Beyond Skype: Exploring the Best Video Calling Options as Service Ends
Skype Video Calling App
Microsoft will shut down Skype tomorrow, May 5, 2025, ceasing support for the veteran video-calling service.
This move reflects their focus on a unified platform, Microsoft Teams, and signals their belief that Skype is no longer necessary. Users have had ample time to transition to Teams since the announcement earlier this year.
Skype
Are You Affected?
If you’re a regular Skype user – on a free plan or a paid subscription – the upcoming shutdown applies to you.
Skype for Business users are not affected. Microsoft has already stopped selling new Skype Credit and subscriptions for calls.
Good news for now: any credit you have and active subscriptions will remain valid until your next renewal.
Transitioning Your Skype Account to Teams:
\Microsoft assures a smooth transition to Teams for Skype users. Your existing Skype ID will work, and you can effortlessly transfer your chats and contacts.
Teams provides a similar suite of features, including direct and group calls, messaging, and file sharing, reflecting Microsoft’s strategic focus.
If you prefer other platforms, Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, Viber, Webex Meetings, and FaceTime are viable alternatives.
Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, Viber, Webex Meetings, and FaceTime as alternatives to Skype:
1. Zoom
High-Quality Video and Audio: Zoom is known for its reliable and clear video and audio quality, even in lower bandwidth situations.
Large Meeting Capacity: Depending on the subscription plan, Zoom can host a large number of participants in a single meeting or webinar, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Screen Sharing and Annotation: Easy screen sharing with annotation tools facilitates collaboration during presentations and discussions. Participants can co-annotate, enhancing engagement.
Recording and Transcripts: Meetings can be recorded (both video and audio) and often include automatic transcription services, useful for review and accessibility.
Breakout Rooms: Hosts can divide participants into smaller groups for focused discussions and activities, promoting engagement in larger meetings.
Polling and Q&A: Built-in polling and Q&A features help gather feedback and address questions effectively during meetings and webinars.
Virtual Backgrounds: Users can personalize their video feed with virtual backgrounds, enhancing privacy and professionalism.
Integration with Productivity Tools: Zoom integrates with various calendars (Google Calendar, Outlook), collaboration platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and CRM systems, streamlining workflows.
Accessibility Features: Offers features like live captions, keyboard shortcuts, and screen reader support to improve accessibility.
2. Google Meet
Seamless Google Workspace Integration: Tightly integrated with other Google services like Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it convenient for Google ecosystem users.
Ease of Use: Known for its simple and intuitive interface, requiring no software installation for joining via a web browser.
Reliable and Secure: Backed by Google’s infrastructure, offering robust security features, including encryption and anti-abuse measures.
Live Captions: Provides real-time, automatic captions in multiple languages, improving accessibility and comprehension.
Screen Sharing and Presenting: Easy to share your screen, specific windows, or present directly from Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
Large Participant Capacity: Supports a significant number of participants, varying by Google Workspace plan.
Noise Cancellation: Some Google Workspace plans offer AI-powered noise cancellation to minimize background distractions.
Integration with Jamboard: Allows for collaborative whiteboarding sessions during meetings.
Meeting Recording to Google Drive: Recordings are automatically saved to Google Drive, making them easy to share and access.
Versatile Communication Hub: Primarily known for gaming communities, Discord offers robust text, voice, and video communication in organized “servers” and “channels.”
Strong Community Features: Excellent for building and managing communities with role-based permissions, moderation tools, and dedicated spaces for different topics.
Screen Sharing and Go Live: Users can easily share their screens or stream applications (“Go Live”) with others in a voice channel.
File Sharing: Allows easy sharing of various file types.
Bot Integration: Supports a wide range of bots that can automate tasks, play music, provide information, and enhance server functionality.
Customizable Notifications: Users can customize notifications for specific servers and channels to stay informed without being overwhelmed.
Cross-Platform Availability: Available on desktop, web, and mobile devices.
Free to Use (with optional Nitro subscription): The core features are free, with an optional Nitro subscription offering enhanced perks like larger file uploads and animated emojis.
4. Viber
Focus on Mobile Communication: Strong emphasis on mobile usability with seamless integration with phone contacts.
Free Viber-to-Viber Calls and Messaging: Offers free voice and video calls, as well as text and multimedia messaging between Viber users globally.
Viber Out for Low-Cost International Calls: Provides a paid service for making calls to non-Viber phone numbers at competitive rates.
End-to-End Encryption: Messages and calls between Viber users are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security.
Rich Media Messaging: Supports sending images, videos, audio messages, stickers, and GIFs.
Group Chats: Allows for group conversations with a significant number of participants.
Public Chats and Communities: Enables users to follow celebrities, brands, and communities.
Business Messaging Features: Offers Viber for Business, allowing brands to send branded messages, provide customer support, and run promotional campaigns.
Games and Stickers: Includes interactive games and a wide variety of stickers and GIFs for more engaging communication.
5. Webex Meetings (by Cisco)
Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Security: Known for its robust and secure platform, catering to business and enterprise needs.
High-Quality Video and Audio: Delivers clear and reliable audio and video conferencing.
Screen Sharing and Collaboration Tools: Offers comprehensive screen sharing capabilities, including sharing specific applications and whiteboarding tools for real-time collaboration.
Recording and Transcription: Meetings can be recorded, and transcriptions are available for accessibility and review.
Breakout Sessions and Polling: Supports breakout rooms for smaller group discussions and polling for audience engagement.
Integration with Calendars and Enterprise Systems: Integrates well with Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and other enterprise productivity tools.
Advanced Host Controls: Provides extensive controls for meeting hosts, including managing participants, muting, and screen sharing permissions.
Compliance and Data Privacy: Complies with various global regulatory requirements, ensuring data privacy and security.
Webinars and Large Event Support: Offers features specifically designed for webinars and large online events with reliable delivery.
6. FaceTime (Apple)
Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Built-in and tightly integrated with macOS and iOS devices, offering a smooth experience for Apple users.
High-Quality Video and Audio: Provides excellent video and audio quality.
Ease of Use for Apple Users: Very intuitive and easy to use for anyone familiar with Apple devices.
Group FaceTime: Supports video and audio calls with multiple participants.
Screen Sharing (on macOS and iOS): Allows users to share their screen during calls.
Live Photos: Ability to capture Live Photos during FaceTime calls.
Animoji and Memoji: Fun, animated avatars that users can control with their facial expressions (on compatible devices).
End-to-End Encryption: FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring secure communication.
Choosing the best alternative depends on your specific needs, such as the number of participants, required features, platform compatibility, and budget. Many of these platforms offer free tiers with limitations, allowing you to try them out before committing to a paid subscription .
