. The ease of access—just log in with your existing Google account—means that getting started is incredibly quick. It’s a service designed with simplicity in mind, so it’s easy to use even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

One of the key advantages of Google Meet is its integration with the broader Google ecosystem. If you’re already using tools like Google Calendar, Gmail, or Google Drive, you’ll find Meet to be a natural extension of these services. You can schedule calls directly through Google Calendar, and sharing files from Google Drive during a meeting is a breeze. Plus, with screen sharing and the ability to record meetings, it’s a powerful tool for both personal and professional use.

However, there are some limitations to consider. If you’re using the free version, group meetings are limited to 60 minutes. That might not be a problem for quick catch-ups, but if you’re hosting a longer meeting or a virtual hangout with friends, it could cut your conversations short. But, for those willing to pay for the premium version, you get up to 24-hour call durations, the ability to host larger meetings, and access to advanced features powered by Google’s Gemini AI. In India, for example, the business plan costs Rs 160 per month.

2. Zoom

Zoom is arguably one of the most well-known video conferencing tools out there, and for good reason. Its popularity soared during the pandemic when businesses and individuals alike flocked to the platform for virtual meetings. Beyond its ability to host large groups (up to 100 participants in the free version), Zoom offers a ton of powerful features. You’ve got screen sharing, the ability to use a virtual whiteboard, and the option to record meetings and access transcripts.

While the 40-minute time limit in the free version might feel restrictive for some, it’s a relatively small price to pay for what you get. But if you’re using Zoom for professional purposes or need to host longer meetings without interruptions, the premium version is worth considering. A subscription starts at Rs 1,147 per month and removes the time limit while adding extra features like the AI Companion, which provides meeting summaries and allows you to query information from meeting transcripts.

Zoom’s main appeal lies in its robust set of tools for businesses and larger groups, but it works equally well for personal calls, especially when you’re looking for a bit more functionality than what basic video chat apps offer.

3. Slack

Slack is more commonly thought of as a tool for team communication in the workplace, but its Huddle feature has made it a surprisingly useful option for small video calls. Unlike traditional video-calling apps like Skype or Zoom, which are more geared toward scheduled meetings or one-off calls, Slack is all about quick, spontaneous communication. Whether it’s a one-on-one chat or an impromptu group call, Slack makes it easy to jump into a conversation without any setup.

The free version of Slack limits Huddles to two people, which works well for casual chats but might not be enough if you're looking to host a meeting with several people. However, for anyone who’s already using Slack for work, the ability to jump from a chat to a video conversation with the click of a button is a nice touch. And if you need to upgrade, you can get group Huddles with up to 50 participants on a paid plan, which starts at Rs 246 per month.

While Slack may not be the ideal tool for formal meetings or webinars, it’s great for quick conversations, team check-ins, and casual calls with friends or colleagues. Plus, the integration with other tools like Google Drive and Trello makes it a solid all-in-one collaboration platform.

4. Signal

Signal has long been praised for its security and privacy, and its transition into video calling was a logical step for the app. Unlike many other platforms, Signal places a strong emphasis on end-to-end encryption, making it a top choice for people who are particularly concerned about their privacy. It's ideal for those who want secure communication without the risk of data being harvested by corporations.

While it may not be as feature-rich as Zoom or Google Meet in terms of large-scale meetings, Signal is still a great option for smaller, private video calls. You can host group calls with up to 50 participants, and the service is completely free to use. Instead of creating a meeting link like you would with Google Meet or Zoom, Signal allows you to simply send a call link to your contacts, which they can use to join the call directly.

If you value privacy and want a lightweight, secure video-calling option, Signal is a standout choice.

5. Other Alternatives

For mobile users, apps like FaceTime, Messenger, and WhatsApp continue to be popular choices for personal video calls. FaceTime works seamlessly for those on Apple devices, offering high-quality video calls and group chats. WhatsApp is ubiquitous and easy to use, with the ability to host group video calls for up to 8 participants in the free version. Facebook Messenger also provides an easy way to stay connected with friends, offering video calls alongside its messaging features.

So, What's the Best Alternative to Skype?

Ultimately, the best alternative to Skype depends on your specific needs. If you’re after something that can handle both business meetings and personal catch-ups, Google Meet or Zoom would be the most versatile. If you want something more casual and team-oriented, Slack might be your go-to, especially with its focus on quick, spontaneous communication. For anyone who values privacy and encryption, Signal offers a secure and simple solution. And if you’re simply looking for something quick and easy, FaceTime, Messenger, and WhatsApp are solid options for video calling.

As Skype transitions out, Microsoft Teams is certainly the most direct path for those who have been using Skype for work-related collaboration, but for personal use or other specific needs, there’s no shortage of excellent alternatives. Whatever path you choose, it’s clear that Skype’s closure marks a shift in the way we communicate, but it also opens the door for new tools and possibilities.

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