Skype Alternatives (2026): 10 Video and Voice Calling Apps

Microsoft's own support page says Skype was retired in 2025 (it gives 5 May as the day), and that Skype users can sign in to Teams Free with their existing details, with chats and contacts moving across. If you still think of Skype as the place you call family or clients, you'll want somewhere new to go.

This page lists ten Skype alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller and open source apps with the big names families and businesses already use, and everything comes from each tool's own website. If you also want help with meeting notes and booking, my guides to Otter AI alternatives and Calendly alternatives pair well with a new calling app.

Skype alternatives for video and voice calls at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free way to use it, such as free calls or a free plan. No means the site didn't describe a free plan. Limits on meeting length and group size change, so check the current details before you move your contacts.

Tool	Type of app	Good for	Free plan
Element	Secure messenger with calls	Private chats and calls on an open standard	Yes
Google Meet	Video meeting service	Simple video calls from a browser or phone	Yes
Jitsi Meet	Open source video calls	Instant calls with no account needed	Yes
Microsoft Teams	Chat and video platform	Moving across from Microsoft's own calling app	Yes
Signal	Private messaging and calls	Encrypted voice and video calls with family	Yes
Viber	Messaging and calling app	Calls and group chats across phone and desktop	Yes
WhatsApp	Messaging and calling app	Family calls and group video chats	Yes
Whereby	Video room service	Permanent room links for clients and teams	No
Wire	Secure team messenger	Encrypted calls and messages for organisations	No
Zoom	Meeting platform	Scheduled meetings with larger groups	Yes

Ten Skype alternatives for video and voice calls, A to Z

Element

Best for: Privacy-minded users who like an open standard messenger with encrypted calls, and a free app for personal use.

Google Meet

Best for: Anyone with a Google account who wants quick video calls from a browser or phone, without installing much.

Jitsi Meet

Best for: Families and small groups who want free video calls through a link, with no sign-up and open source software.

Microsoft Teams

Best for: People who want to stay inside Microsoft's world and carry their chats and contacts over with their existing sign-in.

Signal

Best for: Families and friends who want private voice and video calls from a nonprofit app that carries no ads.

Viber

Best for: People who want voice and video calls, group chats and a desktop app that keeps conversations in sync.

WhatsApp

Best for: Families who already chat there and want encrypted voice and video calls, group calls and screen sharing.

Whereby

Best for: Small businesses and freelancers who like a permanent meeting room link to share with clients and colleagues.

Wire

Best for: Organisations that want encrypted messaging, calls and conferencing from an open source platform.

Zoom

Best for: Businesses and groups who want scheduled meetings with lots of people, and a free Basic plan to start on.

How to choose between Skype alternatives for family and work calls

Start with who you need to call. If your family is already on one app, the easiest replacement is usually the one they have. If you call clients, they'll want a link that works without a download. Think about the people on the other end before you think about features.

• Does everyone already have it? A call is only useful if the other person can join without a struggle.
• Link or account. Some tools let guests join from a link, while others need everyone to sign up.
• Group size and length. Check any limits on how many people can join and how long a call can run on the free option.
• Privacy. Look at whether calls are encrypted and who runs the service.
• Devices. Make sure it works on the oldest phone or computer in your circle.
• Screen sharing and chat. Handy for work calls, and for helping a relative with their computer.

Which kind of Skype alternative suits families and small businesses

• Messaging apps with calls suit families and friends who already chat every day.
• Link-based meeting tools suit clients, tutors and anyone who needs guests to join in one click.
• Open source options suit people who want free calls with no account, or who like to run their own.
• Secure team messengers suit organisations that handle sensitive conversations and want encryption throughout.

If you work from a tablet, my notes on productivity tools worth using on an iPad and how productivity tools work show how calling fits into a wider setup.

Moving your contacts and calls on from Skype

1. Check Microsoft's own support page for the options it gives Skype users, including moving to Teams Free and requesting an export of your data.
2. Make a list of the people you call most, with their phone numbers or email addresses.
3. Choose the app most of them already have, and ask the rest to install it.
4. Send each person an invitation or a link, and make a short test call.
5. Update your email signature, website and social profiles if they mention your old calling details.
6. Keep your old contact list somewhere safe until you've reached everyone.

Mistakes people make when replacing Skype

• Choosing an app the family doesn't use, so nobody joins the first call.
• Forgetting to tell clients the new way to reach you.
• Assuming every free option lets guests join without an account.
• Not testing audio and camera before an important call.
• Leaving old contact details on a website page, a business card or an email signature.

Do you make video calling or messaging apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Making your final Skype alternatives shortlist

Pick two options that suit the people you call. Make a test call with a relative or a friendly client on each, try sharing your screen, and see which one needs the least explaining. Keep the one everyone finds easy, and tell your contacts about the change in plain words.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Skype?

Yes. Many of the tools on this page describe free calling or a free plan on their own websites. Limits on call length and group size vary, so check the current details.

Can I move my Skype chats and contacts?

Microsoft's support page says users can sign in to Teams Free with their existing sign-in and have chats and contacts move across. For other apps, you'll usually invite contacts again.

Which video calling app is easiest for older relatives?

Choose the one they already use for messages. Having one app to open, with a big call button, is easier than learning something new.

Do I need an account to join a video call?

It depends on the tool. Some let guests join from a link with no sign-up, and others ask everyone to create an account first. Check before you invite clients.

Are video calls private?

Many apps describe encrypted calls on their own websites, but details differ. Read how each one explains its privacy before you use it for sensitive conversations.