Skype alternatives: What are available?

Skype alternatives: What are available?

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in Germany, so chances are you already have it installed on your smartphone or PC. WhatsApp offers numerous features that rival Skype, including text messaging, voice and video calls like for XXX Masturbation Vibra Game, and group chats. It also offers both web and desktop clients. You don't even need to set up an account to use it—all you need is a mobile phone number. WhatsApp also has end-to-end encryption, which guarantees you a certain level of privacy.

Viber

Viber is a free messaging app that boasts high security thanks to end-to-end encryption. You can send messages in one-on- one and group conversations. It also offers video calls and regular calls via Voice over IP. Viber is available as an app for Android devices and iPhone, as well as a desktop version for Windows.

Discord

Discord was originally created primarily as a messenger for gamers. It essentially offers a mix of Teamspeak and Skype. However, with further development, the program can now also be used as a regular instant messenger. Messages are exchanged across platforms, so it doesn't matter whether you use the program in a browser, directly on a Windows PC, or in the app on an iPhone or Android device. The status of your chat conversations is adapted across all devices. One disadvantage of Discord is the lack of end-to-end encryption. A major advantage, however, is that messages can be deleted after they've been sent. In addition to sending messages, calls and video calls are also possible – each with two or more participants.

Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing tool that has hundreds of millions of users and has become the preferred video conferencing tool for individuals and businesses. You can hold high-quality video meetings with Zoom using any device with a working camera. You can do this through your web browser or by downloading the app to your smartphone or desktop. Free users can host meetings with up to 100 participants, one of the highest attendance numbers you can achieve without paying a cent. However, keep in mind that the maximum meeting length with the free plan is 40 minutes. Paid plans allow you to host meetings for hundreds of participants and up to 30 hours in a single session, which most people don't achieve anyway.

There is also a plan that allows you to make calls from landlines and mobile phones. Zoom Phone is a cloud-based VoIP phone system offered by Zoom. It's integrated into the Zoom ecosystem and allows you to make and receive phone calls, send text messages, and access voicemails within the same Zoom application used for video conferencing and team collaboration. Each user is assigned a unique phone number or extension, and local numbers are available in many countries. You can also port an existing number if you want to keep your current number. Zoom Phone is a paid subscription service available to both businesses and individuals. The personal plan starts at €18.56 per month, with international call charges additionally applied. For businesses, Zoom Phone is available for €23.99 per month per user.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing and collaboration tool offered by Microsoft, the tech giant best known for its Microsoft 365 software suite. It's perhaps ironic to include it on this list, given that Microsoft also owns Skype. But that makes switching from Skype very easy. Skype users can migrate to Teams by logging in with their Skype credentials, and their chats and contacts will be automatically imported. Video conferencing in Microsoft Teams is simple and intuitive. You can start a call from any device with a working camera. It can be accessed through your web browser, desktop, or mobile app. The free version lets you host a meeting with up to 100 participants. A group meeting can last up to 60 minutes, and a one-on-one meeting can last up to 30 hours. Teams is well integrated with many other tools in the Microsoft 365 software suite and is available at no additional cost to people who already have a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft Teams can also be used with the Teams Phone service to call phone numbers. With a Teams Phone license (available as an add-on), you can use Microsoft Teams to make and receive calls to and from regular phone numbers (PSTN). This includes access to traditional PBX features like call hold, call forwarding, voicemail, and more. Subscriptions start at just €9.40 per month.

Jitsi

Jitsi is an open-source program that offers a major advantage: You don't need to create an account to use it. A participant creates a phone or video conference and can easily invite additional participants by sharing a URL (website address). According to the developer, Jitsi, the program, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, is highly secure. Messages can also be exchanged via Jitsi.

signal

Signal is a free messaging app from the USA. You can use it to send messages, make phone calls, and even make video calls. All connections are end-to-end encrypted. Signal is generally available for Android and iOS. A desktop version of the app is also available for Windows, macOS, and Linux—there is no dedicated web version.

Threema

Threema is a Swiss messaging app that offers a high level of security thanks to end-to-end encryption. You can use the app to send messages to individuals or create groups. It also supports phone calls and video calls. Threema is generally intended as a smartphone messenger, but also has a browser and desktop version. The app costs a one-time fee of €4.99 (Android) or €5.99 (iOS).

FaceTime

Apple device users will surely have known and used this app for some time: FaceTime. This app allows you to make regular calls and video calls to all kinds of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Calls can be made either over the cellular network or via Wi-Fi. People you want to call can be selected from the Apple device's contact list. Identification is also possible via Apple ID or email address. So, if you own an Apple device with iOS 10.0 or higher and only use Skype for calling, FaceTime is a good alternative for you - especially since the program is even pre-installed on newer Apple devices.

WebEx

If you're looking for the best Skype alternative for business, WebEx is the right service for you. WebEx offers a variety of video conferencing features that allow employees from around the world to collaborate and work on projects together. It can be used for training, customer support, and much more, and for an additional fee, you can also include international voice calls. WebEx also integrates with your business calendar and platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Facebook Live.